“Hello, my brother.” That’s how Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) greeted Dwayne Pride (Scott Bakula) on NCIS in the backdoor pilot for New Orleans, “Crescent City,” in 2014. But how did they develop such a close friendship? Well, we’re about to start getting the origins of just that.
NCIS: Origins is casting the role of Young Pride for an episode to air later this season, TV Insider has learned exclusively. Yes, Pride is joining other characters whose younger versions have showed up on the prequel including Gibbs (Austin Stowell), Mike Franks (Kyle Schmid and Muse Watson), Vera Strickland (Diany Rodriguez and Roma Maffia), Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard (Adam Campbell and David McCallum), and Tobias Fornell (Lucas Dixon and Joe Spano). Scott Bakula played the role of Pride for seven seasons of NCIS: New Orleans, from 2014 to 2021.
Origins‘ version of Pride, a former Sheriff’s Deputy, is a newly minted Probationary Special Agent from the NIS Panama office. He has a history with Gibbs (Austin Stowell), and the two must resolve their past tension as they go undercover on a case. “One of the special things about NCIS: Origins is being able to explore the early days of so many beloved characters from the franchise,” said co-showrunners and executive producers Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North. “We’re excited to go back in time and meet the 1990s version of New Orleans’ pride and joy, the legendary Special Agent Dwayne Pride, and learn more about his history with Gibbs.”
If you thought NCIS: Origins was already packed with nostalgia, just wait. The series—set to explore the early career of Leroy Jethro Gibbs—is now expanding its universe by casting a young version of another fan-favorite: Dwayne “King” Pride, originally portrayed by Scott Bakula in NCIS: New Orleans. This move has the fandom buzzing, and with good reason. We’re not just witnessing Gibbs’ beginnings; we’re watching the roots of the NCIS legacy branching out deeper than ever before. Let’s dive into what this casting means, why it matters, and how a young Pride could reshape the prequel series.
Why Introducing a Young Dwayne Pride Is a Game-Changer
Expanding the NCIS Universe Beyond Gibbs
For years, Gibbs has been the anchor of the NCIS world. But adding Pride into Origins suggests something much bigger—a cinematic-style universe that interconnects characters long before fans met them on screen.
A Nod to the NCIS: New Orleans Fandom
NCIS:NOLA may have ended, but its fans never left. Bringing young Pride into Origins is a strategic move to keep that audience engaged and honored.
What We Know So Far About the Young Pride Casting
The Search for an Actor With Bakula’s Charm
Producers are reportedly looking for someone who can capture Scott Bakula’s signature mixture of leadership, warmth, and unshakeable moral compass. Young Pride needs to embody it all—swagger, sharp instincts, and that unmistakable Louisiana charisma.
Expected Age Range and Character Traits
While exact casting details are under wraps, insiders speculate the actor will likely portray Pride in his early law-enforcement years, possibly as a Navy cop or investigator before his New Orleans chapter begins.
Personality Markers Producers Want
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Confident but grounded
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Naturally authoritative
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Warm, approachable demeanor
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Ability to switch from playful to serious instantly
Sound familiar? Yes—classic Pride.
How Young Pride Fits Into the NCIS: Origins Timeline
Before New Orleans, Before His Own Team
This is Pride before the legend. Before the bar, before the jazz, before leading the NOLA office. Origins will likely show him crossing paths with Gibbs or working on related military cases.
Potential Avenues for Storylines
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Shared cases with young Gibbs in Washington
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Investigations tied to the Navy and Marine world
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Early moral dilemmas shaping the leader he will become
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The first hints of the loyalty and empathy that define him later
The writers now have a golden opportunity to show the foundation of his future leadership.
Why Fans Are Excited About Pride’s Return
Pride’s Unique Personality Stood Out in the NCIS Franchise
Dwayne Pride is not your typical agent. He’s soulful, passionate, deeply intuitive, and fiercely protective of his team. Introducing a younger version means fans will get a deeper understanding of what shaped this iconic character.
Scott Bakula’s Legacy Lives On
Bakula brought an unforgettable energy to Pride. Casting a younger version doesn’t replace him—it celebrates him.
Could Young Pride Lead to More Crossovers?
The NCIS Franchise Loves Interconnected Storylines
With Pride entering Origins, crossovers become easier—maybe even inevitable. CBS may be setting up long-term storytelling that ties Gibbs’ origin story to characters from other NCIS branches.
What This Could Mean for Fans
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Flash-forward cameos
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NOLA references
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Familiar names popping in unexpectedly
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Strengthening fan attachment across series
This is how you keep a franchise thriving for decades.
The Casting Challenge: Matching Scott Bakula’s Energy
Not Just About Looks
Producers aren’t just looking for a physical resemblance. They want someone who:
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Commands a room naturally
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Feels trustworthy
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Has emotional depth
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Can deliver Pride’s signature calm intensity
A Role With Big Shoes to Fill
Let’s be honest—recasting younger versions of beloved characters is always risky. But if done right, it pays off massively, just like Young Sheldon did for The Big Bang Theory.
What Fans Hope to See From Young Pride
Early Hints of His New Orleans Roots
Even if he’s not in Louisiana yet, fans expect nods—accent inflections, jazz references, or cultural cues.
A Look Into His Family Dynamics
Pride’s relationship with his father was deeply complex. Exploring this early could add layers to the character.
Pride’s First Big Case
Fans would love to see the investigation that changes everything for him.
Will Scott Bakula Return?
Cameos Are Possible
Even though Bakula wasn’t part of Origins from the start, the introduction of a younger Pride opens the door for narration, flash-forwards, or special appearances.
What a Bakula Cameo Would Mean
Pure fan service—and the good kind.
The Future of NCIS: Origins With Young Pride Added to the Mix
More Depth, More Heart, More Stories
Pride isn’t just another character. He brings soul. He brings emotion. He brings warmth. Adding those qualities to Origins could give the series the emotional weight that keeps audiences hooked.
A Bigger Universe for New and Old Fans
You don’t have to be a die-hard NCIS: New Orleans viewer to enjoy this. But if you are? This casting is a gift.
Conclusion
The decision to cast a young version of Scott Bakula’s Dwayne Pride in NCIS: Origins is more than a nostalgic nod—it’s a strategic expansion of the franchise’s storytelling power. By weaving Pride into the early NCIS timeline, producers are connecting fan-favorite legacies across the franchise while creating fresh opportunities for character development, crossovers, and emotional depth.
