Who plays Gibbs in NCIS: Origins? Character and storyline explored

NCIS: Origins is here to give us the story we didn’t know we needed. The iconic Leroy Jethro Gibbs is younger, rougher around the edges, and just starting out in his career.

That’s right, the new prequel series takes us back to 1991. That’s long before the Gibbs we know from NCIS became the ultra-confident, rule-toting special agent.

Austin Stowell is the actor who has taken on the challenge of playing young Gibbs. Stowell didn't just inherit a role. He inherited a legacy built by Mark Harmon over nearly two decades.

This prequel is all about action, drama, and some serious emotional depth. We see Gibbs at a pivotal point in his life. Here’s everything you need to know about Stowell’s casting, the character’s journey, and more.

Who is the new Leroy Jethro Gibbs in NCIS: Origins?

Austin Stowell is the one who stepped up to play the younger Gibbs in NCIS: Origins.

Stowell is no stranger to the screen. He has starred in films like The Hating Game, Bridge of Spies, and Dolphin Tale. On TV, he’s appeared in Hulu’s Catch-22 and TNT’s Public Morals.

However, this is not just any role. Gibbs is the guy in the NCIS universe. It was played by Mark Harmon since the original series debuted in 2003.

Gibbs became the backbone of the show for 18 seasons. Fans were hooked on his strength, instincts, and “Gibbs rules.” Now, Stowell is bringing a fresh take to the character in a story set during Gibbs’ early years as a newly minted special agent.

NCIS: Origins

NCIS: Origins is set at a time when Gibbs was just starting his career. He was at the fledgling NCIS office in Camp Pendleton. The timeline is set roughly 12 years before the events of the original NCIS.

But it’s not just another procedural drama. This is deeply personal. Gibbs is dealing with unimaginable grief. He has lost his wife and daughter in a tragic murder. The series is about his struggle to find his footing. All while he learns the ropes under his mentor, Mike Franks (played by Kyle Schmid).

Harmon himself isn’t disappearing from the franchise. He serves as the narrator for the series. He even makes occasional on-screen appearances.

Also read: NCIS: Origins - What was in Gibbs’ psychological evaluation? Explored

Why Austin Stowell?

Casting a younger Gibbs was no easy feat. Stowell brings a mix of rugged charm and emotional depth. Hence, he seemed like a natural fit for the role.

He’s been vocal about the incredible support he’s received from Mark Harmon and the NCIS team. Stowell even admitted to studying Harmon’s mannerisms to nail the part. He shared with Collider in an interview,

“It’s the stares, it’s the looks, it’s his internal dialogue. That’s what I’ve taken away the most.”

Stowell isn’t imitating. He’s crafting his own version of Gibbs. That’s a younger, more vulnerable man who’s still discovering his strengths. Stowell’s version of the character is raw and grieving. He is trying to rebuild his life after a devastating loss. He’s also finding his place in the team.

The prequel is all about authenticity. There are realistic interrogation scenes and 1990s Marine manuals. For Stowell, stepping into Gibbs’ boots meant rigorous preparation.

He took long runs with weighted backpacks. He brushed up on his rifle skills to show the character’s military background. He also binge-watched NCIS episodes to pick up on the subtleties of Gibbs’ persona.

Also read: Is NCIS a real government agency? Accuracy of the police procedural show, explored in depth