The NCIS franchise is expanding fast — and it’s bringing back some familiar faces in unexpected ways.
TV prequels are having a moment, and NCIS is riding the wave with NCIS: Origins, a series that brings fans back to the early days of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. But it’s not just about nostalgia — it’s about surprising connections, cast shifts, and the unexpected returns that keep fans guessing. Here are three standout surprises about the cast and who’s showing up where:
1. Young Gibbs Takes Center Stage — But Mark Harmon Isn’t Totally Gone
While Mark Harmon officially stepped away from NCIS in Season 19, his presence looms large over NCIS: Origins. The longtime franchise star narrates the prequel and serves as executive producer, helping guide Austin Stowell as the young version of Gibbs. It’s a full-circle moment, with Harmon shaping the legacy of the character he made iconic — just from behind the camera.
2. A Young Fornell Just Showed Up (and Fans Are Buzzing)
One of the biggest surprises in NCIS: Origins so far? A young Tobias Fornell popping up, years before his FBI badge days. It’s a fun Easter egg that hints at deeper ties to the original NCIS timeline and has fans hoping more early versions of beloved characters — maybe even a young Ducky or Abby cameo? — could be on the way.
3. Some Stars Are Returning — Others Say They’re Done for Good
The upcoming NCIS: Tony & Ziva spinoff has fans thrilled, as Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo reunite onscreen for the first time in over a decade. But not everyone is making a comeback. Pauley Perrette (Abby Sciuto) has firmly said she’s retired from acting, and Emily Wickersham (Ellie Bishop) is focusing on motherhood and other projects. Still, with NCIS spin-offs thriving and nostalgia at an all-time high, the door never feels fully closed in this universe.
Whether it’s unexpected cameos, long-awaited reunions, or behind-the-scenes legacy building, NCIS continues to evolve — and surprise — with every new episode. One thing’s clear: this franchise still has plenty of secrets left to uncover.
