NCIS Knew Instantly Only One Star Could Replace Mark Harmon as Gibbs!

NCIS Showrunners Instantly Knew Austin Stowell Was the Perfect Young Gibbs

Replacing Mark Harmon as NCIS’s legendary Leroy Jethro Gibbs? That’s no easy task. But according to the showrunners of NCIS: Origins, the choice was obvious from the moment Austin Stowell walked into the audition.

The Instant Connection

When casting for young Gibbs, the team needed someone who could capture Mark Harmon’s essence. NCIS writer and executive producer Gina Lucita Monreal revealed to Entertainment Weekly that Stowell immediately stood out:

“We just knew when Austin came in that he was Gibbs… He embodied it. His talent is limitless—his dedication to the role, studying Mark, studying the show—he has a similar leadership quality that Mark had on set that bleeds into Gibbs the character.”

Even Harmon himself recognized Stowell’s potential. After giving him some direction during the audition, he simply told him:

“There you go. If I were you, I would just walk out of the room right now.”

Stowell took the advice, walked out, and returned to Vermont—unknowingly securing one of TV’s most iconic roles.

Honoring the NCIS Legacy

Set in the early days of Gibbs’ career at NIS Camp Pendleton, NCIS: Origins explores his journey under the mentorship of Mike Franks (played by Kyle Schmid). With Mark Harmon as an executive producer—and even serving as the show’s narrator—the prequel stays true to the NCIS timeline, ensuring longtime fans feel right at home.

“One of the biggest jobs in creating NCIS: Origins was going back to the original show, aligning with its timeline, and honoring everything that has already been established,” Monreal explained.

Mark Harmon Breaks Gibbs’ Rule #91

For years, Gibbs lived by Rule #91: When you decide to walk away, don’t look back. But Harmon just shattered that rule in the best way possible.

Not only is he narrating NCIS: Origins, but he also makes a surprise on-screen return in the premiere—something NCIS fans never expected. Unlike Young Sheldon, which saved its narrator’s reveal for the finale, NCIS: Origins wasted no time bringing Harmon back into the fold.

So, for those who thought Gibbs was gone for good? Think again. The legend is back, and NCIS is in great hands.