NCIS: Origins Expands Its Cast with Shea Buckner as Young Dwayne Pride

Exciting news for 'NCIS' fans keeps rolling in! The highly anticipated prequel series, aptly titled 'NCIS: Origins,' has officially tapped Shea Buckner to portray a younger version of Dwayne Pride. If you're familiar with the 'NCIS' universe, you'll instantly recognize Pride as the beloved character Scott Bakula brought to life so wonderfully in 'NCIS: New Orleans.' Now, we get to see his formative years!

Buckner is stepping into a pretty significant role, joining Austin Stowell, who, as we already know, is set to play a fresh-faced Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Imagine it: 1999, the turn of the millennium, and these two iconic characters are just starting out as NCIS agents. It’s a fascinating premise, offering a peek into the genesis of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service's most legendary figures.

The series, which is slated for CBS's 2024-2025 season, will delve into the early careers of Gibbs and Pride as they navigate the often-turbulent waters of law enforcement in the late 90s. We're talking about those initial cases that shaped them, the partnerships that formed, and, no doubt, a healthy dose of that signature 'NCIS' action and mystery. It’s always fascinating, isn’t it, to see how beloved characters got their start and what trials molded them into the heroes we know?

Buckner's past credits include appearances on shows like 'S.W.A.T.' and 'The Rookie,' so he's no stranger to the world of procedural drama. It'll be a treat to watch him bring that raw, early-career energy to Dwayne Pride, capturing the essence of the character we’ve grown to love while also making it uniquely his own for this prequel context. Besides Buckner and Stowell, the cast is also shaping up nicely with Mary Page Keller and Robert Patrick on board, adding even more talent to the mix.

Behind the scenes, the legacy continues strong. Mark Harmon, who famously played the elder Gibbs for years, is serving as an executive producer and will also lend his iconic voice as the narrator for 'NCIS: Origins.' His son, Sean Harmon, is also involved as an executive producer and even co-wrote the premiere episode. It's truly a family affair, which just feels right for a franchise that has meant so much to so many over the years. This whole project feels like a love letter to the 'NCIS' fandom, doesn't it? We can't wait to see these origins unfold!