Mark Harmon and Austin Stowell: The New Face of "NCIS: Origins"
Mark Harmon has always been synonymous with the "NCIS" franchise, bringing to life the beloved character Leroy Jethro Gibbs for nearly two decades. Now, he's passing the torch to Austin Stowell, who is set to play a younger version of Gibbs in the new prequel series, "NCIS: Origins."
The casting process for "NCIS: Origins" was nothing short of intense. Harmon, who serves as an executive producer on the show, was present during Stowell's audition. Reflecting on the moment, Harmon shared a humorous yet telling anecdote about his fellow executive producer, Gina Lucita Monreal. "I joked about Gina swooning, but the truth is she did. She may deny it, but she did," Harmon revealed to USA TODAY at the Television Critics Association event. "And when [Stowell] walked out of the room, she said, 'Now that guy is a star!'"
Austin Stowell: Stepping Into Big Shoes
Austin Stowell, known for his roles in "The Hating Game" and "Bridge of Spies," impressed everyone in the room and ultimately secured the coveted role of young Gibbs. At 39, Stowell brings a fresh yet intense energy to the character, which will be essential as he leads "NCIS: Origins," premiering on October 14 on CBS. The new series will air on Monday nights, following the long-running "NCIS," which is entering its 22nd season.
The Legacy of Leroy Jethro Gibbs
Mark Harmon’s portrayal of Gibbs made "NCIS" a household name. Debuting in 2003, Gibbs, the former U.S. Marine Corps Scout sniper turned special agent, commanded his team with a mix of stern discipline and deep empathy. Harmon’s tenure on the show lasted 18 years until his final episode in October 2021.
In "NCIS: Origins," Harmon takes on a more behind-the-scenes role. Besides executive producing, he will narrate the series, which follows Gibbs as a newly minted special agent at the fledgling NCIS Camp Pendleton office in 1991, roughly 12 years before the events of "NCIS." Harmon expressed his satisfaction with stepping back, saying, "I'm fine with the stepback role and [to] let the [new] cast do the work. I’m pleased to be part of it. I’m a distant part. I’m just here to support."
A Family Legacy: Sean Harmon’s Contribution
Interestingly, the idea for "NCIS: Origins" came from Harmon’s son, Sean Harmon. Sean, who often played young Gibbs in flashbacks on "NCIS," had a "lightning-bolt moment" while shooting Episode 400 in 2020. "Gibbs is a guy who has something broken inside, a guy who at one point could have gone down a darker path," Sean explained. This spinoff aims to explore that brokenness, focusing on the traumatic loss of Gibbs' wife and child early in his career.
Despite his connection to the character, Sean insisted he never intended to play Gibbs full-time. "It was an absolute honor to step into the role; it will always be something I’ll hold close to my heart," he said. "In truth, I never intended to make a career out of it."
The Audition Room Buzz
The excitement surrounding Stowell’s casting was palpable. During the TCA presentation, there was a playful debate about who exactly swooned when Stowell walked into the audition room. David North, another executive producer of both "NCIS" and "NCIS: Origins," claimed it was him who got weak in the knees. Stowell humorously settled the debate by saying, "Let’s just be clear: Somebody swooned."
A Different Kind of Gibbs
Stowell acknowledges that his portrayal of Gibbs will be different from what fans are used to. "It's not the Gibbs the world knows. This is someone broken, searching for his identity," Stowell said. He recalled a pivotal moment during his screen test when Mark Harmon offered him advice. "Mark came up to me and gave me two words that I'll remember forever — 'trust yourself.'"
Stowell is enthusiastic about the role and the direction of "NCIS: Origins." After just a week of filming, he felt a profound sense of gratitude. Quoting baseball legend Lou Gehrig, Stowell said, “I feel like the luckiest man in the world. That’s how I feel here. It's only Week 1. But we’re doing something very special here."
The Future of "NCIS: Origins"
With its premiere just around the corner, "NCIS: Origins" promises to delve deep into the formative years of one of television’s most iconic characters. The series aims to shed light on the events that shaped Gibbs into the seasoned, stoic leader fans have come to love. As the show explores his early days at NCIS, viewers will get to witness the trials, tribulations, and triumphs that defined his path.
"NCIS: Origins" is poised to captivate a new generation of fans while giving long-time followers of the franchise a richer understanding of Gibbs' backstory. With Mark Harmon’s guiding hand and Austin Stowell’s compelling performance, the series is set to be a standout addition to the "NCIS" universe.
As October 14 approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a gripping and emotionally charged journey into the origins of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Whether you’re a die-hard "NCIS" fan or a newcomer to the series, "NCIS: Origins" is sure to offer something special.
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