‘NCIS: Origins’ Adds Another Familiar Face To Upcoming Prequel

Mark Harmon may no longer be a part of NCIS, but the story of Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs will live on in the upcoming prequel, NCIS: Origins.

Following the news that Austin Stowell will portray a young Agent Gibbs and Kyle Schmid will play NCIS legend Mike Franks, comes word that The Blacklist star Diany Rodriguez has also joined the cast.

NCIS: Origins Adds A Character Last Seen In Season 11

Rodriguez, according to Deadline, will play Special Agent Vera Strickland who is “a no-nonsense, sharp-witted Brooklynite who’s tough as nails and never minces words.”

The character — previously played by Nip/Tuck alum Roma Maffia — originated in an episode from Season 11 of NCIS “Under the Radar.”

Also joining the cast is The Chi‘s Tyla Abercrumbie as Field Operation Support Officer Mary Jo. Her character is the Mama Bear of the young NCIS crew working at Camp Pendelton and refers to herself as the “HSIC” – Head Secretary in Charge.

Will Mark Harmon Appear In The Latest NCIS Spinoff?

Mark Harmon may not appear in Origins, but he will be a part of the show. After appearing in 19 seasons of the CBS hit, Harmon is coming back to the franchise….kind of.

Instead of appearing on the show, Harmon will return to narrate the show and will also serve as an executive producer.

His son, Sean Harmon — who has appeared in flashbacks of Agent Gibbs on the NCIS flagship — came up with the idea for the prequel will also serve as an EP, as well as co-showrunners Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North.

 

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“I always felt there was a tale worth telling about his earlier years,” Sean shared after the announcement.

“I am thrilled to be stepping into a producing role alongside Gina, David and my dad as we tell this story and reveal a new side of this beloved character,” he added

Everything We Know About NCIS: Origins

According to a press release, NCIS: Origins will take place in 1991, centering around a Gibb’s arrival at the NCIS Camp Pendleton where he will try to prove his place on a “ragtag team led by NCIS legend Mike Franks.”

CBS has yet to give fans an actual trailer for the upcoming prequel. But they have been teasing casting news and teasers on social media.

Back on May 2, a 10-second first look was posted on YouTube.

The clip showed Gibbs fishing in a lake — just like his final moments on the show.

“We know how his story ended,” the 10-second clip teased.

“Now, see how it all began.”

Will you be tuning in to see how Gibbs’ story began? Fans can give the new series a shot when it premieres October 14 10 p.m. ET, on CBS.