In an exclusive scoop, it’s been revealed that Mariel Molino has secured the coveted female lead opposite Austin Stowell in CBS’s highly anticipated drama, “NCIS: Origins.” Set as a prequel to the iconic procedural, this series has already garnered a straight-to-series order for the upcoming 2024-2025 broadcast season.
Narrated by none other than Mark Harmon himself, the show, produced by CBS Studios, delves into the early years of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, the central character of NCIS. Transporting viewers back to 1991, long before the events of NCIS unfold, the narrative unfolds as Gibbs, portrayed by Stowell, embarks on his journey as a freshly appointed special agent. His career commences at the nascent NIS Camp Pendleton office, where he navigates the intricate dynamics of a gritty, unconventional team, under the mentorship of the legendary NCIS figure, Mike Franks. With this prequel promising to unveil the formative experiences that shaped Gibbs into the character fans know and love, anticipation among viewers is palpable.
In a groundbreaking move for the NCIS universe, Mariel Molino steps into the role of Special Agent Lala Dominguez in the forthcoming prequel, “NCIS: Origins.” A former Marine, Dominguez commands her place in the 1990s male-dominated landscape with unwavering determination and a darkly humorous edge. When the troubled Leroy Jethro Gibbs joins her team, their enigmatic dynamic ignites a story filled with intrigue and unexpected twists, promising to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
This character marks a fresh addition to the NCIS universe, previously unseen in the flagship series. Set in the aftermath of Gibbs’ personal tragedy—the murder of his first wife and daughter—the prequel delves into uncharted territory, offering a compelling narrative canvas.
Executive produced by the incomparable Mark Harmon and his son Sean Harmon, who brings a wealth of experience portraying Gibbs in flashbacks on NCIS, the prequel is spearheaded by David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal. Together, they craft a premiere episode that promises to set the tone for an exhilarating journey into the origins of one of NCIS’s most iconic characters.
“NCIS: Origins” stands as one of two exciting new expansions within CBS Studios’ ever-expanding NCIS franchise. Alongside a Europe-set spinoff featuring fan-favorite duo Tony and Ziva, portrayed by Michael Weatherly and Cote De Pablo respectively, the prequel joins the ranks of the flagship series, “NCIS: Hawai’i,” and the franchise’s inaugural international installment, “NCIS: Sydney.”
Mariel Molino, a California native of Mexican-American descent, divides her time between Los Angeles and Mexico City, showcasing her talents across diverse projects. Initially venturing into the realm of Spanish-language entertainment, Molino made her mark in various productions, including the telenovela “Papis Muy Padres,” Amazon’s comedy series “El Juego De Las Llaves,” and the thriller drama “La Negociadora.” Her repertoire extends to notable appearances on Netflix’s “Narcos: Mexico” and “Luis Miguel: The Series.”
Recently, Molino captivated audiences in the Freeform thriller series “The Watchful Eye” and the ABC family drama “Promised Land.” On the cinematic front, she is set to grace screens in upcoming features such as “The Shade” and “Dead Man’s Switch.” Represented by Independent Artist Group, EKG Talent Group, and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher, Molino continues to solidify her presence as a versatile and accomplished actress in both television and film.
