Since its 2003 premiere, NCIS has spawned an entire franchise — including the prequel series NCIS: Origins. Fans of the iconic naval investigative series will notice that many beloved characters appear in both shows, albeit portrayed by younger actors in the prequel. Here’s a closer look at how the original cast compares to their Origins counterparts.
Leroy Jethro Gibbs
Mark Harmon defined Gibbs for 18 seasons, leading the Washington, D.C. NCIS office and appearing in crossovers with NCIS: New Orleans. Harmon also narrates NCIS: Origins in cameo appearances as the older Gibbs.
In Origins, Austin Stowell steps into the role of young Gibbs, freshly reeling from the tragic loss of his wife, Shannon, and daughter, Kelly. “It’s a daunting task to recreate Gibbs while respecting the original storyline,” Stowell told Us Weekly. Harmon’s guidance helped him settle into the role, giving fans a believable glimpse into Gibbs’ early years.
Mike Franks
Gibbs’ mentor, Mike Franks, was originally played by Muse Watson from seasons 3–15 of NCIS. On Origins, Kyle Schmid portrays young Franks, running the NIS office at Camp Pendleton before NCIS existed.
“Franks is blunt but has the biggest heart,” Schmid said. “He carries the weight of other people’s lives while trusting in courage. I clicked with Muse immediately while preparing for the role.” Franks introduces Gibbs to the world of naval investigation, setting him on the path to lead his own office.
Donald “Ducky” Mallard
David McCallum played Ducky for 20 seasons before his passing in September 2023. On Origins, Adam Campbell reprises his younger version, first introduced in 2014 on the original series. Viewers witness Ducky and Gibbs reunite 12 years after their initial meeting, learning how Ducky developed his signature practice of speaking to the deceased during autopsies.
Campbell noted, “[Origins] can be darker at times, but the sense of camaraderie remains. Everyone is incredibly supportive, which mirrors the ethos of the original series.”
Tobias Fornell
Joe Spano brought FBI agent Fornell to life on NCIS from 2003 to 2024. In Origins, Lucas Dixon portrays young Fornell, meeting Gibbs for the first time in season 1, episode 6. Dixon’s Fornell helps the Pendleton team connect with intel while introducing fans to the early dynamics of the NCIS-FBI relationship.
Diane Sterling
Melinda McGraw played Diane, Gibbs’ ex-wife, from 2011 onward. On Origins, Kathleen Kenny portrays a younger Diane, introduced as a real estate agent selling Gibbs’ home in the season 1 finale. By season 2, Gibbs and Diane’s relationship begins anew, providing fans with the origins of their complex dynamic.
Vera Strickland
Vera, Gibbs’ former coworker, appeared briefly on NCIS (season 11). On Origins, Diany Rodriguez portrays young Vera, who helped develop a criminal profiling database in the 1990s. In a 2025 crossover, viewers saw the character evolve over decades: young Vera working a Pendleton case, and the original Vera (Roma Maffia) assisting the modern-day NCIS team with a related investigation.
The Verdict
From Gibbs to Ducky, NCIS: Origins offers fans a unique lens to see their favorite characters in formative years while staying faithful to the iconic personalities fans have cherished for over two decades. By blending nostalgia with new storytelling, the prequel enriches the entire franchise while honoring the legacy of the original series.
