Yep, you read that right. The legendary Harrison Ford—Indiana Jones, Han Solo, the man who defined American action heroes—was almost cast as the lead in NCIS.
Let that sink in for a second. Imagine that deep, gravelly voice saying, “Grab your gear.” Instead of Mark Harmon’s iconic portrayal of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, we could’ve had Harrison freakin’ Ford leading the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
Let’s unpack what happened, how close Ford really came to joining TV’s most-watched procedural drama, and what it means for the NCIS legacy.
The Role That Almost Was—Ford as Gibbs?
The Early Days of NCIS Development
Back in the early 2000s, when CBS was planning NCIS (a spinoff of JAG), the network wanted star power. And who better than Harrison Ford? He was fresh off several box-office hits and had the perfect no-nonsense, straight-shooting demeanor for the role.
CBS Had a Dream—and Ford Was on the List
While Ford wasn’t formally offered the role (according to some sources), he was seriously considered. And let’s be real—his presence alone could have changed the entire tone of the show.
Why Harrison Ford Didn’t Take the Role
Ford’s Relationship with Television
Ford has always leaned into big-screen roles. After all, he made his name in Hollywood blockbusters, not weekly procedural dramas. In the early 2000s, doing TV was still seen as a step down for film actors. That stigma has faded now, but back then? It mattered.
Timing Just Wasn’t Right
By the time NCIS was being cast, Ford was knee-deep in other projects—and likely uninterested in the commitment a network show demands. Think about it: 22 episodes per season, shooting for months on end? Not exactly the glamorous, globe-trotting action he was used to.
What If Harrison Ford Had Said Yes?
Let’s take a moment to dream.
NCIS with a Movie Star Edge
If Ford had taken the role, NCIS might’ve had a darker, more cinematic feel right out of the gate. His on-screen gravitas could’ve pulled the show into more dramatic territory—maybe even changed the way we think about procedural dramas.
Would It Have Lasted as Long?
Here’s the kicker: Maybe not. Ford might have only stuck around for a few seasons. He’s not known for committing to long-running TV gigs. The show’s longevity might’ve suffered if its star walked after two or three years.
Enter Mark Harmon—The Right Choice All Along?
Harmon Made Gibbs Iconic
Mark Harmon brought something unique to the table—a quiet intensity, fatherly strength, and subtle emotional depth. It’s hard to imagine anyone else pulling off the complexity of Gibbs, who is both a hardened Marine and a grieving father.
The Long Haul
Unlike Ford, Harmon stuck it out for 19 seasons. That consistency built fan loyalty and shaped the show’s identity. Without him, NCIS may have never become the juggernaut it is today.
Hollywood’s What-Ifs: Other Stars Who Almost Did TV
Harrison Ford Isn’t Alone
Believe it or not, Ford isn’t the only A-lister who almost took a TV role and didn’t. Consider:
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Matthew McConaughey was once considered for True Detective season 2, but passed.
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Russell Crowe reportedly declined several major TV offers early in the streaming boom.
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Even Julia Roberts avoided TV for decades before finally stepping in.
TV’s Evolution—Would Ford Say Yes Today?
Big Stars Are Embracing TV Now
Look at how things have changed:
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Harrison Ford is currently starring in 1923 (a Yellowstone spinoff).
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Kevin Costner, Nicole Kidman, and even Al Pacino have all done television recently.
TV is no longer a “downgrade.” It’s a creative powerhouse. If NCIS were being pitched today, Ford might’ve jumped on board.
Fan Reactions—Could They See Ford as Gibbs?
Fans Say “Interesting… but Nah”
Longtime viewers have weighed in, and most agree:
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“Ford would’ve been cool, but Harmon is Gibbs.”
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“It would’ve been a different show completely.”
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“I can’t imagine NCIS without Harmon’s calm intensity.”
Bottom line? It’s fun to speculate, but Harmon owned that role.
What This Almost-Casting Says About NCIS
The Show Had Big Ambitions
NCIS wasn’t just some throwaway spinoff. From day one, CBS wanted a hit—and considered A-listers to prove it.
But Character > Star Power
In the end, the strength of NCIS came from its characters, not just who played them. The chemistry, the writing, the slow burn of backstories—all of it worked because of the cast they chose.
Harrison Ford in TV Today—A Full Circle Moment
It’s funny, isn’t it? The same actor who once passed on network TV is now killing it in prestige television. His role in 1923 has earned critical acclaim and proved he can still dominate the screen—big or small.
Final Thoughts: Ford’s NCIS Almost-Casting Is the Ultimate What-If
There’s something thrilling about imagining Harrison Ford leading NCIS. It would’ve been bold, unexpected, and totally different. But in the end, the role of Leroy Jethro Gibbs went to the right man—and television history was made because of it.
Still, it’s one of those “what if” moments that fans and critics will always wonder about. And honestly? That’s part of what makes TV history so fun.
FAQs
1. Did Harrison Ford really audition for NCIS?
No formal audition took place, but he was reportedly high on the list of dream casting choices during early development.
2. Why didn’t Harrison Ford take the NCIS role?
At the time, he focused on film roles and likely didn’t want the long-term commitment of a TV series.
3. Who ended up playing the lead in NCIS?
Mark Harmon was cast as Leroy Jethro Gibbs and went on to become one of the most iconic TV characters in modern history.
4. Could Harrison Ford join NCIS in the future?
Highly unlikely—but never say never! He’s doing more TV work now, so a guest appearance isn’t impossible.
5. What show is Harrison Ford in now?
Ford currently stars in 1923, a prequel to Yellowstone, showcasing his range and staying power in the modern TV era.
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Thanks for exploring this wild “what-if” with us! Share this with your fellow NCIS fans and let us know—do you think Harrison Ford would’ve made a great Gibbs? Or was Mark Harmon the only choice all along? Let’s chat in the comments!
