The NCIS: Sydney Casting Secrets: 6 Main Stars, Their Shocking Past Roles, And The Season 3 Gibbs Connection
The highly anticipated international spin-off, NCIS: Sydney, has quickly become a global phenomenon, and as of today, December 24, 2025, fans are eagerly dissecting every detail about the confirmed cast for the upcoming Season 3. The show, which premiered to massive success, is the first international installment in the long-running NCIS franchise, setting the action in the vibrant and complex environment of Sydney, Australia. It brings together a unique joint task force of NCIS agents and members of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to solve high-stakes naval crimes in the Southern Hemisphere. The dynamic cast is the core of the show’s success, blending international talent with seasoned Australian actors.
This deep dive reveals the full main cast list, their complete biographical profiles, and the latest updates on Season 3, including a fascinating new character and the subtle, yet significant, connection to the franchise's legendary figure, Leroy Jethro Gibbs. With Season 2 having premiered earlier this year on February 7, 2025, and Season 3 slated for an October 14, 2025, debut, now is the perfect time to get acquainted with the stars bringing this unique crime procedural to life.
The Confirmed NCIS: Sydney Main Cast & Character Biographies
The success of NCIS: Sydney hinges on the chemistry and contrasting styles of its main characters. The casting team successfully assembled a diverse, international ensemble, pairing a sharp American NCIS agent with a rugged Australian Federal Police counterpart, supported by a specialized team of investigators and forensic experts. The following are the six main cast members confirmed to be returning for Season 3, along with their detailed biographies and career highlights.
1. Olivia Swann as NCIS Special Agent-in-Charge Michelle Mackey
- Role: NCIS Supervisory Special Agent Michelle Mackey. She is the American agent leading the joint task force. She is known for her sharp intelligence, military background, and intense focus on the mission.
- Actor Biography: Olivia Charlotte Swann is an English actress, born on September 19, 1992, in England, UK.
- Career Highlights: Swann is best recognized for her role as Astra Logue in The CW's science fiction series, DC's Legends of Tomorrow, where she was a main cast member for several seasons. She began her acting career in 2018 with the television series Doctors.
- Key Entity Mentions: Astra Logue, DC's Legends of Tomorrow, The CW, Doctors, London, England, UK.
2. Todd Lasance as AFP Liaison Officer Sergeant Jim "JD" Dempsey
- Role: Sergeant Jim "JD" Dempsey, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) Second-in-Command and Agent Mackey’s liaison. He is a pragmatic, no-nonsense Aussie cop whose local knowledge and laid-back style often clash with Mackey's procedural approach, creating the core tension of the series.
- Actor Biography: Todd James Lasance is an Australian actor, born on February 18, 1985. He grew up in Medowie, New South Wales.
- Career Highlights: Lasance is one of Australia's most recognizable television actors. He is best known for his long-running role as Aden Jefferies on the Australian soap opera Home and Away, which earned him a Logie Award. Internationally, he is known for portraying Julius Caesar on Spartacus: Blood and Sand and Julian on The Vampire Diaries.
- Key Entity Mentions: Aden Jefferies, Home and Away, Logie Award, Julius Caesar, Spartacus: Blood and Sand, Julian, The Vampire Diaries, Crownies, New South Wales, Medowie.
3. Sean Sagar as NCIS Special Agent DeShawn Jackson
- Role: NCIS Special Agent DeShawn Jackson, a field agent who brings a blend of technical skill and on-the-ground investigation to the team.
- Actor Biography: Sean Sagar is a British actor and model, born on February 20, 1990.
- Career Highlights: Sagar gained prominence for his role as Monk in the British military drama series Our Girl. His film credits include Blue Story and a role in Guy Ritchie's film The Gentlemen. He also appeared in the Netflix series Fate: The Winx Saga.
- Key Entity Mentions: Monk, Our Girl, Blue Story, The Gentlemen, Guy Ritchie, Fate: The Winx Saga, Top Boy, Ill Manors, British actor.
4. Tuuli Narkle as AFP Liaison Officer Constable Evie Cooper
- Role: AFP Liaison Officer Constable Evie Cooper, the team's intelligence analyst. She is the local expert who often provides the crucial cultural and geographical context needed for the cases.
- Actor Biography: Tuuli Narkle is an Australian actress of Aboriginal (Yued and Wiilman Noongar) and Finnish descent, born and raised in rural Western Australia.
- Career Highlights: Narkle is a highly acclaimed Australian talent. She won the prestigious 2022 AACTA Award for Best Lead Actress in a Television Drama for her performance in the series Mystery Road: Origin. Her background includes training in performing arts and a strong foundation in Australian theatre.
