When NCIS: Origins was announced, fans were eager to see how the show would dive into the past of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. But one of the biggest surprises? The reintroduction of Mike Franks, played by Kyle Schmid—sporting long hair, rugged looks, and a persona that some have humorously dubbed “Sexy Jesus.”
So, what’s behind Franks’ checkered past? How does Schmid bring this legendary character to life? Let’s break down everything the actor has shared about stepping into the boots of a man who would become one of Gibbs’ most influential mentors.
Who Is Mike Franks in ‘NCIS: Origins’?
Before becoming the gruff, cigarette-smoking mentor fans knew in the original NCIS, Mike Franks had a long and complicated history with the Navy Criminal Investigative Service. NCIS: Origins takes us back to a younger Franks, a man still figuring out his own moral compass while navigating the dangerous world of law enforcement.
Kyle Schmid’s Take on the Younger Franks
Stepping into the role of a younger Mike Franks, Kyle Schmid has had to balance the raw, reckless energy of the character while making him feel authentic to fans who remember him from the main series.
According to Schmid:
“He’s not quite the hardened, cynical guy we saw later in NCIS. In ‘Origins,’ Franks is still fiery, still learning, but he’s already walking that fine line between justice and breaking the rules.”
Franks’ “Sexy Jesus” Look—Why the Long Hair?
One of the biggest talking points about Schmid’s portrayal? His long-haired, rugged appearance, which led fans to jokingly call him “Sexy Jesus.”
Why Did Franks Get a New Look?
Schmid revealed that the hair and scruff weren’t just for style—they were a storytelling tool.
“We wanted to show that Franks isn’t your standard clean-cut agent. He’s the guy who’s willing to go deep undercover, blend in with criminals, and get his hands dirty. The look reflects that.”
Does the Hair Have a Deeper Meaning?
Beyond just being a style choice, the unpolished look signals Franks’ rebellious nature. He’s not about strict regulations; he’s about results.
“Franks is the kind of guy who walks into a room, and you immediately know he’s not playing by the book. That had to come through visually, too.”
How ‘NCIS: Origins’ Explores Franks’ Dark Past
Franks Wasn’t Always a Hero
Unlike Gibbs, who generally sticks to his principles, Franks had a darker streak. In the original NCIS, he wasn’t afraid to bend—or outright break—the law if it meant getting justice.
But how did he get to that point?
Schmid teased that NCIS: Origins will dig into the cases that shaped Franks into the hardened mentor Gibbs looked up to.
A Rogue Agent in a Dangerous World
One of the key themes of Franks’ storyline in Origins is how he operated in the gray area of morality. Unlike his straight-laced colleagues, he wasn’t afraid to get his hands dirty.
“Mike Franks is that guy who knows that sometimes, the ‘right way’ isn’t always the most effective way,” Schmid explained. “He bends the rules when necessary—and sometimes, that puts him in hot water.”
The Relationship Between Franks and Gibbs in ‘Origins’
A Tough Mentor for a Young Gibbs
We all know that Mike Franks was the man who shaped Gibbs into the agent he became. But what was their early dynamic like?
Schmid explained that in NCIS: Origins, Franks and Gibbs won’t immediately be the close allies fans remember.
“At first, there’s definitely some tension. Gibbs is more of a by-the-book guy, while Franks is a wildcard. That’s going to lead to some conflict before they really form that strong bond.”
How Franks’ Past Influences Gibbs’ Future
One of the biggest storytelling points of the series will be showing how Franks’ experiences—both good and bad—shape Gibbs’ own outlook.
“Franks is the one who teaches Gibbs those rules he lives by—‘Never apologize,’ ‘Always watch the back of your team,’ and all that. But at the same time, Gibbs learns from Franks’ mistakes, too.”
What’s Next for Franks in ‘NCIS: Origins’?
More Backstory, More Action
Schmid hinted that we’ll get a deeper look into Franks’ past, including some unexpected twists about his personal life and his most dangerous missions.
“There’s a lot about Mike Franks that even die-hard NCIS fans don’t know yet. ‘Origins’ is about to fill in those gaps.”
Will We See His Family?
In the main NCIS series, we learned that Franks had a son, a daughter-in-law, and a grandson. Will Origins introduce them?
“Without giving too much away, I’d say Franks’ personal life is definitely going to be explored in ways we haven’t seen before.”
Could There Be a Spin-Off Focused on Franks?
Given the popularity of the character, some fans are already hoping for a solo series focusing entirely on Franks. Could it happen?
“I’d be down for that,” Schmid laughed. “Franks’ past is so rich—there’s a lot to explore.”
