NCIS Prequel Cast Shake-Up: Exploring Mark Harmon's Son's Absence

The upcoming NCIS prequel series, NCIS: Origins, has recast Sean Harmon to play young Leroy Jethro Gibbs despite his previous role in the main show. The new expansion show by CBS will explore Gibbs' early years within the organization, leading up to when he forms his team as shown in the series' first season. Specific details about the project are being kept secret, but it is set to debut during the 2024-2025 TV season on CBS. Despite limited updates, production is moving forward quietly, as evidenced by the recent casting announcement.

Austin Stowell, known for A Friend of the Family and The Hating Game, has been chosen to play the lead role in NCIS: Origins. This casting decision may not have been unexpected, as the original plan for the young Gibbs spinoff was to introduce a new actor to portray the iconic TV character previously played by Mark Harmon for twenty years. However, the need for a recast remains unclear, considering that Sean Harmon had portrayed his father's character effectively multiple times on NCIS.

Mark Harmon will narrate the events of NCIS: Origins .

Why Sean Harmon Is Replaced As Young Gibbs In NCIS: Origins

Sean Harmon as young Gibbs in NCIS - Why Sean Harmon Is Replaced As Young Gibbs In NCIS: Origins

Updates on who will play the new Gibbs in the NCIS prequel were scarce. Fans wondered why Sean Harmon didn't reprise his role, considering he played young Gibbs seven times in NCIS. Whenever the show explored Gibbs' past, Sean did a great job. Plus, he even looks like his dad, which helped keep the story consistent.

Sean Harmon, the original actor for young Gibbs in the NCIS prequel, may have been recast for several possible reasons. One reason could be that Sean Harmon is involved in other projects, such as acting and stunt coordinating, which could have conflicted with the time commitment required for the prequel. Another reason could be that CBS wanted to bring a fresh perspective to the role, leading to the casting of a new actor, Stowell.

Mark Harmon as Gibbs smiling in NCIS - How Sean Harmon Is Involved In NCIS Gibbs Prequel

Despite not returning to play young Gibbs, Sean Harmon will still be involved in the new NCIS prequel series. He will co-executive produce the show alongside his father. Maybe that's why he didn't come back to act, choosing instead to work behind the scenes. It's possible that he even helped choose the actor who would take on his previous role. As someone who has portrayed the same character before and is family to Mark Harmon, Sean could play a crucial role in helping Stowell prepare for stepping into one of the most beloved TV characters in recent history.

NCIS season 21 airs new episodes every Monday, 9pm ET on CBS.

Editor's P/S:

The decision to recast Sean Harmon as young Gibbs in the upcoming NCIS prequel series has stirred mixed emotions. While some fans may feel disappointed that the actor who previously portrayed the character so effectively will not be returning, others may appreciate the opportunity for a fresh interpretation of the role. It is important to note that Sean Harmon will still be involved in the series as a co-executive producer, ensuring his knowledge and insights into the character remain present.

Ultimately, the success of the prequel will depend on the ability of the new actor, Austin Stowell, to embody the essence of young Gibbs while bringing his own unique perspective to the role. The casting decision suggests that CBS is confident in Stowell's abilities and believes he has the potential to connect with audiences in the same way that Mark Harmon did for two decades.