- Key Entity Mentions: Yued, Wiilman Noongar, Finnish descent, Western Australia, AACTA Award, Mystery Road: Origin, Australian actress, intelligence analyst.
5. Mavournee Hazel as AFP Forensic Scientist Bluebird 'Blue' Gleeson
- Role: AFP Forensic Scientist Bluebird 'Blue' Gleeson, the team's eccentric and brilliant forensic expert who provides crucial scientific evidence.
- Actor Biography: Mavournee Hazel is an Australian actress known for her roles in Australian television.
- Career Highlights: Hazel is widely recognized for her main cast role as Piper Willis in the long-running Australian soap opera Neighbours. She has also appeared in various other Australian TV productions.
- Key Entity Mentions: Piper Willis, Neighbours, Forensic Scientist, Australian TV productions.
6. William McInnes as NCIS Forensic Pathologist Dr. Roy Penrose
- Role: Dr. Roy Penrose, the NCIS Forensic Pathologist who works closely with the team to uncover the cause of death and other medical evidence.
- Actor Biography: William McInnes is a veteran Australian actor and author, known for his extensive work across film, television, and theatre.
- Career Highlights: McInnes has won multiple Logie Awards and been nominated for AACTA Awards throughout his career, with prominent roles in shows like Blue Heelers and SeaChange. He is a highly respected figure in the Australian entertainment industry.
- Key Entity Mentions: Dr. Roy Penrose, Forensic Pathologist, Logie Awards, AACTA Awards, Blue Heelers, SeaChange, Australian author.
The Unique NCIS: Sydney Task Force Dynamic and Setting
What sets NCIS: Sydney apart from its American counterparts is its unique operational structure. It’s not just another NCIS office; it is a specialized joint task force created under the 'Pacific Law' initiative. This collaboration is a vital element of the show's topical authority, providing a fresh take on the procedural format.
The core premise involves NCIS Special Agents working side-by-side with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to manage and investigate naval crimes that cross international and jurisdictional boundaries in the Indo-Pacific region. This mandated partnership forces the American and Australian teams—each with distinct procedures, training, and cultural norms—to learn to trust and rely on each other. The clash between the American bureaucratic, chain-of-command focus (represented by Agent Mackey) and the Australian, more flexible, local-first approach (embodied by Sergeant Dempsey) is a constant source of both conflict and comedy.
The setting itself is a major character. Sydney provides a stunning backdrop, from its iconic harbor and beaches to its bustling urban centers and remote coastal areas. The cases often involve complex geopolitical issues, international organized crime, and threats to the Australian and US Navies, giving the show a scope that feels bigger than a typical local police procedural. Entities like the US Navy, Royal Australian Navy, and the Australian Federal Police are central to the show's narrative, grounding it in real-world international cooperation.
Season 3 Casting Update: The New Character and the Gibbs Legacy
The biggest casting news heading into the highly anticipated Season 3, premiering on October 14, 2025, involves the introduction of a key new character and a surprising connection to the NCIS universe's most iconic figure.
The Introduction of Travis "Trigger" Riggs
While the main cast is returning, Season 3 has introduced the new character of Travis "Trigger" Riggs in a recurring role. Riggs is a character who has quickly become a fan favorite, often filling in for the absent AFP Forensic Scientist Blue Gleeson at the start of the season. His presence adds a new dynamic to the team's investigative process, and fans are hoping he becomes a permanent fixture.
The Subtle Leroy Jethro Gibbs Connection
The connection to the original NCIS is a major draw for long-time fans, and Season 3 has subtly woven in a tie to the legendary Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Showrunner Morgan O'Neill revealed that the backstory of NCIS Special Agent-in-Charge Michelle Mackey includes a direct link to the former NCIS agent.
According to O'Neill, a "certain former NCIS agent" (strongly implied to be Gibbs) reached out to Mackey during a low point in her career. This connection suggests that while Gibbs may not appear in Sydney, his legacy and influence continue to shape the NCIS world, even on the other side of the globe. This revelation provides a deep layer to Mackey's character, explaining some of her intense dedication and rigid adherence to the NCIS mission, potentially echoing the mentorship she received from a figure like Gibbs.
This subtle nod to Gibbs, a character who embodies the entire franchise's history and moral code, is a masterful piece of casting and writing. It serves as a narrative bridge, connecting the newest international spin-off directly to the foundational mythology of the original series. The exploration of this mentorship is a key storyline to watch as Season 3 progresses, offering fans a fresh perspective on the enduring influence of the NCIS universe. The show's continued success, with confirmed seasons airing in 2025, solidifies NCIS: Sydney as a permanent and essential part of the global NCIS franchise.
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