NCIS: Origins has been exploring the past of beloved NCIS characters, including Leroy Jethro Gibbs and his early team. But what about Bernard “Randy” Randolf, played by Caleb Foote? Fans haven’t seen him in the present-day NCIS universe — and Foote has some fun theories.
“This is something my parents can’t let go either,” Foote told TV Insider, laughing. “They’re always pitching ideas about an older Randy appearing on the mothership.”
Foote speculates that Randy exists in the future and plays a key role in shaping Gibbs into the legendary agent fans know. “I think they’ll find a creative reason for the original team not to have interacted with Randy up until now,” he says.
He even imagines a whimsical scenario: “Randy’s in a cabin in Alaska with Lala and Gibbs, drinking hot cocoa, dog-sledding… ice fishing with Gibbs… and maybe casting Will Ferrell as an older Randy. That’s my dream.”
Foote prefers a fresh actor over aging himself with makeup, praising how Bobby Moynihan and Ely Henry were handled in recent crossovers. He also shared a playful idea from Brian Dietzen (Dr. Jimmy Palmer) to introduce an older Randy with a missing arm — a twist that could fuel ongoing speculation in Origins.
Foote adds that Randy’s references to a desk job in Season 1 might explain his absence in the present-day series. “He could take a classified leadership role in the Navy, which might be why we never hear from him again,” he says, hinting at a long-term trajectory for the character.
For now, Randy’s future remains a mystery, but fans can dream about creative ways he might eventually appear.
NCIS: Origins airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on CBS.
