The NCIS franchise isn’t just a procedural anymore—it’s a full-blown universe. With NCIS: Origins diving deep into the early life of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, it was only a matter of time before things got connected. And now, showrunner Gina Lucita Monreal has dropped a tantalizing hint: Season 2 of NCIS: Origins may feature a beloved character from one of the NCIS spinoffs.
So who’s coming back? Is it someone from NCIS: Los Angeles, Hawai’i, or even NCIS: New Orleans? Let’s break down what we know, what’s been teased, and what fans are hoping for.
NCIS: Origins – A Quick Refresher
What Is NCIS: Origins All About?
NCIS: Origins premiered in 2025, offering fans a unique look at a young Gibbs (played by Austin Stowell) as he begins his journey with the Naval Investigative Service in the 1990s. With flashbacks, character origins, and nostalgic storytelling, the series has earned high praise for both its writing and casting.
How Season 1 Set the Tone
Season 1 introduced young versions of familiar characters while building an entirely new world. Viewers loved the old-school vibes, the layered backstories, and the subtle callbacks to the original NCIS series.
What Did the Showrunner Say About Season 2?
The Big Tease From Gina Lucita Monreal
In a recent interview with TV Insider, showrunner Monreal dropped this cryptic gem:
“There are characters from the greater NCIS universe we’d love to bring into Origins—people the fans know and love. Season 2 opens the door to that possibility in a really exciting way.”
That’s all she said, but it was enough to send fans into a frenzy. It sounds like a crossover or cameo isn’t just possible—it’s actively being discussed.
Which NCIS Spinoff Character Could Appear in Origins?
Let’s speculate based on canon, timeline, and fan demand.
Could It Be a Young Hetty Lange (NCIS: LA)?
If there’s one character fans would die to see in any NCIS prequel, it’s Hetty Lange. The mysterious operations manager from NCIS: Los Angeles has a backstory that spans decades. She was active in intelligence in the ’90s—making a cameo in Origins totally plausible.
What About a Young Pride From NCIS: New Orleans?
Dwayne “King” Pride is another favorite. Given his Naval background and strong moral compass, he’d fit seamlessly into the narrative of a young Gibbs. It could even be written as the beginning of a friendship or rivalry.
Lucy Tara or Jesse Boone (Hawai’i)? Timeline Trouble?
Since NCIS: Hawai’i is set in the 2020s, most of its cast wouldn’t be age-appropriate for a ’90s-era Origins show. But don’t rule out the idea of a Tara or Boone ancestor or early relative making an appearance.
Why This Crossover Could Work Perfectly
Building a Richer NCIS Universe
Bringing in legacy characters from spinoffs helps the franchise feel more interconnected. Marvel does it. Star Trek does it. And NCIS is leaning into it hard.
Fan Service Done Right
Let’s be honest—we live for these moments. Remember when Ziva came back unexpectedly? Or when Tony DiNozzo made that emotional call? That’s the kind of magic Origins could pull off by bringing in a familiar face from a beloved spinoff.
Behind-the-Scenes Clues That Back This Up
Casting Rumors & NDA Hints
Insiders say that at least one actor from a spinoff has signed an NDA for a mystery project connected to the NCIS universe. Hmm.
Production Leaks
A leaked set photo from the Origins studio showed a desk with the name “Lange” partially visible. It was quickly taken down—but the internet saw it first.
How Would the Timeline Work?
1990s Setting = Creative Freedom
Because Origins is set in the past, writers can introduce younger versions of older characters. It’s a goldmine for character development and franchise cross-pollination.
De-Aging Tech? Or New Actors?
Like Marvel’s Nick Fury, NCIS could use de-aging technology for short cameos or opt to cast new actors in iconic roles. Either approach could work if handled respectfully.
Fan Theories Exploding Online
Reddit and Twitter Are on Fire
Fans are already predicting which character might show up. Some trending guesses include:
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Mike Franks (again) in flashbacks
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Young Kensi Blye (NCIS: LA)
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A surprise Leroy Jethro Gibbs family member
What This Means for the NCIS Universe Going Forward
Origins Could Be the Bridge to a Shared NCIS Timeline
This isn’t just fan service—it’s strategic. By connecting Origins with the other shows, CBS is creating a cohesive NCIS timeline, setting up future spin-offs, and boosting streaming engagement.
When Will Season 2 of NCIS: Origins Air?
Tentative Release Window
While no exact date has been confirmed, Season 2 is expected in Spring 2026. Filming reportedly begins in late 2025, with casting decisions (and potential crossovers) finalized before then.
📝 Conclusion: Buckle Up, NCIS Fans—Big Things Are Coming
The NCIS universe is more alive than ever, and Origins is becoming its new heartbeat. With whispers of a spinoff crossover, timeline-bending surprises, and beloved characters potentially stepping into the past, Season 2 could be game-changing.
Stay tuned. This is one operation you don’t want to miss.
❓FAQs
1. Which NCIS spinoff character is most likely to appear in Origins Season 2?
All signs point to Hetty Lange from NCIS: LA due to her long career and fan popularity.
2. Will Mark Harmon appear in NCIS: Origins Season 2?
While unlikely, he may narrate or cameo in flash-forward scenes, as he did in Season 1.
3. Are other spinoffs getting prequels too?
Currently, only Origins is in development, but success could spark more.
4. Will the show use original actors or recast younger versions?
Younger versions will likely be cast, though tech could allow for cameos by legacy actors.
5. Where can I watch NCIS: Origins Season 2?
New episodes will air on CBS and stream next-day on Paramount+.
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