Mark Harmon Casts Austin Stowell in NCIS Origins

The new CBS series 'NCIS: Origins,' which premiered on October 14, features Austin Stowell as a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs, with Mark Harmon, the original actor, serving as an executive producer and making a cameo. Harmon expressed high praise for Stowell, noting that he felt the 'room jump a little' during Stowell's audition, which led to widespread consensus that he was 'a movie star.' The series takes place in the early 1990s, exploring Gibbs' early career with the Naval Investigative Service. Harmon highlighted the significant competition for the role, yet emphasized Stowell's standout presence among many talented actors. The excitement surrounding the series reflects the enduring popularity of the NCIS franchise, despite recent cancellations within its broader universe. Viewers are eager to see how both Harmon and Stowell portray the iconic character in this fresh narrative.