WithNCIS: Originscoming up, there were a lot of actors who auditioned to play Jethro Gibbs, but I am happy that the role did not go to Stephen Amell. The latest spinoff ofNCISwill focus on a young Jethro Gibbs, before he joins the team inNCIS. TheNCIS: Originstrailershowed off the newest cast and team dynamics, which are certain to be an exciting addition to theNCISfranchise.
The show will star Austin Stowell as Gibbs and will also feature returningNCIScharacters like Mike Franks, played by Kyle Schmid. TheNCIS: Originscastwill also feature several new characters who have not appeared inNCIS, but that are important to Gibb’s professional development as a young agent. As the season premiere nears, I am excited to see the new cast in action and I am glad that Stowell got the role of Gibbs over Amell.
Stephen Amell Almost Played Young Gibbs In NCIS: Origins
Amell Received Good Feedback After His Audition For Gibbs
In an interview on theInside of You With Michael Rosenbaumpodcast viaTVLine, Amell revealed he auditioned to play Gibbs in the upcomingNCIS: Origins.Amell said that he “thought that the audition went extraordinarily well"and that he “got great feedback.” His discovery and subsequent disappointment at finding out he did not get the part pushed him to channel his frustration into his next audition forSuits L.A.,which luckily helped him get the role.
Gibbs' Team Makes Me More Confident In NCIS: Origins Despite It Breaking A Spinoff Trend
I was nervous about NCIS: Origins breaking a common NCIS spinoff trend, but Gibbs' team, led by Austin Stowell, offers a sense of relief.
While [Amell’s] natural charisma could be a natural fit for Gibbs, he is also a subtly different performer from original actor Mark Harmon.
Although it is frustrating not to get a part you audition for, especially after great feedback, I am happy that Amell did not get the part of Gibbs. I think he is better suited for theSuits L.A.role, where he will play Ted Black, a powerful attorney in L.A. While his natural charisma could be a natural fit for Gibbs, he is also a subtly different performer from original actor Mark Harmon. This would create an inconsistency in characterization that would be difficult to ignore. I also think that even though Amell is an incredible actor, Stowell was better suited for the role of Gibbs and thateach actor got the part that they were meant for.
NCIS: Origins Needed A Fresh Face To Play Young Gibbs
Another complicating factor is Amell’s history within theNCISfranchise. Although Gibbs would have been his first major role, Amell has surprisingly already played a minor part inNCIS: Los Angeles. In the episode “Bounty,“Amell played Marine Gunnery Sergeant Andrew Weaver. If Amell had appeared in both roles, it would not have been the first time thatNCISreused the same performer, but it is not a good look for a professional franchise likeNCISto have it happen with a major character.
Amell appeared in season 2, episode 8 ofNCIS: Los Angeles, which can be streamed on Paramount+.
NCIS: Originsneeded a new actor for Gibbs. As disappointing as it is that Amell did not get the role, I thinkNCIS: Originsmade the right choice. It looks lazy when actors are recast for new roles in different shows of the same franchise and I am particularly excited to see how Stowell brings young Gibbs to life. He is one of severalNCISactors who played Gibbsso I am looking forward to seeing his take on the character.
NCIS: Origins
Cast
NCIS: Origins is set in 1991, preceding the events of the original series. The series introduces Leroy Jethro Gibbs as a new special agent at NCIS Camp Pendleton. Under the leadership of NCIS legend Mike Franks, Gibbs navigates his role within a tenacious, unconventional team.
