Origins’ Kyle Schmid Reveals How Young Mike Franks Will Influence Gibbs’ Character

NCIS: Origins actor Kyle Schmid, who will play the young Mike Franks, recently shed light on his role and how it intersects with the early days of Leroy Jethro Gibbs at the agency, then known as NIS. The series will mix nostalgia and new storylines as it looks to deepen the backstory of the NCIS universe.

During his interview with TV Insider, Schmid explained that his character, having been with NCIS for some years, is portrayed as seasoned and somewhat disillusioned by his experiences within the agency.

“He had been part of NCIS for a while. In 2001, when you meet him he is a little older, a little more jaded. He has seen a lot that I think he wished he could have had more control over. So, we’re seeing him at a point in his life where he has paved his own way and earned the respect of the agency.”

The series captures Franks at a crucial time when he has the opportunity to mold a new generation of agents he believes could be the best in the bureau. This leadership and guidance, Schmid hints, play an important role in shaping Gibbs into the character loved by fans in the original series.

“Now he has the opportunity to build a team that he sees as being some of the most promising agents in NCIS. We get to meet those people and see those people grow. He is still at a point where he gets to mentor Gibbs. I think we’ll get to see why Gibbs was who the world fell in love with in the original NCIS and how he came to be that way. And Mike Franks is a big part of that.”

Schmid’s portrayal of Mike Franks aims to depict the essence of a man who has paved his own path and garnered respect within NCIS. This seasoned agent, now at a stage where he can influence the future of the agency, chooses to mentor Gibbs, foreseeing his potential to be a formidable agent. According to Schmid, the show will explore the reasons behind Gibbs’ retention in the agency, largely influenced by Franks’ mentorship.

NCIS

NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) focuses on the sometimes complex and always amusing dynamics of a team forced to work together in high-stress situations. Special Agent Alden Parker, a quirky former FBI agent who solves his cases with calm professionalism and sharp, sarcastic charm, leads the NCIS team.

Release Date

September 23, 2003

Cast

Mark Harmon , sean murray , Wilmer Valderrama , david mccallum , Rocky Carroll , Brian Dietzen

Seasons

22

Writers

Donald P. Bellisario

Network

CBS

Streaming Service(s)

Paramount+

Showrunner

Donald P. Bellisario

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Another exciting addition to NCIS: Origins is the involvement of Mark Harmon, who not only executive produces the spinoff but also narrates it, enhancing the connection to the original series. As the show promises to unveil the roots of these iconic characters, fans can anticipate a series that respects the legacy while offering more insights into what makes these agents tick.

NCIS: Origins Traces the Roots of Trust Between Gibbs and Franks

NCIS: Origins will dive into the early days of the partnership between Gibbs and Franks during the ’90s. The prequel arrives with the weighty task of capturing the essence of a duo that has appealed deeply with viewers over the years. Fans of the original NCIS series will recall the nuanced portrayal by Muse Watson and Mark Harmon, whose performances not only showcased an evolving respect and friendship but also an enduring mentor-mentee bond. In the original series, Franks often appeared as a guiding vision to Gibbs, underscoring the profound impact he had on Gibbs’ professional and personal decisions.

In NCIS: Origins, the portrayal of their younger selves by Kyle Schmid and Austin Stowell carries substantial expectations. The prequel must deftly establish the roots of their bond, illustrating why Gibbs, even in his seasoned years, continued to revere and deeply trust Franks. Their relationship is the cornerstone upon which much of the series’ emotional depth is built. As such, the chemistry between Schmid and Stowell will be crucial; their interaction needs to echo the strong, albeit complex, camaraderie that fans loved in the original series.

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The show’s success hinges on its ability to convincingly depict why Franks was among the rare few Gibbs trusted implicitly—enough to stake his life on it. This trust and camaraderie need to be palpable, providing the narrative backbone for the series and ensuring that the ensemble surrounding Gibbs is as robust and compelling as fans expect.

While it remains unclear whether Harmon will reprise his role onscreen, the prospect of integrating his character through imaginative sequences—perhaps starting with a conversation with Watson’s Franks—could serve as a narrative bridge. Such a move would not only honor the legacy of the characters but also enhance the storytelling by using their storied past as a launchpad for the new series.