The NCIS That Almost Was
It’s hard to imagine NCIS without Mark Harmon leading the charge as the stoic, sharp-eyed Leroy Jethro Gibbs. But believe it or not, the NCIS universe could have looked completely different if a certain Hollywood legend had taken on a lead role back in Season 1.
Over the years, fans have speculated about casting “what ifs” — and recently, a jaw-dropping rumor resurfaced about a massive star who was nearly part of the original team.
Ready for a shocker?
The Star Who Almost Joined NCIS: Harrison Ford
Yep, you read that right.
According to multiple insider reports and casting rumors from the early 2000s, Harrison Ford — the man behind Indiana Jones and Han Solo — was briefly considered for a role in the launch of NCIS. While it’s unclear which role exactly he was eyed for, speculation points to him being a potential alternative to Mark Harmon for Gibbs or another senior figure on the team.
Back in the Early 2000s…
NCIS Was a Big Risk at the Time
When NCIS was being developed as a backdoor pilot in JAG, the concept wasn’t a sure thing. Crime procedurals were popular, sure — but the idea of mixing military justice with quirky characters was still a gamble.
That’s when producers reportedly considered bringing in a major star to anchor the show — someone who could draw viewers in right away. And who better than Harrison Ford, fresh off Air Force One and What Lies Beneath, to play a no-nonsense federal investigator?
Why Ford Was (Almost) the Perfect Fit
Tough, Quiet, Commanding — Sound Familiar?
Think about it. Ford has the same qualities we eventually came to love in Gibbs:
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The quiet intensity
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The no-BS leadership style
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The haunted backstory potential
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The “father figure” energy for his team
He basically was Gibbs… before Gibbs even existed.
Why It Didn’t Happen
Scheduling, Budget, and a Bit of Fate
There are a few likely reasons this didn’t pan out:
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Budget – Harrison Ford is one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood. Bringing him into a fledgling TV show would’ve been wildly expensive.
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Scheduling – At the time, Ford was still deeply embedded in film. A long-term TV commitment didn’t fit.
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Tone Shift – Producers likely realized they needed someone who could build chemistry over time with the rest of the team — not just a big-name face.
And let’s face it: Mark Harmon was born for this role.
Harmon Was the Perfect Choice All Along
Why Mark Harmon Made NCIS Work
While Ford would’ve brought star power, Harmon brought something even better: grounded charm, gruff sincerity, and longevity. He wasn’t just playing a role — he became the anchor of the NCIS franchise for 18 seasons.
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Fans trusted him
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The team respected him
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And his slow-burn leadership gave the show time to grow
Would Ford have stuck around that long? Doubtful.
Other NCIS Casting What-Ifs
More Surprising Near-Casts You Didn’t Know About
Ford isn’t the only big name associated with early NCIS casting rumors. Others reportedly considered for Season 1 roles included:
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Jennifer Garner (before Alias took off)
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James Caviezel (long before Person of Interest)
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Lucy Liu, rumored for a role similar to Kate Todd
While none of these came to pass, it’s fascinating to imagine how different the chemistry — and legacy — of the show could’ve been.
A Show That Needed Room to Grow
Would a Huge Star Have Hurt NCIS in the Long Run?
Ironically, bringing in someone like Harrison Ford might’ve hurt NCIS in the long term. Here’s why:
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The show could’ve become about the star, not the story
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It may not have allowed other characters (like Abby or McGee) to shine
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Ford might’ve left early, leaving a big hole behind
Instead, NCIS got the chance to build its own legacy, not ride on the coattails of a blockbuster actor.
Fan Reactions to the Casting Rumor
What Are NCIS Fans Saying Online?
Once the rumor about Harrison Ford resurfaced, fans had thoughts:
“Ford as Gibbs? That would’ve been wild — but Harmon made it iconic.”
“Imagine the team calling Han Solo ‘Boss’ — I can’t!”
“Glad it didn’t happen. No shade, but NCIS wouldn’t be what it is.”
Seems like the consensus is clear: intriguing, but unnecessary.
TV History Is Full of Close Calls
Iconic Roles That Almost Went to Other Stars
NCIS isn’t the only show that dodged a casting curveball. Just to name a few:
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Matthew McConaughey was once considered for Jack on Lost
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Tom Selleck almost played Indiana Jones
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Courteney Cox was offered Rachel on Friends, not Monica
Sometimes the “what ifs” make for great trivia… but the actual casting turns out just right.
In the End, It All Worked Out
Harmon Was the Heartbeat of NCIS
Yes, it’s fun to imagine Harrison Ford barking orders at DiNozzo or head-slapping McGee. But Mark Harmon didn’t just play a character — he built a universe. The longevity, loyalty, and emotional weight of NCIS all started with him.
And as far as fans are concerned, there’s only one Gibbs.
Conclusion
The rumor that Harrison Ford was nearly cast in NCIS Season 1 is as wild as it is fascinating. While Ford would’ve brought instant prestige, there’s a strong argument to be made that his star power might’ve overpowered the ensemble.
Instead, NCIS took a slower path — and became a television titan because of it.
So next time you rewatch an old episode, just imagine: what if the team had been led by Indiana Jones instead of Jethro Gibbs?
Chances are, you’d still choose Harmon.
FAQs
1. Was Harrison Ford really considered for NCIS?
Yes, industry insiders have shared that Ford was on a short list during very early development stages. Nothing was ever confirmed, but the rumor has persisted.
2. Which role was Ford considered for?
Likely the lead — Leroy Jethro Gibbs — though it’s possible producers explored other high-ranking roles too.
3. Why didn’t Ford take the part?
Budget, schedule conflicts, and a desire to focus on film likely kept him from committing to long-term
