Introduction: Stepping Into a Legend’s Boots
If you’re a longtime NCIS fan, then the name Mike Franks means something. The grizzled, cigar-smoking mentor to Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Mike was the original lone wolf. He taught Gibbs the ropes, laid the foundation for what NCIS became, and gave the show some of its most unforgettable moments.
Now, thanks to NCIS: Origins, we’re finally going back in time—and stepping into the shoes of a younger Mike Franks is none other than Toronto-born actor Kyle Schmid. So how does a Canadian actor take on such an iconic American badass? With grit, passion, and a deep respect for the character.
Let’s dive into how Schmid is bringing Mike Franks to life for a whole new generation.
Who Is Kyle Schmid?
A Veteran of Gritty TV Roles
You might recognize Kyle Schmid from shows like Six, The I-Land, or Being Human. He’s no stranger to intense roles. With his rugged charm and emotional depth, he’s carved out a niche playing complex, hardened characters—and Mike Franks is right in his wheelhouse.
Canadian Roots, Global Reach
Though he hails from Toronto, Schmid’s talent has taken him across Hollywood. His ability to shift between roles and tones makes him an ideal fit for a layered, origin-story version of a character like Franks.
Why Mike Franks Deserves an Origin Story
The Unsung Hero of NCIS Lore
Mike Franks is often credited with turning Gibbs into the agent—and man—he is. But until now, we’ve only seen Franks in fragments: as a mentor, as a ghost, and as a memory. Fans have always wanted more.
A Shadow in the Background for Too Long
Franks’ past was always hinted at—Vietnam, the early days of NCIS, his own haunted demons. NCIS: Origins finally gives us the full story.
Kyle Schmid’s Take on a Young Mike Franks
More Than Just a Tough Guy
In interviews, Schmid has emphasized that his Franks is not just a cigar-chomping cowboy. He’s driven, smart, and complex—someone who’s figuring out who he is while building the agency that would become NCIS.
Channeling Muse Watson’s Legacy
Muse Watson played the older Mike Franks to perfection. Schmid has said he studied Watson’s portrayal to bring consistency and emotional continuity to the character, while still making it his own.
NCIS: Origins – What We Know So Far
Set in the 1990s—Right in the Grit of It
The series is set in the early days of NCIS, when it was still evolving from the NIS (Naval Investigative Service). Think Cold War aftermath, pre-9/11 tension, and a world that’s just starting to modernize its intelligence.
Gibbs & Franks: The Beginning of a Brotherhood
Origins will explore how Gibbs and Franks met, and how their complicated mentor-protégé relationship formed. It’s a bond that shaped the heart of the NCIS we know today.
Casting Kyle Schmid Was a Power Move
Why He Fits the Franks Mold
Schmid has the rugged look, but also the emotional depth needed to pull off Mike’s contradictions: a man of action and heart, of brutal honesty and quiet loyalty.
A Younger, Rawer Version of Franks
This Mike isn’t fully formed yet. He’s still learning, still scarred, still trying to figure out what kind of agent—and man—he wants to be.
Fan Reactions So Far Are Pretty Positive
“Perfect Fit” – Reddit and X (Twitter) Weigh In
Fan forums and social media have mostly praised Schmid’s casting, calling it “inspired” and “one of the smartest moves NCIS has made in years.”
The Expectations Are High
Let’s not sugarcoat it—Franks is sacred territory in NCIS lore. Schmid knows the pressure, and he’s leaning into it, not away from it.
Kyle’s Training for the Role
Physical and Psychological Preparation
Schmid reportedly underwent combat training, firearms handling, and even sat with former NCIS agents to understand the mentality of an investigator in the ‘90s.
Embracing the Attitude, Not Just the Action
“I didn’t want to just act like Franks,” Schmid said in a recent interview. “I wanted to understand what drove him—even before he had all the answers.”
How NCIS: Origins Might Revitalize the Franchise
A Return to Character-Driven Storytelling
The main NCIS series has sometimes leaned too heavily on formula. Origins, by contrast, is about relationships, motivations, and origin points—and that could bring back lapsed fans.
A Grittier, More Grounded Approach
No shiny labs or tech gadgets—Origins promises a more stripped-down, boots-on-the-ground vibe. It’s a bold shift, and Kyle Schmid is helping to lead that charge.
What Schmid Hopes to Bring to the Role
Humanity in the Rough Edges
Schmid wants viewers to see not just how tough Franks was—but why. What shaped him? What broke him? What kept him going?
Legacy with a Personal Twist
He isn’t just playing a younger version of a fan-favorite—he’s reshaping what Mike Franks means to the NCIS universe.
The Bigger Picture – NCIS’ Expanding Universe
CBS Is Betting Big on Prequels
With NCIS: Sydney, the upcoming Tony & Ziva spinoff, and now Origins, CBS is creating a whole new timeline. And if Schmid’s Franks lands, he could be a central pillar of that expanded universe.
Could We See More Young Franks Beyond Origins?
Don’t be surprised if Kyle’s Franks becomes the star of future NCIS crossovers, flashbacks, or even standalone storylines.
Conclusion: Kyle Schmid Is the Right Man for Mike Franks
Stepping into the role of a beloved, rugged icon isn’t easy. But Kyle Schmid is proving he’s got the grit, range, and respect to pull it off. His portrayal of a younger, more volatile Mike Franks isn’t just a performance—it’s a tribute.
NCIS: Origins could be the fresh breath the franchise desperately needs—and Schmid’s Franks might just be the character to bring it.
