Sean Harmon, son of longtime "NCIS" star Mark Harmon, will not reprise his role as young Jethro Gibbs in the upcoming prequel, resulting in "some drama brewing behind-the-scenes," a new report claimed.
“Mark Harmon explained that his son Sean would stay on as an executive producer on the series but was no longer going to star as young Gibbs,” an unnamed source told In Touch Weekly.
Mark, 73, portrayed special agent Jethro Gibbs on NCIS for 18 years before departing the franchise as a series regular in 2021. The California native returned to narrate the prequel "NCIS: Origins," which chronicles a young Gibbs at Camp Pendleton in 1991, shortly after the murder of his wife and child.
Mark's son Sean, 36, portrayed a young Jethro Gibbs in flashback sequences throughout seven episodes of "NCIS" from 2008 to 2020 and contributed to the concept presented to the showrunners; however, the "Freaky Friday" actor indicated that Sean was not invited to reprise his role in the prequel "primarily due to his numerous commitments," as reported by a source.
Nonetheless, the insider indicates that “others are expressing contrasting opinions” over the job alteration, with the “rumor on the set” suggesting that CBS “sought a more prominent star to portray Gibbs.” The show, which debuted on Monday, October 14, cast Austin Stowell, a former star of "Secret Life of the American Teenager," for the esteemed role of young Jethro Gibbs.
“And Mark agreed. Growing the franchise is the bottom line and nothing against Sean, but Austin has the leading man's good looks and star power that the producers wanted," the unidentified insider furthered.
Mark expressed his willingness to return to narrate the brand spinoff, stating that he has made himself "entirely available" on-site for any inquiries from the cast. The actor expressed to Variety that he possessed “full trust” in the cast and crew and “wasn’t hesitant” to reengage with the NCIS universe.
“[Showrunners] David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal had asked me to do the voiceover, which was always part of my understanding. I don’t know if it was clear initially how that was going to take place. Then the question was, after that, how are you going to do that? Is he standing there with his finger on his chin? Is he writing a book?” he explained ahead of the premiere on October 11.
Meanwhile, Austin, 39, was committed to getting the role of young Gibbs, telling PEOPLE Magazine that he was single but “in a relationship” with the cast and crew of "NCIS: Origins."
“I am here Monday through Friday … Remember those 300 people that I was telling you about? They are all my boyfriends and girlfriends,” he told the outlet on October 14. He reiterated Mark's assertions on his willingness to mentor and noted that the seasoned television professional cooperated with him.
He consistently initiates interactions with, 'Do you need anything?' The actor elucidated that it is remarkably disarming.
"The guy is a global superstar. He could make it very uncomfortable for people to be around him. Certainly. I mean, for me, a guy who is stepping into the shoes of the character that he created and has become beloved, as well as everybody else around here. That goes for the crew. He treats everyone with such respect," he stated.
Business Times has reached out to Mark Harmon and Sean Harmon for comments.
