Mark Harmon Addresses Potential NCIS Return After Young Gibbs Prequel: “I Have Been Asked That A Lot…”
Mark Harmon teases whether Leroy Jethro Gibbs will return to NCIS in light of the upcoming premiere of NCIS: Origins. More than two years since Gibbs left MCRT in NCIS season 19, the actor is slated to make a comeback via the next spinoff series from the franchise. Instead of stepping back into the role he played for almost two decades, he will only provide the narration for the prequel, which tackles Gibbs’ earliest years as part of Mike Franks’ NIS team. Despite this, many are still holding out hope that Harmon will reprise the role in NCIS.
Speaking with TVLine during CBS’ TCA Summer Press Tour, Harmon addresses the idea. Since he’s already back in the franchise via NCIS: Origins, it might not be difficult to recruit him for a cameo in the main show. That said, Harmon states that he is actually unaware of any plans for Gibbs to return. Read his full quote below:
It wasn’t so much a decision to leave, but the right timing to push away a little bit. I was thrilled with the storyline they came up with and how they handled the character. And the show continued on. I have been asked that a lot…I’ve always let the writers do what they want to do. Directly, like a phone call…? Not that I’m aware of. I don’t know [if I’ll be back for the eventual series finale]. I don’t think he’s still standing in the stream. [Chuckles]
