In NCIS: Origins, set in 1991, Austin Stowell steps into the role of a younger Leroy Jethro Gibbs, with Mark Harmon serving as the narrator and executive producer. While Stowell could have taken on the narration himself, he recently shared why he’s grateful Harmon is handling that crucial role. Stowell explained to TVLine that hearing Harmon’s voice provides him with invaluable insight into how to portray the character. The older Gibbs, with all his life experience, reflects on his past, helping Stowell shape his performance.
Stowell admitted that hearing Harmon’s narration — which he only listens to when watching the completed episodes — guides his own portrayal. He likened it to speaking to a younger version of oneself, with Harmon’s seasoned voice offering direction on how to play the character moving forward.
While Stowell could have narrated, Harmon’s voice brings an emotional weight to the series, as it’s the present-day Gibbs looking back on his past, reflecting on lessons learned. This dynamic between the two actors only adds depth to the portrayal of Gibbs’ younger self, with Stowell soaking up as much as he can from Harmon’s performance to refine his own.
Though Stowell would have done a fine job narrating, Harmon’s role is essential in guiding the storyline, especially as NCIS: Origins delves into stories of the past, like the one in “Enter Sandman Part 1,” which focuses on a character from Gibbs’ earlier days, Lala Dominguez (played by Mariel Molino). Fans are already speculating that this relationship could play a role in the formation of Rule 12.
NCIS: Origins airs new episodes Mondays at 10 p.m. ET on CBS, with all episodes available to stream on Paramount+.
