MoviesNewsTalk
NCIS: Origins – Mark Harmon Reveals the "Movie Star" Who Became Young Gibbs!
Mark Harmon, the legendaryLeroy Jethro Gibbsfrom the originalNCIS, recently shared some behind-the-scenes casting magic forNCIS: Origins, the prequel series exploring Gibbs’ early days. He was discussing the selection ofAustin Stowellto play the younger version of the iconic character, giving us an incredible and amazing inside look at the decision process, even going into that extremely memorable and crucial audition scene! Harmon talked withPeople(viaEntertainment Weekly), revealing he knew instantly thatStowellwas the perfect choice.
Harmon recalls the audition, explaining,"I felt the room jump a little when Austin [Stowell] came in, before he said anything. He walked out and someone said, ‘I'll just say it, that's a movie star.’ There was heavy competition there. There were a lot of good people. I would say that there were really few who drew the attention Austin did. I can say that about any role that was cast in this show, because they all came in one after another. We got everybody we wanted."
This makesStowell’sselection even more noteworthy considering thatHarmonhas that massive reputation in Hollywood asGibbs; his performance was truly memorable; becoming the icon we see everywhere – and for such an iconic role like that – getting the right person was extremely important.
AlongsideStowell's Gibbs,NCIS: Originsboasts a truly amazing and capable cast who are bringing those early 1990s team members to life with astonishing grace! The incredibly high-caliber performances make the story more engaging than expected.
Those actors form that primary cast; it’s complemented by that amazing group of recurring characters making their mark, adding more depth and complexity to this prequel.
Stowell'sextensive acting experience–fromWhiplashtoCatch-22toA Friend of the Familyto a previous guest appearance inNCIS: Los Angeles—fully explains that amazing selection process!
His credentials prove exactly whyHarmonlauded his performance, noting not only that this talent possesses the experience, ability and talent to portray this legendary role accurately but adds to that established character in unexpected and highly successful ways, suggesting how deep and complex that planning might've actually been. This portrayal perfectly displays what makes this choice really effective and compelling. He brings a convincing blend of youth, promise and skills and it makes hisGibbsappear entirely believable as an early version.
Stowell’syoungGibbshas started brilliantly, creating this engaging version and making viewers crave more! The production design for this prequel is simply stunning, and viewers will realize just how similar, yet importantly different, it is, creating an alternate but equally intense experience, which makes it far more enjoyable and satisfying, further building its own anticipation! Those behind-the-scenes stories regarding that extremely memorable audition truly encapsulate the careful strategy behind this production decision, perfectly showcasing those great casting talents employed for the series. With this kind of amazing casting decision, combined with talented writing and acting– this is sure to keep people entertained! CatchNCIS: OriginseveryMonday at 10 p.m. ET on CBS!