Mark Harmon explains why his son is not returning to play Young Gibbs on NCIS: Origins

NCIS: Origins Executive producer and narrator Mark Harmon explains why his son, Sean, is not returning as young Gibbs. Set to premiere on CBS in just a matter of days, NCIS: Origins is the first prequel in the history of the NCIS Franchise. It follows Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the early 1990s. Although Sean Harmon is involved behind the scenes in the new show, he will not appear on camera. instead, Bridge of Spies Actor Austin Stowell steps into the lead role.

Talk to Varietyahead of The premiere of NCIS: Origins on Monday, October 14 at 10 PM ET on CBS, Harmon explained why Shawn will not be reprising his role as Young Gibbs in the prequel. Even though Harmon played Gibbs in the main series, and was credited with coming up with the pitch for NCIS: OriginsThe elder Harmon clarified this His son is focused on different things and enjoys executive producing. Read the quote below:

He is an actor, writer, producer, a surfer, he does a lot of things. You have to come to decisions about what you want to do in life, or what you think is important. I just think he made a choice and had to make a decision in some ways. He likes executive producing.

What Sean Harmon’s absence means for NCIS: Origins

It’s a deliberately different vibe

The new one NCIS Prequel Puts the spotlight on Gibbs as he is just starting his career as a special agent at NCIS Camp Pendleton office. He intends to build a tough team, with the support of another legacy character, Mike Franks, who is played in the main show by Muse Watson. This is a different version of Gibbs than the one franchise viewers will recognize, at least in terms of NCIS: Origins Cast Gibbs is surrounded by. While there are some familiar faces, there are a few more new ones, and each will develop a unique bond with the new version of Gibbs.

In one of his few major acting roles, Sean Harmon appeared in seven episodes of NCISAppearing in seasons 6, 7, 9 and 18. By bringing in Stowell, the high-profile prequel will honor NCIS continuity. But it will also signal to viewers that this is a slightly different version of Gibbs who won’t simply retread ground covered in flashbacks. It invites viewers in, with one argument being that audiences Would not necessarily have to follow the main NCIS To enjoy the prequel.

In any case, although Sean Harmon is not the main actor, he is very much part of the creative team of the show. Mark and Sean share executive producer credits along with David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal. The latter duo will also co-write the premiere episode and serve as showrunners, joined by those heavily involved in the main NCIS. So, although there may be a different Gibbs at the center of the story, The same writing power and vision are there.

Who else is in the NCIS: Origins cast?

It is a somewhat large supporting ensemble

The leading member in the US NCIS Prequel is Stowell, who was last seen in the Starz drama Three women. But he’s not the only legacy character to kick off the new spinoff, considering the inclusion of Special Agent Mike Franks. In the main series, Franks functioned as a close friend and confidant to Gibbs. Portrayed by Watson, Franks appeared in 20 episodes of NCIS From 2006 to 2017. But outside of Franks, that is Played in NCIS: Origins by Being human Actor Kyle SchmidtThe ensemble is introducing some faces for the very first time.

Mariel Molino, last seen in the Thriller series The watchful eyePortrays Special Agent Lala Dominguez. She is the female lead of the show, with some suggestions that She could be a potential love interest for Gibbs down the line. Tila Abercrombie, known for playing Nina Williams in the Showtime series the chi, Has the role of Field Operations Support Officer Mary Jo Sullivan. She is described as a character who is in charge, although this may be a self-imposed role. The BlacklistDiany Rodriguez has the role of special agent Vera Strickland, who appeared in one episode of the main NCIS Series.

Other actors in the heart NCIS: Origins The cast includes Daniel Bellomy as Special Agent Granville Dawson, Caleb Martin Foote as Special Agent Benjamin Randolph, and Robert Taylor as Jackson Gibbs, Leroy’s father. They each serve different purposes in the story, with Randolph described as a golden boy. There are also Patrick Fischler as NCIS Special Agent in Charge Cliff Walker and Julian Black Antelope as Chief Medical Examiner Kay Blackrock.

Two additions that were announced late to the prequel were Lori Petty and SNL Bobby Moynihan. They play a pathologist and the director of the NIS forensic lab, respectively. It all adds up to a slightly different take on Gibbs’ past, which makes the change from Sean Harmon to Stowell more understandable.

Our take on the Gibbs recasting

It is for the best

Although the reasons are only implied by Harmon, it takes a lot to be the lead of a high-profile series. This is both in terms of the work itself and hours of filming, but also things like promotional tours and being the face of the brand. All of this may have contributed to CBS and Sean Harmon wanting to go in a different direction. But it also allows NCIS: Origins A better opportunity to stand on its own terms.

Source: Variety