Mark Harmon may have departed NCIS three years ago, but Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ story lives on – at least in the past. The highly anticipated prequel show NCIS: Origins is set to take fans back to 1991, chronicling Gibbs’ early days in the law enforcement agency. Austin Stowell has been cast as the younger version of Gibbs, while Kyle Schmid will portray the younger Mike Franks, who leads the team Gibbs joins.
The latest revelation in the prequel’s casting is the inclusion of Vera Strickland, Mike Franks’ former partner, originally played by Roma Maffia in an NCIS Season 11 episode. Diany Rodriguez, known for her role as Weecha Liu on The Blacklist, will take on the role of the younger Strickland. Described as a no-nonsense, sharp-witted Brooklynite, Strickland is tough as nails and never minces words, having spent her career battling misogynistic adversaries.
This marks Rodriguez’s second role in the NCIS franchise, having previously appeared as DHS Agent Garcia in an episode of NCIS: New Orleans. Interestingly, this may be the first instance of a guest star returning to play a different role as a series regular.
Joining Rodriguez in the main cast is Tyler Abercrumbie from The Chi, who will play Field Operation Support Officer Mary Jo. Described as a product of her time and the lifeblood of the Camp Pendleton office, Mary Jo, aka “HSIC” (Head Secretary in Charge), knows where the bodies are buried.
Behind the scenes, Mark Harmon, in addition to being an executive producer alongside his son Sean, will narrate the prequel series. Co-writing the premiere episodes and serving as showrunners are David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal. The show’s casting directors include Jason Kennedy, Krysti Baxter, and Meredith Goble. With such a talented cast and creative team, anticipation for NCIS: Origins continues to soar.
