The world of NCIS expanded in the 2024-2025 season to include a prequel about the mothership’s former boss, Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Austin Stowell, with Mark Harmon serving in the roles of narrator and executive producer), as he starts at NIS, with none other than legend Mike Franks (Kyle Schmid) his boss. And now, in Season 2, we’re going to meet a major character from Franks’ life that we have yet to see in NCIS: Origins‘s present day: his older brother, Mason, previously seen in flashbacks played by Matthew Erick White.
Stepping into the recurring role is Philip Winchester, with his first episode the fourth of the season. Mason is described as “a Texas-tough cowboy who has recently hit rock bottom. Mason is an honorable man who has fallen on hard times and is desperately trying to keep from losing the family ranch. His desperation leads him to seek help from his estranged little brother.”
The NCIS franchise keeps reinventing itself, and NCIS: Origins is no exception. With Season 2 around the corner, fans just got a major casting update that’s sparking excitement everywhere: Philip Winchester will play the brother of Mike Franks. This unexpected twist has set the fandom buzzing, leaving us with big questions about how this character will impact the early life of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. In this article, we’ll break down everything about this casting news—why it matters, how it ties into the NCIS universe, and what fans can expect moving forward.
What Is ‘NCIS: Origins’?
Before we dive into the casting, let’s rewind for a second. NCIS: Origins is the prequel spin-off of the hugely successful NCIS. It follows a younger Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the early days of his career at Camp Pendleton in the 1990s. Unlike the main series, Origins digs into Gibbs’ backstory, his early cases, and the mentors who shaped him.
Why Fans Love the Prequel Spin-off
Spin-offs can be hit or miss, but NCIS: Origins struck a chord with fans because:
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It explores Gibbs’ mysterious past.
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It gives screen time to beloved characters like Mike Franks.
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It combines nostalgia with fresh storylines.
And now, with the addition of Philip Winchester, things are about to get even more interesting.
Who Is Philip Winchester?
For anyone who’s not familiar, Philip Winchester is a versatile actor best known for his roles in:
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Strike Back (where he played Michael Stonebridge)
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Chicago Justice and Law & Order: SVU (as Peter Stone)
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The Player alongside Wesley Snipes
He’s known for playing tough, commanding characters—making him a perfect fit for the NCIS world.
Who Was Mike Franks in NCIS?
Mike Franks, played by Muse Watson in the main NCIS series, was Gibbs’ mentor and close friend. His role was small but unforgettable. Franks was:
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A former NCIS agent.
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A guide for Gibbs in his early career.
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A father figure with a no-nonsense attitude.
Fans loved his gruff but caring personality, which makes the introduction of his brother even more intriguing.
Meet the New Character: Franks’ Brother
So, what does Philip Winchester bring to the table? He’ll be playing Mike Franks’ brother—whose name and backstory are still under wraps. But here’s what we can expect:
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A new layer to the Franks family history.
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More insight into Mike Franks’ influence on Gibbs.
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Potential tension between the brothers that could spill into the storyline.
Think of it like peeling back another layer of the NCIS onion—suddenly, everything feels deeper.
How This Casting Connects to Gibbs’ Storyline
Gibbs’ journey has always been about more than solving cases—it’s about the relationships that shaped him. With Philip Winchester’s character entering the picture, fans might finally see:
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How Gibbs learned discipline and loyalty.
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Why he admired Mike Franks so much.
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A darker or more complex side to his mentor’s family.
It’s like filling in the missing chapters of a book we thought we already knew.
The NCIS Universe Keeps Growing
What makes NCIS so popular after 20 years? Its ability to evolve. From NCIS: Los Angeles to NCIS: Hawai’i, every spin-off adds something new. Origins is proving it can stand on its own while keeping longtime fans hooked.
Adding Philip Winchester doesn’t just add star power—it expands the universe in a way that feels authentic.
Why This Casting Makes Sense
Casting Philip Winchester isn’t just about getting a recognizable face. It works because:
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He can embody the toughness the Franks family is known for.
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His screen presence matches the gritty, military-driven tone of Origins.
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He can easily stand toe-to-toe with Austin Stowell, who plays young Gibbs.
It’s a casting choice that feels natural, not forced.
Fan Reactions So Far
The NCIS fanbase is massive and very vocal online. Reactions to Winchester’s casting have been overwhelmingly positive:
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Many fans are thrilled to see another strong actor join the show.
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Some speculate he could even rival Mike Franks in influence.
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Others are already dreaming of Winchester sharing screen time with Gibbs.
If social media buzz is any indicator, Season 2 is shaping up to be a must-watch.
What This Means for Season 2 Storylines
So, how could this casting shake up Season 2? Here are some predictions:
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Sibling Rivalry – Maybe the brothers have unresolved conflicts that resurface.
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Shared Influence – Both Franks brothers could shape Gibbs in different ways.
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Hidden Secrets – One brother could reveal things the other never told Gibbs.
This opens up endless storytelling possibilities.
Comparisons to Other NCIS Spin-offs
Unlike NCIS: Los Angeles or NCIS: Hawai’i, Origins doesn’t rely on flashy tech or big explosions. It’s about character-driven drama. Adding Winchester highlights that difference—his role is bound to be intense, personal, and deeply tied to Gibbs’ development.
The Importance of Family in NCIS Storytelling
Family ties have always been a recurring theme in NCIS:
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Gibbs’ own family tragedies shaped him.
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Tony DiNozzo’s complicated relationship with his father was explored.
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Abby considered her teammates her chosen family.
Bringing in Mike Franks’ brother adds another thread to this theme, keeping NCIS consistent with what fans love most.
Why Winchester Could Become a Fan Favorite
Philip Winchester has a history of turning supporting roles into fan favorites. With his mix of toughness and emotional depth, there’s a real chance audiences could connect strongly with his character—maybe even wanting to see more of him in future seasons.
Could We See More of the Franks Family?
If the writers are opening the door to one Franks sibling, who’s to say we won’t meet more? This could be the beginning of a deeper dive into the family tree. And in the NCIS world, nothing happens by accident—every new character usually serves a bigger purpose.
What’s Next for NCIS: Origins?
Season 2 is already shaping up to be bigger and bolder than Season 1. With Winchester joining the cast, fans can expect:
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High-stakes cases.
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Emotional backstories.
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A more personal look at Gibbs’ rise through the NCIS ranks.
The show is clearly not slowing down anytime soon.
Conclusion
The casting of Philip Winchester as Mike Franks’ brother in NCIS: Origins Season 2 is more than just a headline—it’s a promise of deeper storytelling and new layers in Gibbs’ origin story. Fans should prepare for surprises, conflicts, and moments that could redefine what we thought we knew about the NCIS universe.
