Introduction: Could the NCIS Universe Expand Yet Again?
The NCIS franchise is no stranger to spin-offs, prequels, and the occasional crossover. But with NCIS: Origins diving deep into Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ younger years, fans can’t help but wonder—could a familiar face from NCIS: New Orleans step into the storyline? And if so, who?
Let’s explore the possibility, dig into the connections, and decode what this could mean for the ever-evolving NCIS timeline.
The Growing NCIS Universe: A Brief Overview
Before we dive into potential cameos, it’s worth stepping back to see just how big the NCIS world has become.
What Is NCIS: Origins All About?
NCIS: Origins is a prequel series focused on a young Gibbs in the 1990s as he begins his journey in the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Played by Austin Stowell, this younger version of Gibbs gives fans a rare look at the man before he became the stoic leader we all know.
Where Does NCIS: New Orleans Fit In?
NCIS: New Orleans aired from 2014 to 2021 and focused on a specialized team operating in the Big Easy, led by Dwayne “King” Pride (Scott Bakula). The series explored military crimes in a culturally rich and complex city, adding a unique flavor to the franchise.
Could a New Orleans Character Cross Over?
It’s not as far-fetched as it sounds. The timelines are tight, but there’s room for creative storytelling. And fans have been speculating—if a NCIS: New Orleans character were to appear in Origins, who would make the most sense?
Let’s Talk Timelines: Does It Line Up?
NCIS: Origins is set in the early to mid-1990s. That places it roughly 20 to 25 years before the events of NCIS: New Orleans.
So the question becomes: were any New Orleans characters around during that time in a capacity that would make a crossover plausible?
Dwayne “King” Pride: The Most Likely Candidate
Pride’s Military Background Makes It Plausible
Scott Bakula’s character, Dwayne Pride, is a former Naval Intelligence officer turned NCIS Special Agent. Though NCIS: New Orleans never gave an exact date for when he began his NCIS career, it’s implied he was active long before the events of the show.
If Origins explores early NCIS cases across different divisions, it’s entirely feasible a younger Pride could appear—even briefly.
Casting a Younger Dwayne Pride: Who Could Pull It Off?
If Origins does bring Pride into the fold, the big question is—who plays him? Bakula likely wouldn’t reprise the role due to the age difference, so a younger actor would need to fill his shoes. Maybe a lesser-known talent or a breakout star. Whoever it is, they’d need that same charming grit and Southern edge.
Why a Pride Cameo Makes Narrative Sense
1. Tie-In Potential
Introducing a younger Pride could lay the groundwork for even more interconnected stories. The franchise loves its breadcrumbs, and this one could tie multiple NCIS shows together.
2. Building the Franchise Legacy
Origins isn’t just about Gibbs—it’s about honoring the roots of NCIS as an organization. And Pride, as a pivotal figure in New Orleans, deserves recognition in that origin story.
Other NCIS: New Orleans Characters Who Could Theoretically Appear
Let’s break down who else from NCIS: New Orleans might show up (even if the odds are a bit lower).
Loretta Wade (Played by CCH Pounder)
The city’s medical examiner would likely be too young during the Origins timeline, but she could appear as a young med student or forensic intern in a clever Easter egg.
Christopher LaSalle (Played by Lucas Black)
LaSalle’s backstory suggests he wasn’t in law enforcement yet during the Origins timeline, but that doesn’t mean a reference to his family—perhaps his father, a local sheriff—couldn’t appear.
Would a Cameo Be Fan Service or Strategic Storytelling?
This is always a fine line. But in the case of NCIS, the writers are often careful to balance nostalgia with plot advancement. A cameo from someone like Pride could do both—honor fan love and deepen the lore.
NCIS Has Done Crossovers Before—And They Work
Crossovers aren’t new to the franchise. Gibbs himself appeared in the pilot episodes of NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: New Orleans. Fans eat it up, and producers know it.
How Could This Cameo Play Out?
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A flashback involving a joint case?
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A training seminar where Gibbs meets Pride?
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Or maybe even a phone call or mention that sets up a future tie-in?
The possibilities are endless—and fans would love the thrill of connection.
Behind-the-Scenes Clues: Are Writers Teasing a Return?
While there’s no official confirmation of a crossover yet, some subtle hints from producers suggest the prequel won’t be afraid to play with legacy.
Writers have mentioned “surprising connections” and “fan-favorite nods,” which feels tailor-made for a character like Pride.
Fan Reactions: Why They Want More Interconnected Stories
NCIS fans aren’t passive viewers—they’re passionate, vocal, and endlessly curious. Social media buzz shows a hunger for deeper ties between shows. A New Orleans cameo would ignite that fire.
NCIS Reddit and Twitter Fan Theories Are Already Cooking
From dream casting to episode outlines, fans are actively dreaming up ways to make this happen. And if the showrunners are listening (and they usually are), those ideas might just come to life.
Could This Open the Door for More Spin-Off Characters to Return?
If NCIS: Origins proves successful with cameos, don’t be surprised if characters from Los Angeles, Hawai’i, or even Sydney find a way in.
This could mark a new era of interconnected NCIS storytelling—think Marvel, but for procedural crime drama fans.
Conclusion: All Eyes on Origins
NCIS: Origins is shaping up to be more than just a prequel—it’s a love letter to everything fans adore about the franchise. A cameo from NCIS: New Orleans, especially someone as pivotal as Dwayne Pride, would add depth, excitement, and a touch of fan magic.
Could it happen? The groundwork is there. And in the NCIS universe, anything is possible.
FAQs
1. Has NCIS: Origins confirmed any NCIS: New Orleans characters yet?
No official announcements have been made, but producers have teased “surprise connections” that could include familiar faces.
2. Why is Dwayne Pride the most likely candidate for a crossover?
His military and NCIS background make it timeline-compatible with the 1990s setting of NCIS: Origins. Plus, he’s one of the franchise’s most beloved characters.
3. Could Scott Bakula reprise his role as Pride?
Unlikely due to the time setting. NCIS: Origins focuses on a much younger Gibbs, so any Pride appearance would likely involve a younger actor.
4. Are crossovers common in the NCIS franchise?
Yes, the NCIS universe has a long history of successful crossovers, especially to introduce spin-offs or deepen character backstories.
5. What other NCIS characters might appear in Origins?
Besides potential New Orleans characters, fans are also speculating about young versions of Mike Franks, Jenny Shepard, or even Ziva’s father Eli David making appearances.
