The Full NCIS: Origins Cast: 5 Shocking Secrets And Character Biographies Revealed For Season 2
The anticipation for the second season of NCIS: Origins is reaching a fever pitch, with major casting news and plot revelations confirming that the prequel will delve deeper into the formative years of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. As of today, December 24, 2025, the most significant update is the official premiere date for Season 2 on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, alongside the confirmation of a major new cast member and a shocking crossover event featuring the original Gibbs actor, Mark Harmon. This new season promises to connect more dots between the fledgling Naval Investigative Service (NIS) in 1991 and the modern-day NCIS universe, exploring the high-stakes conspiracies and personal tragedies that shaped the legendary Special Agent.
The success of the first season, set at the NIS Camp Pendleton Office, hinged on the chemistry of its core ensemble, led by Austin Stowell as the young, stoic Gibbs. Season 2 is set to expand the world, introducing new characters who will become pivotal figures in Gibbs' history, while also addressing the dramatic cliffhangers that left the fate of a fan-favorite agent hanging in the balance. Here is the complete, updated cast list and the essential character details you need to know before the October 2025 premiere.
The Core NCIS: Origins Cast and Lead Actor Profile
The prequel series is built on the foundation of a small, dedicated team at the NIS Camp Pendleton office, forcing the agents to forge deep, often complicated bonds. The main cast for Season 2 features the return of the central players, along with a key new addition that ties directly into the history of Mike Franks.
Austin Stowell: The Young Leroy Jethro Gibbs
Austin Stowell takes on the monumental task of portraying the younger version of the iconic character made famous by Mark Harmon. His portrayal captures the early stoicism and intensity of the future NCIS boss, showing a man still finding his moral compass and learning the harsh realities of field work.
- Full Name: Austin Miles Stowell
- Born: December 24, 1984, in Kensington, Connecticut, U.S.
- Notable Roles: Stowell is known for his roles in the films Dolphin Tale (2011) and its sequel Dolphin Tale 2 (2014), Swallow, and the television series Keep Breathing. He also starred in The Hating Game.
- Role in Origins: A newly minted Special Agent at the NIS Camp Pendleton Office in 1991, fresh from his time in the Marine Corps. The series tracks his evolution from a disciplined Marine to the complex, rule-bending agent fans know and love.
Kyle Schmid as Special Agent Mike Franks
Kyle Schmid plays Special Agent Mike Franks, Gibbs' future mentor and the man who teaches him the "Gibbs Rules" of investigation. Franks is portrayed as a seasoned, cynical, yet deeply loyal agent who takes the young Gibbs under his wing. Schmid is known for his work on Being Human and Six.
Mariel Molino as Special Agent Cecilia “Lala” Dominguez
Lala Dominguez is a dynamic, ambitious agent whose story is central to the prequel's narrative. The first season ended on a devastating cliffhanger, leaving Lala's fate uncertain after a serious car crash. The initial narration by Mark Harmon hinted that this was "the story of her," sparking intense fan speculation about her survival and her ultimate importance to Gibbs' life.
Tyla Abercrumbie as Field Operation Support Officer Mary Jo Sullivan
Tyla Abercrumbie plays Mary Jo Sullivan (often referred to as just Mary Jo), the Field Operation Support Officer who serves as the "soul of NIS" at the Camp Pendleton office. Her character is the often-overlooked, overworked administrative backbone of the team, whose heart-tugging backstory was a highlight of Season 1. Abercrumbie is also known for her role as Nina Williams in The Chi.
Diany Rodriguez as Special Agent Vera Strickland
Diany Rodriguez portrays Special Agent Vera Strickland, a character familiar to longtime NCIS fans. Vera Strickland is a sharp, no-nonsense agent whose presence in the prequel fixes an 11-year plot hole in the original series, confirming her early connections to Gibbs and the team.
Shocking Season 2 Updates and New Cast Members
The second season of NCIS: Origins is poised to be an explosive return, not only resolving the Season 1 cliffhanger but also expanding the Gibbs family lore and the overarching NIS conspiracy. The latest announcements confirm that the world of the prequel is set to collide with the established NCIS timeline in unexpected ways.
The Introduction of Mason Franks and the Fed Five
A major new addition for Season 2 is the casting of Philip Winchester as Mason Franks, the older brother of Mike Franks. This casting suggests a deeper dive into the Franks family history, potentially revealing the origins of Mike's own troubled past and his relationship with his family. Winchester is a recognizable face from shows like Ransom Canyon and Strike Back.
Furthermore, Season 2 is confirmed to introduce the "Fed Five," a reference to a key storyline in the original NCIS series. This development promises to bring the young Gibbs and his team into contact with other agents who will be crucial to the future of the agency, including the introduction of Special Agent Dan McClane.
Mark Harmon’s On-Screen Cameo and Crossover Event
While Mark Harmon serves as the executive producer and the series' narrator, providing the voice of the present-day Leroy Jethro Gibbs reflecting on his past, his involvement is becoming more direct. Harmon made a rare on-screen cameo in the pilot, showing the current-day Gibbs in Alaska, and a special crossover episode is confirmed for Tuesday, November 11, 2025. This highly anticipated event will feature Harmon reprising his role as the older Gibbs, appearing in the prequel's first hour, creating a direct bridge between the two timelines and satisfying fans who have missed his presence on screen.
The Enduring Mystery of Lala Dominguez’s Fate
The biggest question heading into the Season 2 premiere on October 14, 2025, remains the fate of Mariel Molino's character, Special Agent Lala Dominguez. Her devastating crash in the Season 1 finale left the door open for a tragic conclusion, which would explain why the iconic Gibbs never spoke of her in the main series.
However, fan theories and even Molino's own social media activity have fueled speculation that Lala might have survived. The show's creators have consistently framed the narrative as a story Gibbs "doesn't tell," and specifically "the story of her," suggesting Lala's influence on Gibbs' life is profound, regardless of whether she lives or dies. The resolution of this cliffhanger is expected to be a central emotional struggle for the young agent, furthering his evolution toward the hardened man who lives by his own rules.
The NIS: Origins Timeline and Thematic Focus
NCIS: Origins is meticulously set in October 1991, a crucial time for the Naval Investigative Service (NIS) as it navigated the post-Cold War era and the precursor to its transformation into the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). The series is not just a procedural; it is a character study focused on the evolution of Gibbs' emotional struggles and his mentorship with Mike Franks.
Season 2 is expected to continue this thematic focus, exploring high-stakes conspiracies and diving into the personal sacrifices required of federal agents. The team will be seen traveling to new locations, such as Serenity, California, and teaming up with local law enforcement like the Oceanside PD, ensuring a mix of naval crimes and local investigations that shaped the early days of the agency. By revisiting these foundational moments, NCIS: Origins provides topical authority to the entire NCIS universe, giving fans the answers they've waited decades for about the man behind the head-slaps and the famous rules.
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