As a long-time fan of NCIS, I can say that I am thrilled about the upcoming prequel, NCIS: Origins. The dedication and commitment shown by Kyle Schmid to accurately portray the younger version of Mike Franks is truly commendable. His decision to wear dark brown contacts and maintain a Mike Franks voice throughout filming demonstrates a level of respect and passion for the character that is rarely seen in acting.
Despite Leroy Jethro Gibbs no longer being the main character on NCIS, CBS is not finished delving into the character played by Mark Harmon for almost 20 years. This autumn, the prequel titled NCIS: Origins will travel back in time to 1991 and focus on Gibbs, portrayed by Austin Stowell, joining what was then known as NIS. Mark Harmon will contribute as the narrator and an executive producer for this series. In addition to Stowell, the cast of NCIS: Origins includes Kyle Schmid as Mike Franks, a character who served as Gibbs’ mentor and leader of the team based at Camp Pendleton. With less than two months until the premiere of NCIS: Origins on the 2024 TV schedule, Kyle Schmid has shared insights into his efforts to bring the younger version of the character portrayed by Muse Watson to life.
In an interview with TVLine, Schmid expressed that the NCIS fanbase is “unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before,” yet he acknowledged that as long as one adheres to the specifics of the role, it provides ample room for personal artistic expression. A significant aspect of this is Schmid’s mustache in the show, which he considers fitting given that his character Watson’s Franks seems to have remained in 1991. However, Schmid went a step beyond and made a special request to the producers of NCIS: Origins. He elaborated on this by saying:
In a more natural and easier-to-understand way, here’s how you could rephrase your statement:
Muse Watson portrayed Mike Franks in 20 episodes spanning NCIS Seasons 3-15, becoming one of the series’ most memorable recurring characters. Kyle Schmid, while filming NCIS: Origins, could have likely gone without wearing those contacts. However, he chose to exert extra effort to look as similar to a younger Franks as possible. Additionally, Schmid adjusted his voice to mimic how Franks sounded on NCIS, with the actor noting that he made these changes to ensure authenticity.
From 7 a.m., as soon as I get there, all the way until 6 p.m., 8 p.m., and even 10 p.m., when I depart, this is my routine. In other words, I maintain my professional demeanor from start to finish during work hours. [In Mike Franks voice] I keep up my work persona throughout the duration of my working day.
More NCIS: Origins Coverage
What Will Mark Harmon Be Doing In NCIS: Origins And How Does He Feel About The ‘Stepback Role’?
During the screen test for NCIS: Origins, Mark Harmon uttered just two words upon meeting the new actor portraying Gibbs.
In NCIS, it’s revealed that Mike Franks took Leroy Jethro Gibbs under his wing and recruited him into NIS following the murder of Gibbs’ first wife Shannon and daughter Kelly by drug dealer Pedro Hernandez. Gibbs avenged their death by killing Hernandez shortly after. However, as Schmid pointed out, Franks offering Gibbs a place in law enforcement was a chance to help a very skilled young man move on from a broken heart. Additionally, we know that Franks left NIS in 1996 due to dissatisfaction with the U.S.’s handling of the Khobar Towers bombing. If NCIS: Origins manages to last five seasons, Schmid’s character is likely to remain on the show for that entire period.
Kyle Schmid and Austin Stowell star alongside Mariel Molino as Lala Dominguez, Tyla Abercrumbie as Mary Jo Sullivan, and Diany Rodriguez as Vera Strickland in the main cast of NCIS: Origins. Previously played by Roma Maffia, Vera Strickland is included in this series. The prequel is set to debut on Monday, October 14, airing right after Season 22 of NCIS. To catch all the episodes from this procedural franchise, utilize your Paramount+ subscription.
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2024-08-21 11:37