Imagine If Harrison Ford Had Played Gibbs in ‘NCIS’: A Game-Changer!

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In the world of Hollywood, it’s often found that stars who shine brightest on the big screen tend to steer clear of television. A scenario like Tom Cruise appearing in a 12-episode thriller series or Leonardo DiCaprio starring in a 10-episode biographical series on Hulu is extremely unlikely. However, there are some exceptional movie stars who aren’t deterred by the small screen and make their presence felt on it occasionally. Harrison Ford, for instance, is one such actor. He has graced two of the most highly praised shows of the 2020s: the comedy-drama “Shrinking” and the Taylor Sheridan Western, “1923”.

It’s hardly shocking that Ford had a deep affection for television, considering his early acting breaks often came from this medium. He graced the screen in brief but impactful roles on shows like “The F.B.I.” and “Kung Fu,” even making appearances in “Indiana Jones” series productions. With his talent, he was seen as a prime candidate for significant roles, such as when “NCIS” was being created. Regrettably, despite being identified as the ideal fit, he never received a formal offer.

Harrison Ford Was Wanted for the Role of Leroy Jethro Gibbs in ‘NCIS’

Just like numerous procedural shows, NCIS centers around a group of characters, all part of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, who investigate various cases involving military personnel. However, in stories about law enforcement, there’s usually a standout character – the golden boy, if you will. In this instance, that role is filled by Jethro Gibbs, a former U.S. Marine Corps Scout Sniper now serving as a special agent.

Likely as not, Gibbs is equivalent to NCIS, just as Olivia Benson is synonymous with Law & Order: SVU. For quite some time, the role has been embodied by Mark Harmon. However, it wasn’t until the spin-off series NCIS: Origins that another actor (Austin Stowell) had the opportunity to experience the world from Gibbs’ perspective.

It’s intriguing to note that at first, Donald P. Bellisario wasn’t fond of Mark Harmon. Despite the actor’s confident swagger, which seemed to indicate he ruled the world, the show creator believed he lacked the necessary qualities to portray Gibbs. He envisioned a rugged character with a strong sense of honor and respect for the military, and Harmon didn’t quite fit that mold. It’s understandable that Bellisario had reservations, given his ambitious vision. After all, he was striving to create something extraordinary, which he ultimately achieved. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that with this groundbreaking series, Bellisario essentially redefined the procedural genre as we know it today.

Eventually, the production team decided to reconsider their initial thoughts after viewing the actor’s portrayal of Secret Service agent Simon Donovan in The West Wing (a performance that had earned him an Emmy nomination). As co-executive producer Charles Floyd Johnson explained, they were impressed by his on-screen mannerisms and decided to give him a chance.

Floyd Johnson disclosed that the character of Gibbs was initially designed with Harrison Ford in mind. Given his immense stardom during that period and his penchant for portraying rugged, quick-witted characters, it seemed fitting. Indeed, Ford demonstrated his versatility in several ’90s films, such as “Patriot Games,” “The Fugitive,” and “Air Force One,” which showcased his ability to excel in stories rich with crime, espionage, and global politics. However, Johnson mentioned that the idea was not actively pursued due to the belief that Ford would likely decline a role on a television series, given its procedural format.

By 2003, Harmon was ultimately chosen for the role, and Bellisario expressed enthusiasm over the noticeable maturity the actor had developed since the start of the new millennium. Over the following 19 seasons, the actor portrayed the character before eventually taking a step back.

‘NCIS’ Could Have Been Shorter with Ford on Board

Landing Harrison Ford for the TV series NCIS would have been an incredible boost for the producers, drawing in viewers worldwide. However, securing Ford might have led Bellisario and his team to a significant challenge rather than success. If Ford had agreed to the role, it’s likely that he wouldn’t have been able to commit fully to the military-themed procedural, particularly given the length of each season.

In a change of pace, acting in a series consisting of over 20 episodes annually might make someone like Ford uneasy, given his previous experience of filming one or two 90-minute films yearly. It’s possible that Gibbs would only appear occasionally per season to accommodate Ford’s movie commitments. However, with the focus on other characters, we may not have seen Gibbs as iconic as he is today if this had occurred.

As a devoted film enthusiast, I can’t help but ponder an alternate timeline where I, Mark Harmon, decided to bid farewell to NCIS after just two or three seasons. Such a premature conclusion would undoubtedly be disheartening, given the show’s monumental status as one of television’s longest-running series, and a cornerstone on CBS. The entire spinoff universe wouldn’t have bloomed under such circumstances.

Instead, I might have been replaced. Yet, considering the history of shows that falter following the departure of key actors, this change could have spelled trouble for the show’s fanbase. Many viewers might have found it hard to stay engaged without my presence on the small screen.

Instead of Harmon, one might say that he was flawlessly suited to his role as a television actor, showing little inclination towards Hollywood blockbusters. In reality, he’s only been in two films since 2010. Spanning over two decades, he embraced a single character wholeheartedly, finding no issue in doing so. Indeed, Harmon embodies Gibbs like no other. What’s fascinating is that for a role initially perceived as shallow and one-dimensional, he breathed life into it, making it mysterious, bold, and empathetic.

Ford Wouldn’t Have Lost Much by Starring in ‘NCIS’

Instead of focusing solely on NCIS, it’s worth considering whether a long-term commitment to that show might have influenced Harrison Ford’s career trajectory. Given his limited involvement in notable projects since the new millennium, one could argue that he may have thrived with such a role. However, most of Ford’s most iconic movies were made before 2000, leaving the last two decades relatively devoid of successful ventures for him. Many of these films, initially considered gems, have lost their charm over time due to diminishing appeal and fading impact. Among his recent works, only a handful stand out as critically acclaimed titles, such as Blade Runner 2049 and Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which received positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.

In simpler terms, after the ’90s, Ford didn’t completely crash but seemed to pick less successful projects, resulting in more losses than victories. It’s clear that only the long-standing franchises he was involved with earlier brought about significant success. He might have fared better on NCIS.

Playing Jethro Gibbs could have given Ford an opportunity to embark on a fresh and thrilling phase of his acting career, surpassing the achievements of most of his contemporaries. Moreover, it would have spared him from numerous low-rated movies released post 2000s that tarnish his professional reputation. And he’d be able to take on a new Star Wars, Indiana Jones, or Blade Runner sequel every five years approximately.

It’s becoming increasingly smart for actors from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s to switch from film to television, as evidenced by Kevin Costner’s success in “Yellowstone” and Sylvester Stallone’s impressive performance in “Tulsa King,” despite their struggles with recent movie projects. Even Clint Eastwood has found his footing again through TV roles. Thus, it seems that they may have missed out on opportunities by not exploring television earlier.

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2025-07-06 18:34