NCIS is set to return to our screens with a prequel series, NCIS Origins, which will delve into the early days of Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ career in the 1990s
NCIS Origins is set to take fans on a nostalgic journey back to the 1990s, shortly after Gibbs left the Marines and embarked on his NCIS career.
Mark Harmon, who played Agent Gibbs for an impressive 18 years, bid farewell to the role in 2021. While Gibbs was often reticent about his past, viewers will now get a chance to delve into the early days of the seasoned agent’s career when he joined NCIS in the 1990s.
As we eagerly await the UK release of the prequel, here’s a rundown of the cast of NCIS Origins. After all, we want to make sure these beloved characters are in great hands.
Austin Stowell as Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs
When the series begins, Gibbs is grappling with PTSD following the murder of his wife Shannon and daughter Kelly by drug cartel leader Pedro Hernandez (played by Thomas Rosales Jr).
Fans are accustomed to seeing Gibbs at the helm, but this will be the first time they witness him learning the ropes. Austin Stowell, known for his role as Kyle Connellan in Dolphin Story alongside Morgan Freeman in 2011, portrays young Gibbs.
He has also appeared in Whiplash, Bridge of Spies, and The Hating Game with Lucy Hale, reports the Mirror.
Kyle Schmid as Special Agent Mike Franks
Speal Agent Franks is the head of the Camp Pendleton Field Office where Gibbs began his career, making him Gibbs’ superior.
Mike Franks, a recurring character in the original NCIS series, was portrayed by Muse Watson. He appeared in several episodes, assisting with investigations until his eventual death at the hands of serial killer Jonas Cobb in season eight.
In the upcoming prequel, a younger version of Mike Franks will be played by actor Kyle Schmid, known for his roles in BBC’s Being Human and Copper. Schmid has also appeared in other notable shows such as Big Sky, The Covenant, Six, and The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants.
Mariel Morino as Special Agent Lala Dominguez
Actress Mariel Morino made her debut in 2015 as a cheerio in Fox’s musical-comedy Glee. Morino has also had roles in ABC’s The Promised Land and Freeform’s The Watchful Eye in 2023.
Her character, Lala Dominguez, is described as a “tough, vulnerable and observant former Marine with a dark sense of humour” who is determined to stand out in the male-dominated workplace and will work closely alongside Gibbs.
Diany Rodriguez as Special Agent Vera Strickland
Special Agent Vera Strickland, who first appeared in the original NCIS series played by Roma Maffia, has beeen portrayed by actress Diany Rodriguez in the prequel. Vera is Mike Franks’ last partner before he retired in 1996.
She has appeared in several notable series throughout her career, including The Outsider, Twisted Metal, and The Blacklist, as well as successful films like Pitch Perfect 3 and The Suicide Squad.
Tyla Abercrumbie as Officer Mary Jo Sullivan
Officer Mary Jo Sullivan affectionately refers to herself as the “head secretary in charge”. .
Abercrumbie is perhaps best known for her six-season stint as Nina Williams in The Chi. Additionally, she has played Tamara Folsom in the 2019 series Proven Innocent and Patty in the following year’s Utopia.