Introduction: A Different Gibbs?
Let’s take a walk down a road not taken. Imagine watching NCIS without Mark Harmon as the cool, stoic, coffee-loving Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Hard to picture, right? But what if we told you he wasn’t the first pick? In fact, 11 actors were seriously considered for the role before Harmon nailed it—and two of them are Oscar winners.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of NCIS or just love a good behind-the-scenes twist, this deep dive into Hollywood casting decisions is packed with surprises. Let’s uncover the stars who almost became Gibbs—and how close we came to a very different show.
🎬 The NCIS Origin: Building a Franchise Star
The Role of Gibbs Was a Cornerstone for ‘NCIS’
NCIS needed a leading man who could carry the weight of a procedural drama while bringing quiet intensity, authority, and subtle warmth. Casting Gibbs wasn’t just about charisma—it was about setting the tone for the entire franchise.
🏆 Why So Many Big Names Were in the Running
The Stakes Were High—CBS Wanted a Hit
The producers knew they needed someone recognizable, reliable, and magnetic. It’s no wonder they looked at major film and television stars—many of whom had experience playing military or law enforcement types.
1. Harrison Ford – The Ultimate “What If”
Harrison Ford was on the list. Yep, Indiana Jones himself was reportedly approached during early development. With his stoic charm and tough exterior, Ford would’ve brought a gruffer, older energy to Gibbs. But he was still riding the high of big-screen blockbusters—and television wasn’t his lane back then.
2. Scott Glenn – The Quiet Intensity Match
Known for The Silence of the Lambs and The Right Stuff, Scott Glenn had the kind of rugged seriousness the role demanded. He could’ve made a compelling Gibbs—but insiders say his take may have lacked the emotional nuance Harmon later brought to the role.
3. Tom Selleck – Magnum, Not Gibbs
Tom Selleck, known for Magnum, P.I. and Blue Bloods, has the perfect mix of tough guy and sensitive leader. He was a top contender. But with his commitment to other roles, including films and TV movies, the timing just didn’t line up.
4. Kevin Costner – The First Oscar Winner in the Mix
That’s right—Kevin Costner, the Dances with Wolves and Field of Dreams icon, was reportedly floated as a potential Gibbs. He certainly had the gravitas and screen presence. But as a two-time Academy Award winner, Costner was far more interested in directing and producing major film projects.
5. James Caan – Grit Over Charm
The late, great James Caan had the raw edge to make Gibbs feel truly dangerous. Imagine Sonny Corleone from The Godfather leading a naval crime team! While he was certainly considered, the producers wanted someone with a touch more restraint.
6. Kurt Russell – Charismatic, But Too Flashy?
Russell, with his easy charm and genre-hopping success, might’ve given us a more sardonic Gibbs. But insiders suggest he felt the role was “too small” for his ambitions at the time. In hindsight, he may have passed on a legacy role.
7. Sam Elliott – The Voice of Authority
That voice! That mustache! Sam Elliott would’ve brought instant credibility and cowboy calm to Gibbs. But producers reportedly thought he skewed a bit too “Western” for the modern procedural setting.
8. Ed Harris – The Second Oscar Winner Considered
Yes, Ed Harris—an Oscar-nominated actor known for Apollo 13 and The Truman Show—was another strong candidate. His steel-eyed intensity would’ve fit well. But his preference for films kept him out of regular TV commitments.
9. Bruce Willis – A Risky But Intriguing Option
Bruce Willis was floated briefly. He had the humor and toughness—but CBS worried he might overshadow the ensemble. Plus, his film schedule was packed at the time. And let’s face it—Die Hard and NCIS have very different vibes.
10. Treat Williams – Almost There
Before his tragic passing in 2023, Treat Williams was always “that guy” on casting shortlists. He had military gravitas (Everwood, Prince of the City) and CBS experience. He reportedly came very close, but something just didn’t click chemistry-wise.
11. Don Johnson – Too Slick for Gibbs?
Coming off Miami Vice and a string of TV movies, Don Johnson was mentioned in early development meetings. He had the cool factor—but maybe a bit too much swagger for the no-nonsense Gibbs we know today.
🎯 Why Mark Harmon Was Ultimately Chosen
He Had the Look, The History, and the Timing
Mark Harmon wasn’t just a random pick. He had played a Secret Service agent in The West Wing and had TV star power. Harmon’s ability to say more with silence than most actors could with a monologue made him perfect for Gibbs.
📺 Harmon’s Gibbs: A Game-Changer
From Pilot to Powerhouse
Once Harmon stepped into Gibbs’ shoes in the JAG backdoor pilot and then NCIS in 2003, it was clear they had found their guy. His quiet intensity, team leadership, and occasional head slaps made Gibbs a pop culture icon.
💥 What If One of the Others Had Been Cast?
Would NCIS Still Be a Hit?
We’ll never know. But the right actor makes or breaks a show. Harmon’s Gibbs was approachable yet intimidating. Imagine if Costner or Ford had taken it—they might’ve played it too cinematic, too detached, or just too… different.
🎞️ Casting Close Calls: A Hollywood Tradition
NCIS Isn’t the Only Show With Casting Surprises
From Tom Selleck almost being Indiana Jones to John Travolta turning down Forrest Gump, casting history is full of “what might have been” stories. NCIS just happens to have one of the juiciest.
🙌 Harmon Made Gibbs a Legend
While other names had more fame or Oscars, none captured the balance of strength, heart, and subtle pain quite like Mark Harmon. Over 400 episodes later, it’s clear the producers made the right call.
Conclusion: Thank Goodness for the Final Pick
Hollywood casting is like a game of poker—you never know which card will win. In the case of NCIS, the producers had a deck stacked with A-listers, legends, and wildcards. But they didn’t just get lucky—they chose wisely. Mark Harmon’s portrayal of Leroy Jethro Gibbs didn’t just define a role—it built a TV empire.
Imagine NCIS without him? We’re glad we don’t have to.
❓ 5 Unique FAQs About the Casting of Gibbs on NCIS
1. Did Mark Harmon audition for the role of Gibbs?
No formal audition took place—CBS had been eyeing Harmon due to his role in The West Wing, and the producers felt he was the perfect match for Gibbs from the start.
2. Were any female actors ever considered for Gibbs?
There’s no public record of a female version of Gibbs being considered, as the character was always envisioned as a male naval officer with a specific backstory.
3. Why didn’t Kevin Costner take the role?
Costner was more focused on film directing and high-profile projects at the time, and a network television series didn’t align with his career path.
4. Did any of the other actors regret turning down the role?
While there are no public statements of regret, some of these actors likely didn’t predict NCIS would become one of the longest-running dramas in TV history.
5. Has any other actor ever played Gibbs besides Harmon?
In NCIS: Origins, a prequel series, Austin Stowell was cast to play a young Gibbs, but Mark Harmon remains the only adult portrayal in the flagship series.
