Mark Harmon Explains Why His Son Isn’t Returning to Play Young Gibbs in ‘NCIS: Origins’

NCIS: Origins executive producer and narrator Mark Harmon explains why his son Sean is not returning as young Gibbs. It will premiere on CBS in just a few days. NCIS: Origins This is the first prequel in history NCIS franchise. It follows Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the early 1990s. Although Sean Harmon is behind the scenes of the new show, he won’t be appearing on camera. Instead of, Bridge of Spies actor Austin Stowell takes the lead role.

Talking to Diversityahead premiere NCIS: Origins Monday, October 14th at 10:00 pm ET on CBS, Harmon explained why Sean won’t be reprising his role as Young Gibbs in the prequel. Although Harmon played Gibbs on the main series, he is credited with coming up with the idea for NCIS: OriginsSr. Harmon explained that his son is focused on different things and enjoys being an executive producer. Read the quote below:

“He’s an actor, a writer, a producer, a surfer, he does a lot of things. You will have to make a decision about what you want to do in life or what you consider important. I just think he made a choice and had to make some kind of decision. He likes the executive producer.”

What Sean Harmon’s absence means for NCIS: Origins

This is an intentionally different Gibbs.

New NCIS prequel brings attention to Gibbs as he begins his career as a special agent. at the NCIS office at Camp Pendleton. He intends to build a bold team backed by a different legacy. character, Mike Franks, played by Muse Watson in the main show. This is a different version of Gibbs than the one viewers of the franchise will recognize, at least in terms of NCIS: Origins Gibbs’ cast is surrounded. While there are a few familiar faces, there are also a few new ones.

In one of his few starring roles, Sean Harmon appeared in seven episodes of the series. NCISappearing in seasons 6, 7, 9 and 18. By bringing on 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 that won’t just retread the ground covered by flashbacks. He invites the audience to enter, arguing that the audience you don’t have to follow the basics NCIS to enjoy the prequel.

In any case, while Sean Harmon doesn’t play the lead role, he is very much part of the show’s creative team. Mark and Sean share executive producing roles 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 actively involved in the production. NCIS. So while there may be a different Gibbs at the center of the story, the same writing power and vision are present.

Our take on the Gibbs remake

It’s for the better

Even though the reasons are only implied by Harmon, it takes a lot of effort to become a well-known leader. This applies to both the work itself and the hours of filming, as well as things like promotional tours and being the face of a 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 more likely to stand on your own terms.

Source: Diversity