CBS announced on Monday that Austin Stowell will be taking on the role of a younger Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the upcoming “NCIS: Origins” prequel series. This new show will delve into the early years of Gibbs’ career before the events of the original “NCIS” series, where he was portrayed by Mark Harmon for nearly two decades.
Stowell, 39, known for his roles in “The Hating Game” and “Bridge of Spies,” will step into the shoes of the iconic character. While Harmon’s Gibbs was the central figure of “NCIS” since its premiere in 2003, this prequel will explore Gibbs’ journey as a newly minted special agent at the NIS Camp Pendleton office in 1991, twelve years prior to the original series.
Interestingly, Harmon, 72, will not only serve as the narrator for “NCIS: Origins” but also as an executive producer, adding his expertise to the development of the series. During Harmon’s tenure on “NCIS,” the role of young Gibbs was occasionally portrayed in flashbacks by his real-life son, Sean Harmon.
The announcement of Stowell’s casting was met with excitement, with the actor sharing the news on his Instagram page, teasing fans with the caption, “Meet Gibbs… again.”
Additionally, Paramount+ revealed plans for another “NCIS” spinoff featuring fan-favorite characters Ziva David and Tony DiNozzo, portrayed by Cote de Pablo and Michael Weatherly respectively. This new series, set to include their daughter Tali, promises to be an action-packed journey filled with love, danger, and laughter, according to statements from Weatherly and de Pablo. Production for the untitled spinoff is expected to commence later this year, with a probable launch in 2025.