Oh Daddy! NCIS: Origins Reveals First Look at Gibbs’ Dad in Prequel Series

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The cast for the latest addition of the NCIS franchise is coming together! Who is in the NCIS: Origins cast? Keep reading to find out.

NCIS: Origins is an upcoming prequel series that will center on a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a role that was originated by Mark Harmon in the mothership. It will open in 1991 and follow Gibbs as he starts his career as a newly minted special agent at the fledgling NCIS Camp Pendleton office, where he forges his place on a gritty, ragtag team led by NCIS legend Mike Franks (originally played by Muse Watson). The show received a straight-to-series order at CBS in January 2024 and plans to launch during the 2024-2025 broadcast season.

The idea for the show came from Sean Harmon, who portrayed a younger version of his father’s character in seven episodes of NCIS. The father-son duo will be executive producing the series together, along with NCIS vets David J. North and Gina Lucita, who co-wrote the pilot and will also serve as showrunners. “The character of Gibbs has been an important part of my life for 20 years, both in watching my father craft the role and previously having the honor to play young Gibbs myself,” Sean said in a statement at the time. “I always felt there was a tale worth telling about his earlier years, so I am thrilled to be stepping into a producing role alongside Gina, David and my dad as we tell this story and reveal a new side of this beloved character.”

NCIS: Origins will feature an all-new cast and will explore the backstories of some of the most beloved characters in the NCIS franchise, including Gibbs, Franks, Vera Strickland and more. Read on to see who has been cast in the prequel series so far.

Who is in the NCIS: Origins cast?

Mark Harmon (Narrator)

In addition to executive producing the series, Mark Harmon will also serve as the narrator and will provide voiceovers for the young Gibbs’ inner thoughts. Harmon left the flagship series in 2021 during Season 19. He has remained an executive producer on the long-running procedural, but has not yet returned on-screen.

NCIS: Origins will mark Harmon’s first project since his departure. While he hasn’t acted or worked behind-the-scenes on anything else, the actor has kept busy. After retiring as Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Harmon published his first novel, titled Ghosts of Honolulu: A Japanese Spy, A Japanese American Spy Hunter, and the Untold Story of Pearl Harbor. He co-wrote the book with NCIS technical advisor Leon Carroll Jr. Inspired by Harmon and Carroll Jr.’s experiences on NCIS, the novel is a historical account of the Japanese and American intelligence agents in World War II.

Austin Stowell (Leroy Jethro Gibbs)

Actor Austin Stowell will be taking the reins from Harmon and portraying the young Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Stowell is best known for starring in the 2017 film Battle of the Sexes as Larry King, the husband of Billie Jean King. Most recently, he appeared in the Peacock series A Friend of the Family and the Shailene Woodley-led adaption of Three Women. His credits also include Bridge of Spies, Whiplash, The Hating Game and Keep Breath. Stowell isn’t a complete stranger to the NCIS universe either. In 2010, he guest starred in an episode of NCIS: Los Angeles as Marine Corporal Andrew Peterson.

The franchise announced Stowell’s new role on Instagram in a joint post with the actor. “#NCISverse, meet Gibbs… again. 👋 #NCISOrigins #NCIS,” the post was captioned.

Kyle Schmid (Mike Franks)

Kyle Schmid has been cast in the role of Mike Franks, Gibbs’ mentor and the leader of the NCIS Major Case Response Team. Schmid’s Franks is described as “a proud Texan who all but showers in his cowboy boots and sports a perfectly coiffed mustache that’s as thick as his skin.” Much like the adult iteration of the character (played by Muse Watson), Franks is “a born leader with an unwavering moral compass who’s determined to find justice by any means necessary.”

Schmid is best known for starring in History’s SEAL Team-themed limited series Six. He’s also had recurring and guest star roles on The Rookie, Big Sky, Accused, CSI: Cyber and Arrow. The Canadian actor celebrated the news of his casting on Instagram, writing: “I’m absolutely thrilled for this. Cannot wait to bring this story to life and grateful to Muse Watson for crafting such a dynamic character. Truly wonderful writing and talented cast. Blown away.”

Mariel Molino (Lala Dominguez)

Actress Mariel Molino was the second person to be cast in NCIS: Origins. She will be playing a new character in the NCIS universe who has yet to be introduced: Special Agent Lala Dominguez. Her character is a former marine with a dark sense of humor. Per CBS’ official description: “when a tormented Leroy Jethro Gibbs joins her team, the ensuing story between these two enigmatic outsiders is filled with sparks and turns that will keep the audience guessing.”

Molino is fresh off her starring role as Elena Santos in the 2023 Freeform thriller series The Watchful Eye. The Mexican-American actress has also appeared in ABC’s family drama Promised Land, Netflix’s Narcos: Mexico and several Spanish-language movies and TV shows. She announced her new NCIS: Origins role on Instagram, writing alongside a press release: “Here we goooooo back to the 90’s !!! 💋 Lala 🖤 #ncisorigins #ncis.”

Diany Rodriguez (Vera Strickland)

The Blacklist alum Diany Rodriquez will be playing Special Agent Vera Strickland, a role that was originated by Roma Maffia during a Season 11 guest appearance. Strickland was Mike Franks’ last partner before he retired in 1996. During her cameo, Strickland told Anthony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) that she and Franks had a very special relationship, which suggested that there is a backstory there.

Rodriquez’s Strickland is described as a “no-nonsense, sharp-witted Brooklynite who’s tough as nails and never minces words.” The actress recurred on seasons 9 and 10 of The Blacklist as Weecha Xiu, Raymond Reddington’s (James Spader) bodyguard. In addition to the NBC thriller, Rodriquez has also guest starred or recurred on FBI: Most Wanted, The Resident, The Equalizer, Law & Order: Organized Crime and New Amsterdam. 

Tyla Abercrumbie (Mary Jo Sullivan)

Tyla Abercrumbie will be playing Mary Jo Sullivan, a Field Operation Support Officer who is new to the NCIS universe. Her character is described as “mama bear” who has wryly dubbed herself “HSIC” — Head Secretary in Charge. Abercrumbie celebrated her casting on Instagram, writing alongside a press release: “I’m am more than excited to share this news! I feeling so blessed, I’m always so grateful to the Highest. God knows my heart he hears my prayers and gifts me my dreams time and time again! So happy to join the NCIS FRANCHISE FAMILY with NCIS:ORGIN !!!!!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾❤️🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽💯.”

The actress is best known for her role as Nina Williams on Showtime’s The Chi. Her other credits include Chicago P.D., Chicago Med, Detroit 1-8-7, Prime Video’s Utopia, Max’s South Side and Empire.

Daniel Bellomy

Daniel Bellomy will play Special Agent Granville “Granny” Dawson, a young probationary agent, who’s getting his start as the Evidence Custodian’s assistant while itching to work his way up to field agent. Bellomy has also starred in shows like FBI: International, The Good Fight, Blue Bloods, and Suits.

Caleb Martin Foote

Caleb Martin Foote will play Special Agent Benjamin “Randy” Randolf, the NCIS agency’s lovable golden boy who’s tasked with showing a new Agent Gibbs the ropes. Foote, has also starred in shows like Magnum P.I., Acapulco, 9-1-1, and NCIS: Los Angeles.

Robert Taylor

Robert Taylor will play Jackson Gibbs, Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ father, who was originally played by Ralph Waite in the original NCIS. Taylor, who is from Australia, has also starred in shows like Apples Never Fall, Longmire, and Home and Away.

Episodes of NCIS can be streamed on Paramount+.

For more on NCIS, check out this gallery on the cast’s real-life partners.