Taking on the role of a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs was no small feat for actor Austin Stowell, who starred in the popular prequel series NCIS – Origins. With Mark Harmon portraying the older version of the character for more than twenty years, Stowell admits that he still struggles to feel completely at ease in the role.
During the Monte-Carlo TV Festival, Stowell and his co-star Mariel Molino addressed several inquiries regarding NCIS – Origins. When discussing his portrayal of Gibbs, Stowell revealed that the pressure of the role remains just as intense now as it was at the beginning, despite the success of the inaugural season.
Although he appreciates the challenge as an actor and believes he can truly “thrive” in such situations, Stowell maintains that the character ultimately belongs to Mark Harmon.
According to Austin Stowell, “I had numerous fears. There were countless firsts for me. It was my first experience on a network television show, my first time embodying a character that had been previously portrayed, and my first opportunity to be the lead on a call sheet. I’m a person who thrives under pressure. I enjoy being placed in those high-stakes situations. I want to have the ball in my hands during the final moments of the game. I believe I truly excel in those circumstances. However, I doubt I will ever fully settle into this role because, ultimately, Gibbs will always be Mark Harmon’s character, and I’m portraying a younger version of him.”
In the series, Mariel Molino portrays Lala, a character not previously seen in the original NCIS show. This opens up the possibility for Molino to make an appearance in a future NCIS episode, and Molino has hinted that Monica Bellucci (Beetlejuice Beetlejuice) would be the perfect choice to play an older version of Lala.
However, this is contingent on Lala surviving the events of NCIS – Origins, which is a significant possibility. Fans are eagerly anticipating the character’s fate as they await the arrival of the second season.
According to Mariel Molino, “If she is [alive], I truly hope that something finally unfolds between Lala and Gibbs. You understand what I’m saying, right ? Either kiss me or just don’t.”
Fans Are Eagerly Anticipating Season 2
The prequel series was created by Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North. Kyle Schmid takes on the role of Special Agent Mike Franks, portraying the younger version of the character originally played by Muse Watson in NCIS.
Joining the cast are Tyla Abercrumbie as Mary Jo Hayes, Diany Rodriguez as Vera Strickland, and Caleb Foote as Bernard “Randy” Randolf. As of now, a premiere date for Season 2 of NCIS – Origins has not been announced.