Austin Stowell steps into the shoes of a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs in “NCIS: Origins,” marking a significant departure from Mark Harmon’s iconic portrayal. Set in the ’90s, this prequel will explore Gibbs’ early years, revealing his emotional depth and rookie mistakes, contrasting sharply with the seasoned Gibbs fans know.
“NCIS: Origins” promises to dive into Gibbs’ past, focusing on his relationship with Mike Franks and uncovering previously unseen aspects of his life. A new promotional photo officially introduces Stowell as Gibbs, as Mark Harmon definitively puts to rest any hopes of his return. The CBS franchise is expanding by looking back, with “NCIS: Origins” depicting Gibbs’ early days at Camp Pendleton under Mike Franks’ mentorship before his transfer to the DMV.
On his official Instagram account, Stowell shared a first look at himself as the young Leroy Jethro Gibbs. In the promotional video, Stowell sports Gibbs’ signature short hairdo and classic outfit. This reveal follows Harmon’s confirmation that he will not appear in “NCIS: Origins,” despite playing Gibbs in the original series. Stowell essentially recasts the role for the prequel, with initial skepticism now addressed by improved styling in the new promotional material.
Expect differences in Stowell’s portrayal of Gibbs compared to Harmon’s. Following the tragic murder of Kelly and Shannon Gibbs, this younger version is likely to be more emotional and prone to mistakes as he navigates his early days in the agency. “NCIS: Origins” will highlight Gibbs’ development before leading the Major Case Response Team, emphasizing his dynamic with Kyle Schmid’s Mike Franks.
The prequel series offers a unique opportunity to showcase untold stories from Gibbs’ past, providing fans with fresh insights and deepening the character’s backstory.
