The NCIS universe just dropped a casting bombshell — and fans are buzzing.
‘NCIS: Origins’ is officially casting a young version of Pride, the iconic character made famous by Scott Bakula in NCIS: New Orleans. If you’ve followed the franchise for years, you already know this isn’t just another role. This is legacy casting. This is mythology-building. This is the kind of move that reshapes an entire TV universe.
So what does this mean for the franchise? Why now? And how could this decision redefine the future of NCIS: Origins?
Let’s break it down.
The Pride Legacy Enters a New Chapter
Dwayne Cassius Pride wasn’t just another NCIS agent. He was a force. A protector. A leader who carried New Orleans on his shoulders. When Scott Bakula stepped into that role, he brought warmth, gravitas, and quiet intensity that made Pride unforgettable.
Now, imagine seeing the man before the legend.
That’s exactly what ‘NCIS: Origins’ is preparing to show us.
Why Casting Young Pride Is a Huge Deal
Prequels are tricky. They walk a tightrope between nostalgia and reinvention. But when done right? They deepen everything we thought we knew.
Bringing in a young Pride does three powerful things:
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Expands the NCIS timeline
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Connects multiple spin-offs
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Builds emotional continuity for long-time fans
It’s not just fan service. It’s strategic storytelling.
How ‘NCIS: Origins’ Fits Into the Expanding NCIS Universe
The NCIS brand has become one of television’s most enduring franchises. It all started with NCIS, and over time it branched into multiple series that each carved out their own identity.
Now, ‘NCIS: Origins’ steps in as a prequel — a show designed to explore the early days of the agency and the agents who would later define it.
Adding young Pride? That’s not random. That’s universe-building at its finest.
What We Know About Young Pride So Far
Details remain tightly guarded, but early buzz suggests:
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We’ll see Pride before his New Orleans command
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His formative career moments will be explored
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Key relationships may be introduced
This opens the door to emotional storytelling. What shaped his moral compass? What failures hardened him? Who did he lose along the way?
Prequels thrive on vulnerability. And Pride has layers worth peeling back.
The Scott Bakula Effect
Let’s be honest — replacing a beloved portrayal is risky.
Scott Bakula didn’t just play Pride. He embodied him. Calm authority. Sharp instincts. That subtle Louisiana swagger.
So whoever steps into young Pride’s shoes faces a challenge: honor the performance without copying it.
The key? Capture the essence, not the imitation.
What the Casting Team Must Get Right
Casting young Pride isn’t about finding a lookalike. It’s about finding someone who can:
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Convey quiet strength
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Balance empathy with toughness
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Deliver emotional depth
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Hint at the leader he will become
This is long-game storytelling.
Why Fans Are Already Talking
The NCIS fandom is passionate. Loyal. Protective.
When news broke that ‘NCIS: Origins’ would introduce a young Pride, social media lit up with speculation. Who should play him? Should Bakula cameo? Will we see familiar backstory events unfold?
This isn’t casual chatter. It’s investment.
And that’s gold for a franchise.
The Power of Prequels in Modern Television
Look at what prequels have done across television. They add depth. They fill in emotional blanks. They give context to iconic moments.
In many ways, prequels are like origin stories in superhero films. We already know where the hero ends up. The magic lies in discovering how they got there.
Young Pride offers exactly that.
The Emotional Angle That Could Define the Series
Imagine this: a younger Pride, less certain, still learning. Maybe more impulsive. Maybe less polished.
Watching him evolve into the commanding presence we saw in NCIS: New Orleans adds emotional weight to every decision he made later.
Suddenly, old scenes carry new meaning.
That’s powerful television.
Could We See Cross-Franchise Connections?
Here’s where things get interesting.
Because ‘NCIS: Origins’ explores earlier timelines, it opens the door for crossover potential. Younger versions of other established characters could appear. Shared storylines could weave through the past.
It’s not just a prequel — it’s connective tissue.
A Strategic Move for Franchise Longevity
Television is competitive. Franchises must evolve to survive.
By investing in backstory and expanding mythology, the NCIS brand stays relevant without abandoning its roots.
Casting young Pride signals confidence. It says, “We’re building something bigger.”
What This Means for Long-Time NCIS Viewers
If you’ve watched NCIS for years, this move feels personal.
You’ve seen Pride at his strongest. At his most vulnerable. You’ve watched him lead, sacrifice, and protect.
Now you get to see where it all began.
It’s like opening a time capsule.
Nostalgia Meets Fresh Storytelling
The magic formula?
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Familiar character
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New actor
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Untold stories
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High emotional stakes
That’s how you honor legacy while attracting new viewers.
The Risk Factor — And Why It’s Worth It
Let’s not pretend this is safe.
Prequels can misfire. Fans can reject reinterpretations. Casting can divide audiences.
But great storytelling requires risk.
And if ‘NCIS: Origins’ nails the casting? It could redefine how franchise storytelling works on network television.
What We Hope to See in Young Pride’s Storyline
Here’s what would truly elevate the series:
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His first major case
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The moment he earned trust as a leader
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Early moral dilemmas
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Personal sacrifices that shaped him
Give us raw moments. Give us mistakes. Give us growth.
That’s what makes legends feel real.
Could Scott Bakula Appear?
Fans are already wondering: will Scott Bakula make a cameo?
Even a brief narration or framing device would create continuity. It would feel like a baton pass — from the Pride we know to the Pride we’re about to meet.
Nothing is confirmed. But the possibility alone fuels excitement.
Why This Casting Decision Could Boost Ratings
In a crowded TV landscape, attention is everything.
Announcing young Pride does three smart things:
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Sparks media coverage
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Activates existing fans
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Creates curiosity among new viewers
It’s strategic hype — and it’s working.
Conclusion: The Beginning of a Legend
‘NCIS: Origins’ casting a young version of Pride isn’t just another prequel detail. It’s a statement.
It says this universe still has stories left to tell. It says legacy matters. It says characters we love deserve deeper exploration.
Whether you’re a longtime NCIS loyalist or someone just stepping into the franchise, this move feels significant.
Because every legend has a beginning.
And soon, we’re about to witness Pride’s.