NCIS: Origins Cast Revealed: 9 Shocking Facts About The New Young Gibbs And His Team
The highly anticipated premiere of *NCIS: Origins* has finally pulled back the curtain on the early days of the legendary Leroy Jethro Gibbs, introducing a completely new—yet familiar—team of agents. As of the latest updates in December 2025, the prequel series, which debuted on October 14, 2024, has captivated fans by exploring the pivotal year of 1991, years before Gibbs became the stoic, rule-bending leader of the flagship *NCIS* team. This deep dive into the Naval Investigative Service (NIS) at Camp Pendleton is narrated by the original Gibbs himself, Mark Harmon, and features a powerhouse ensemble cast bringing the iconic characters to life.
The show not only features a younger version of Gibbs but also his mentor, Mike Franks, and a new roster of agents who will shape the future NCIS universe. The casting choices for this pivotal prequel were crucial, and the actors selected have impressive backgrounds that promise to deliver the fresh, yet authentic, take fans have been craving. From the lead agent to the surprising Season 2 additions, here is the complete breakdown of the *NCIS: Origins* cast, their roles, and the surprising connections that cement the show's place in the franchise.
The Core Cast of NCIS: Origins and Their Biographies
The first season of *NCIS: Origins* centers on the NIS office at Camp Pendleton in 1991. The core team is tasked with solving complex cases that will ultimately forge the character of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. The actors chosen to embody these foundational roles are seasoned veterans of television and film.
Austin Stowell as Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs
- Role: Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a newcomer to the Naval Investigative Service (NIS) who is just beginning his career as a special agent after his time in the Marines.
- Born: December 24, 1984, in Kensington, Connecticut, USA.
- Key Filmography: Stowell is an American actor known for his roles in major films and television series, including the *Dolphin Tale* movies (2011, 2014), *Love and Honor*, and the television series *Keep Breathing*.
- Fun Fact: He graduated from the University of Connecticut's Department of Dramatic Arts.
Kyle Schmid as Special Agent Mike Franks
- Role: Special Agent Mike Franks, the tough, experienced, and legendary NIS agent who serves as Gibbs' first partner and mentor. This role was originally played by Muse Watson in *NCIS*.
- Born: August 3, 1984, in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
- Key Filmography: Schmid is a Canadian actor best known for his television work, including his main roles as Alex Caulder in History's military drama *Six* and Henry Durham in Syfy's supernatural series *Being Human*.
- Fun Fact: He began his acting career as a child model and appeared in his first film, *Virus*, in 1996.
Mariel Molino as Special Agent Lala Dominguez
- Role: Special Agent Lala Dominguez, a sharp, street-smart agent who is ambitious and determined to prove herself in a male-dominated field.
- Key Filmography: Molino is a Mexican-American actress who has starred in the Hulu series *The Watchful Eye*, the Amazon Prime Video series *The Game of Keys*, and the ABC drama *Promised Land*.
- Fun Fact: Her recent work includes the horror feature film *The Shade*.
Tyla Abercrumbie as Field Operations Support (FOS) Mary Jo Hayes
- Role: Mary Jo Hayes, the Field Operations Support member who is a tough, no-nonsense veteran of the NIS.
- Born: 1986 in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
- Key Filmography: Abercrumbie is an American actress, writer, and director best known for her role as Nina Williams in the Showtime drama series *The Chi*. She has an extensive background in theater.
- Fun Fact: She is an alumnus of the Theatre Department at Columbia College Chicago.
Patrick Fischler as Cliff Walker
- Role: Cliff Walker, a seasoned NIS agent who is a key figure in the Pendleton office.
- Key Filmography: Fischler is a prolific character actor known for roles in *Mad Men*, *Twin Peaks: The Return*, and *Once Upon a Time*.
The Expanding NCIS Universe: Surprising Season 2 Additions
The success of the first season has already led to exciting casting announcements for the upcoming second season, which will deepen the show's ties to the broader *NCIS* franchise and its spin-offs. These new entities confirm that *Origins* is not just a Gibbs story, but a foundational pillar for the entire universe.
Phillip Winchester as Mason Franks
In a major development for Season 2, actor Phillip Winchester has been cast as Mason Franks, the older brother of Mike Franks. This addition is set to explore the complex family dynamics of Gibbs' mentor. Winchester is a recognizable face to procedural fans.
- Key Filmography: Winchester is known for his leading roles as Peter Stone in the *Chicago Justice* and *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* crossover universe, and as Sergeant Michael Stonebridge in the action series *Strike Back*.
- Topical Authority: His casting reinforces the show's connection to other major television franchises, bringing a familiar gravitas to the role of Mason Franks.
Shea Buckner as Young Dwayne Pride
Perhaps the most significant casting for the expanded universe is the introduction of a young Dwayne Pride, the central character from the spin-off *NCIS: New Orleans*. Shea Buckner will guest star in Season 2 in an episode that explores the early days of the "Fed Five" team.
- Key Filmography: Buckner is an American Olympian water polo player turned actor who has appeared in television shows such as *The Rookie*, *The Blacklist*, *The Equalizer*, and a guest role in *Only Murders in the Building*.
- The Fed Five: The episode will also feature the rest of the infamous "Fed Five," including the newly cast Adam Kulbersh as Betts and Mark Deklin as McLane, characters whose history with Gibbs and Pride is central to *NCIS* lore.
Why NCIS: Origins is a Must-Watch Prequel
The premise of *NCIS: Origins* is designed to answer long-standing questions about Gibbs' past, particularly his transition from a decorated Marine to a federal agent following the tragic loss of his first wife, Shannon, and daughter, Kelly. The show is set in 1991, a crucial period in his life.
The Narrative Power of Mark Harmon
Mark Harmon’s involvement as the show’s narrator and executive producer is a key factor in its authenticity. His voice guides the audience through the early struggles and triumphs of his younger self, providing a seamless link between the prequel and the flagship series. This narrative device ensures that the younger Gibbs, played by Stowell, remains tethered to the character fans know and love.
Deepening the Lore of Mike Franks
The casting of Kyle Schmid as Mike Franks is pivotal. Franks is arguably the most influential figure in Gibbs’ professional life, teaching him the rules—and how to break them. *Origins* provides the first real look at their partnership in its infancy, showing how Franks’ mentorship shaped Gibbs’ famous stoicism and unwavering moral code. The addition of Franks' brother, Mason, in Season 2 promises to add even more layers to this crucial relationship.
Establishing the Foundation of the NIS
The series is set at the Naval Investigative Service (NIS), the precursor agency to the modern-day NCIS. The cases the team tackles in the early 90s are foundational, showcasing the agency’s evolution and the political landscape of the time. The team, including the ambitious Lala Dominguez and the veteran FOS Mary Jo Hayes, reflects the diverse, hard-working agents who built the organization.
With a fresh cast embodying iconic characters and a strong narrative thread connecting it to the entire *NCIS* universe, *NCIS: Origins* is more than just a prequel; it's a vital piece of the franchise’s history. The show continues to deliver on its promise of an action-packed, character-driven story that illuminates the path of one of television’s most enduring characters. The latest updates, including the introduction of young Dwayne Pride and the rest of the Fed Five, confirm the show's commitment to building topical authority and expanding the lore for years to come.
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