The Untold Secret: The Surprising Casting Choice for NCIS's Iconic Gibbs Role Revealed!
A-list movie star Harrison Ford was initially considered for the iconic role of Gibbs in NCIS, leaving fans curious about how the show would have been different with him
Summary
Harrison Ford was considered for the role of Gibbs in NCIS, but the producers ultimately chose Mark Harmon.
Ford could have portrayed Gibbs in a contrasting manner, potentially emphasizing a more serious or adventurous persona, considering his prior acting roles.
However, Harmon's portrayal of Gibbs has now reached an iconic status within the franchise, solidifying him as the ideal choice for the role of team leader.
NCIS executive producer Charles Floyd Johnson has revealed that before Mark Harmon was cast, there was an A-list movie star who was considered for the role of Leroy Gibbs in the series. Harmon's portrayal of Gibbs has become a defining aspect of the franchise, as he has played the character throughout the show's 19 seasons. Harmon is now synonymous with the role of Gibbs, making him a significant figure in the history of the franchise.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Johnson shared that initially, Harrison Ford was being considered for the role of Gibbs in NCIS. While Ford's name was being discussed, they eventually decided to go in a different direction and cast Harmon instead. Read Johnson's comments below for more details.
I know Harrison Ford was a name that everybody thought about for Gibbs because he was so perfect. But I don’t think it ever got further than, it was a name thrown out.
How NCIS Would Be Different With Harrison Ford
As Harmon's Gibbs is widely regarded as a classic TV character, there is uncertainty regarding how Ford would portray the NCIS agent. Undoubtedly, Ford would infuse his own distinctive touch into the character, setting him apart from the version depicted in the series. It is possible that Ford's interpretation of Gibbs would lean towards a more serious or adventurous persona, drawing inspiration from his previous iconic roles as Indiana Jones and Jack Ryan from Patriot Games.
Ford's involvement in various film projects throughout the years could have potentially affected Gibbs' presence in the franchise. Harmon left NCIS in season 19, but with Ford's affiliations with iconic franchises like Indiana Jones and Star Wars, it's unlikely that he would have stayed for as long. This could have resulted in a different trajectory for the team's story and characters, with a potential gap in the earlier seasons.
Although it would have been intriguing to witness Ford's portrayal of Gibbs, Harmon has successfully shaped the character into an unforgettable cornerstone of the franchise. There is a possibility that Harmon might return as Gibbs in future seasons of NCIS, solidifying him as the ideal choice for the team's leader. While the idea of Ford taking on the role of Gibbs is intriguing, it is evident that Harmon was the right actor for the job.
Source: THR
