Whenever there's a prequel to a beloved series, fans can't help but wonder which familiar characters might make an appearance, even if it's in a younger form. With NCIS: Origins diving into the early days of a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs, the cast is just as curious and hopeful as the audience to see appearances from characters from the original series. Season 1 of the CBS prequel has already delivered a couple of surprises, including Mark Harmon’s unexpected return as Gibbs and a cameo by Lucas Dixon as a young Fornell. Who could be next?
In a recent interview with TV Insider, several stars from NCIS: Origins shared which original NCIS characters they’d love to see brought to life in the police procedural in their early years, and we're right there with them! Mariel Molino, who portrays Special Agent Cecilia "Lala" Dominguez, shared that she'd like to see a young Anthony DiNozzo make an appearance in the prequel series. In the original show, DiNozzo is played by Michael Weatherly. Weatherly is currently set to return in this role for the NCIS spinoff, NCIS: Tony & Ziva.
Austin Stowell, who stars in the leading role of young Leroy Jethro Gibbs in NCIS: Origins, added that he’s fully on board with the idea of a younger version of DiNozzo joining the mix, saying the team could use “a new funny guy” to lighten things up around the office. Molino also mentioned that a young Ziva David would be a “cool” addition. Cote de Pablo is known for taking on the role of Ziva David in the original NCIS series. She is also set to reprise this role in NCIS: Tony & Ziva.
With both of these fan-favorite characters being tossed around as potential additions, it’s clear the NCIS: Origins cast has a deep appreciation for the legacy of NCIS. Imagining younger versions of DiNozzo and David opens the door for exciting new dynamics and fresh storylines that could honor the original series while carving out something new for Origins. Although nothing has been confirmed just yet, the cast's excitement makes it clear they're more than ready and definitely hopeful for more nods to the show's storied past. And honestly, so are we.
NCIS: Origins was created by Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North. The series takes place in 1991 and centers around the early career of a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs as he navigates the challenges of his new special agent role at the newly established NIS Camp Pendleton office. Besides Stowell and Molino, the cast is made up of Kyle Schmid, Tyla Abercrumbie, Diany Rodriguez, Caleb Foote, and many others. Harmon also returns as the voice of the older Gibbs, providing narration.
In February 2025, CBS renewed the police procedural series for a second season. The show is expected to return during the 2025-2026 broadcast season. We'll get back to you with the official season 2 premiere date as soon as it's announced.