NCIS’ Gibbs Spinoff Has A Big Mark Harmon Problem

The upcoming NCIS prequel series about Leroy Jethro Gibbs has a big Mark Harmon casting. CBS’ long-running police procedural franchise is once again expanding via a new show. Instead of launching a satellite office in other cities, the next NCIS series will put its original poster boy at the center of its storytelling, only this time, it will tackle Gibbs’ past instead of his present and potential future. Plot specifics are still scant about the project, but the NCIS spinoff will take place in the early ’90s, during Gibbs’ time stationed at Camp Pendleton.

Joining Gibbs in this new adventure are his mentor, Mike Franks, and Vera Strickland. Both previously appeared in the main TV series, but the prequel will expand what has been established about them. Both of them are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Gibbs to be the no-nonsense Supervisory Agent that he became. So far, no other characters have been announced to join the trio, but Ducky is a great candidate to appear in the NCIS Gibbs prequel, considering his history with the former team leader. Harmon will return to reprise his iconic role but with a big caveat.

NCIS Spinoff Prequel Will Feature A New Actor As Young Gibbs (With Harmon Narrating)

Inspired by Young Sheldon‘s storytelling format, Harmon will only narrate the events of the NCIS Gibbs prequel. It’s uncertain if he will have any kind of physical appearance in the series, but providing the voiceover will be his primary role. CBS is casting a different actor to play a young version of the character and will not be bringing back Sean Harmon (Mark Harmon’s son), who previously played a younger version of his dad’s Naval agent in NCIS. Both Harmon men, however, will produce the project.

Mark Harmon Played Gibbs In NCIS Flashbacks

As if taking over a beloved role from a legendary actor isn’t enough, CBS’ young Gibbs casting woes don’t end there. While bringing a new actor that is age-appropriate concerning the role he will play in the NCIS spinoff, there will be one big problem. Harmon was featured in the flashback sequences that happened around the time that the prequel is set. It would be odd to tie the new show with what NCIS has revealed about Gibbs’ life during that period without noticing the difference in physical appearance between Harmon and whoever CBS casts as the new young Gibbs.

This will be particularly difficult to pull off if the NCIS prequel tackles Gibbs’ darkest storyline — the murder of his first wife and daughter. There were hints of the tragedy in the main show, but the franchise has never shown how harrowing of an experience it was for him to lose his family. Considering the timeline of the upcoming endeavor, CBS can elect to have it fully play on the screen, and use it as a launching pad for the rest of the series. However, Shannon and Kelly’s scenes all feature Harmon as Gibbs.