NCIS: Hawaii is breaking from tradition for the CBS franchise. The all-but-confirmed spinoff will feature a female lead, according to TVLine.
Thus far, the NCIS leads have all been men—and, for that matter, mostly white men. Mark Harmon plays Leroy Jethro Gibbs on the original (at least for now); Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J co-headline NCIS: Los Angeles as G. Callen and Sam Hanna, respectively; and Scott Bakula plays Dwayne Cassius Pride on the just-canceled NCIS: New Orleans. So the prospect of a woman—a woman of color, with any luck—heading up an NCIS show is exciting. TVLine reports that the character, tentatively named Jane Tennant, will be the special agent in charge at a base of operations dubbed NCIS Pearl. And we’re already dreaming of actresses who could play the part, with a focus on stars who have Hawaiian roots. So here’s the deal: NCIS: Hawaii is making waves by planning to cast its very first female lead in the franchise’s history. Yep, you read that right! After years of male-led NCIS squads, the spotlight is finally shifting—and we’re totally here for it. But here’s the million-dollar question: Who should play this iconic role? We’re diving deep into Hollywood to spotlight some powerhouse actresses who could totally nail the gig. Think charisma, grit, island vibes, and serious badge-wearing energy. Let’s break it down
Breaking the Mold in a Male-Dominated Franchise. Let’s be honest—NCIS has always leaned hard on strong male characters. Gibbs, DiNozzo, Callen… it’s been a bit of a boys’ club. But Hawaii brings fresh vibes, and there’s no better time for a fierce, smart, and emotionally complex female agent to step up.
Representation Matters (Big Time). Women in law enforcement on TV? Not just sidekicks anymore. A female lead in this tropical spin-off would bring much-needed representation, especially for younger viewers who want to see someone like them leading with brains and bravery.
Top Dream Casting Picks for ‘NCIS: Hawaii’. Let’s get into the juicy part. Here are our top dream picks for who could bring the heat to NCIS: Hawaii.
Gina Rodriguez – The Tough But Charming Commander. You know her from Jane the Virgin and Annihilation, and let’s be real—Gina Rodriguez has that effortless mix of humor, heart, and hardcore determination. She could bring a relatable, no-BS style to the role while still commanding the screen.
Why She’s a Fit
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Latina representation? Check.
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Serious acting chops? Double check.
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Action-ready? Have you seen her in Miss Bala?
Maggie Q – The Badass with Brains
Talk about someone who can kick butt and look cool doing it. Maggie Q (Nikita, Designated Survivor) has the martial arts moves, the intense stare, and the emotional depth to carry a show like this.
What She Brings
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Real-world stunt skills.
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Leadership presence.
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Steely-eyed detective energy.
Yvonne Strahovski – The Cool, Collected Investigator
Chuck and The Handmaid’s Tale alum Yvonne Strahovski gives off major agent energy. She’s calm under pressure, smart as hell, and knows how to handle high-stakes tension.
Her Edge
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She nails emotional complexity.
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Great at balancing action with subtlety.
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Totally believable as a top-tier NCIS agent.
Jurnee Smollett – The Bold Leader with Grit
Fresh off Lovecraft Country and Birds of Prey, Jurnee Smollett is on fire. She brings intensity, empathy, and serious main-character magnetism.
Standout Qualities
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Fierce screen presence.
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Range from action to drama.
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Could totally own a tropical field office.
Elodie Yung – Sleek, Mysterious, and Commanding
Fans of Daredevil will instantly recognize Elodie Yung. With a background in both law and action-heavy roles, she could bring a mysterious edge to the NCIS team.
What Makes Her Shine
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Perfect blend of elegance and danger.
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Multilingual and multicultural edge.
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A natural at tactical and investigative
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scenes
What Traits Should the Lead Character Have?
Island Intelligence – Street-Smart & Strategic
Our dream lead isn’t just a by-the-book detective. She’s got to be island-savvy, navigating local cultures, customs, and maybe even speaking a little Hawaiian.
Emotional Depth – Not Just Grit, But Grace
Let’s face it—audiences want more than just tough talk. We want a character who’s vulnerable, who struggles, who feels real. The best actresses for this role bring layered performances that go deeper than a badge.
Physical Readiness – Ready for Action
There’s going to be running. And chasing. And tackling suspects into the ocean. So yeah—our leading lady’s got to be fit, fast, and fearless.
Setting Matters – Hawaii as a Character
Island Life = A New Type of Crime Drama
NCIS: Hawaii isn’t just a new cast. It’s a new vibe. Think surfboards by day, sting operations by night. This isn’t D.C. or L.A.—this is paradise with a dark side.
Cultural Sensitivity & Local Ties
The lead needs to connect with the local community, not bulldoze it. A perfect lead might even have Pacific Islander roots or a strong connection to the culture.
Why This Casting Matters for TV’s Future. This role marks a turning point for NCIS as a brand. Going with a woman, and especially a woman of color, would signal growth, inclusivity, and a move toward the future of television.
Viewer Connection = Series Longevity
People stick with characters they love. Cast the right lead and this series could run for years. Just look at what Mark Harmon did for the original NCIS.
Our Top Pick? Gina Rodriguez Has It All
If we had to choose just one?
Gina Rodriguez brings the balance of brains, humor, power, and real-world relatability. She could redefine the franchise while still fitting seamlessly into the NCIS mold.
Conclusion: The Future of NCIS Starts Now
There’s no doubt that NCIS: Hawaii is going to make waves. With its island setting and the promise of a bold new female lead, this could be the freshest, fiercest chapter yet in the NCIS saga.
But casting the right woman? That’s where it all begins. Whether it’s Gina, Maggie, Yvonne, Jurnee, or Elodie, one thing’s clear: we’re ready for her.
Bring on the palm trees. Bring on the investigations. And bring on the badass women
