When NCIS premiered in September 2003, no one expected Mark Harmon to become the face of one of television’s longest-running franchises. In fact, the role of Leroy Jethro Gibbs was up for grabs—and producers considered a staggering eleven leading men. From Oscar winners to blockbuster stars, this article dives into who was in the running before Harmon stepped in.
🎬 How Casting Started: From JAG to NCIS
NCIS began as a backdoor pilot on JAG and was pitched as “JAG meets CSI” with a tough Marine-agent at the helm. Donald P. Bellisario initially hesitated about Harmon, but after seeing his turn in The West Wing, producers knew they found their man. Yet Harmon was far from the only name considered. Wikipedia+15Wikipedia+15Showbiz Cheat Sheet+15Showbiz Cheat Sheet+13Wikipedia+13SlashFilm+13People.com+1HELLO!+1
👑 Oscar Winners on the Shortlist
Chris Cooper
Two-time Oscar winner Chris Cooper was among those considered—known for bringing grit and gravitas. Showbiz Cheat SheetWikipedia
Scott Glenn
Also a strong contender, Scott Glenn earned an Oscar nomination and was the original front-runner for Gibbs before passing on the role. He was even considered for Ducky. Showbiz Cheat Sheet+3SlashFilm+3Wikipédia+3
🌟 Blockbuster Stars Who Could’ve Been Gibbs
Harrison Ford
Perhaps the most surprising name—Ford was frequently mentioned as “ideal Gibbs,” and the pilot even nods to his Air Force One performance. This idea never went beyond speculation, but fans still dream of a world where Ford wore the badge. Cinemablend+5express.co.uk+5Showbiz Cheat Sheet+5
Alec Baldwin, Kevin Bacon, Val Kilmer
All invited consideration—each bringing a different screen presence, from Baldwin’s commanding intensity to Bacon’s laid-back grit. Wikipédia+1Looper+1
Clive Owen, Tom Berenger, Charlie Sheen, Aidan Quinn, Patrick Swayze
These actors filled casting meeting whiteboards—even if they never received formal offers. Imagine Gibbs with Swayze’s charisma or Owen’s steely presence. Looper+4SlashFilm+4express.co.uk+4
🎭 Dramatic Names That Nearly Redefined NCIS
Andrew McCarthy
You might remember him from Pretty in Pink. McCarthy met with Bellisario but passed. Had he taken the role, it would have given early NCIS a very different energy. HELLO!+15Showbiz Cheat Sheet+15Cinemablend+15
Scott Glenn (again)
He was reportedly approached twice—once for Gibbs and once for Ducky. His involvement would’ve dramatically shifted the ensemble. HELLO!+7SlashFilm+7Wikipédia+7
✅ Final Choice: Why Mark Harmon Was the Right Fit
After seeing Harmon in The West Wing, series creator Bellisario became convinced. Harmon connected with the character and the cast from day one, and his values aligned with the Navy-centric, honor-based core of the real Gibbs. CBS casting director Susan Bluestein had him on her wish list early—a key reason he eventually got the part. Wikipedia+4Showbiz Cheat Sheet+4SlashFilm+4
🧠 What if? How NCIS Might Have Changed with a Different Gibbs
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A Harrison Ford Gibbs: Less ensemble-driven, more high-profile action. But the show’s longevity could’ve been jeopardized by his feature-film commitments.
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Scott Glenn as Ducky or Gibbs: His presence could’ve pulled NCIS in a darker, more intense direction.
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Patrick Swayze or Val Kilmer: Potentially more suave, less stoic—perhaps leading to a different tonal balance.
📈 Mark Harmon’s Legacy
Mark Harmon remained the bedrock of NCIS for 19 seasons and more than 400 episodes. His understated intensity shaped Gibbs nearly as much as the script—and helped the show become a global procedural anchor.Wikipedia+1SlashFilm+1SlashFilm
🔥 NCIS: Origins Casting—A Nod to the Past
In 2024, CBS launched NCIS: Origins, casting Austin Stowell as Young Gibbs. Harmon himself noted the room “jumped” when Stowell auditioned—echoing how cast directors felt about Harmon back in 2003. On set, Harmon helped shape Stowell’s portrayal, ensuring continuity from the original Gibbs’s tone and ethos.Wikipedia+4Decider+4EW.com+4
🔍 The Complete List of 11 Actors Considered
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Mark Harmon – Chosen; legendary portrayal
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Scott Glenn – Oscar nominee; considered for Gibbs or Ducky EW.com+2SlashFilm+2Wikipedia+2Reddit
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Harrison Ford – A-list icon; mentioned, never pitched formally express.co.uk+11express.co.uk+11Screen Rant+11
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Chris Cooper – Oscar-winner; considered early SlashFilm+3Looper+3HELLO!+3
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Alec Baldwin
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Kevin Bacon
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Clive Owen
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Val Kilmer
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Tom Berenger
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Charlie Sheen
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Patrick Swayze
All floated or minimally investigated, though few received actual offers. SlashFilmShowbiz Cheat Sheet
🏁 Conclusion: Gibbs Could’ve Been Anyone—but Harmon’s Choice Defined NCIS
Take a moment to imagine Gibbs as Harrison Ford or Patrick Swayze. It changes the tone instantly. But the final casting decision capped NCIS’s destiny. Mark Harmon brought just the right blend of stoicism, integrity, and subtle warmth. Without him—who knows if NCIS would have become the iconic crime procedural we know today.
🙋 5 FAQs About the Early Casting of Gibbs
Q1: Which Oscar winners were considered for Gibbs?
Chris Cooper and Scott Glenn were both on the casting radar. Decider+6SlashFilm+6Looper+6
Q2: Was Harrison Ford ever approached for the role?
Ford was strongly discussed as an ideal choice—but no formal offer was made. express.co.ukCinemablend
Q3: Did Scott Glenn ever join the show in another role?
No—though he was considered for both Gibbs and Ducky, the roles went to others. Wikipédia+5SlashFilm+5Showbiz Cheat Sheet+5
Q4: When was Mark Harmon officially cast as Gibbs?
He was cast in March 2003 after a meeting with Bellisario that sealed the deal. express.co.uk+8Wikipedia+8Wikipedia+8
Q5: Who plays young Gibbs in NCIS: Origins?
Austin Stowell plays Young Gibbs, beating out heavy competition—but Harmon performed as narrator and mentor.Cinemablend+7Decider+7EW.com+7
