NCIS has officially brought back the first major recast for a brand new character. Leading to the premiere of CBS’s fall 2026 slate, there was so much discussion about Scott Caan’s return to the franchise, as he was set to portray a new player. For context, the actor originally depicted Danny Williams in Hawaii Five-0 — a show that was firmly established to exist in the same universe as NCIS. Joining LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna, however, Caan is now playing Nick Schaeffer in NCIS: New York.
The matter was a massive topic of discussion among fans for a couple of reasons. Firstly, prominent recasts are not normal in the NCIS franchise. Granted that supporting characters return for new roles from time to time, but nothing had been as big as Caan. Secondly, there remains an argument that Caan could have simply reprised his role as Williams in the new offshoot. Regardless, so far, so good for NCIS: New York, but he isn’t the only returning NCIS actor who’s playing a different role in this cycle.
Sean Harmon Plays Casey Bloom In NCIS: Origins After Playing The Original Young Gibbs
After six years, Sean Harmon is officially back in the NCIS franchise. However, instead of playing Young Leroy Jethro Gibbs, he debuts an entirely new role in NCIS: Origins season 3. For context, Mark Harmon’s son was the original actor to portray the young version of the legendary TV character, who was properly introduced in 2008’s “Heartland” episode. The outing tackled the beginning of his love affair with Shannon and offered context regarding his difficult relationship with his father.
Sean played the role a couple of more times as the NCIS flagship continued to explore the younger years of Gibbs. These episodes were done long before the idea of NCIS: Origins was born. His final outing in the role was in 2020’s “Everything Starts Somewhere,” which revealed the origins of Gibbs and Donald “Ducky” Mallard’s friendship. In 2024, Young Gibbs was officially recast with Austin Stowell, and now, Sean returns to the NCIS franchise as FBI agent Casey Bloom. So far, he’s had a couple of appearances in the prequel, and it’s safe to say that it will continue to do that as season 3 moves forward.
Why Bloom Is A Better Role For Sean Harmon In The NCIS Franchise
Regardless of anyone’s favorite character, the undisputed truth is that Gibbs is the poster character for NCIS. Even after Harmon left the series in 2021, his character’s legacy has lived on. The debut of Stowell’s version in NCIS: Origins and Old Gibbs recent return have all reinforced that idea. That said, Sean is better off playing Bloom rather than reprising his original role in the franchise. For starters, the FBI agent allows the actor to flex his acting muscles in an entirely different way. Bloom is a peculiar player; he’s quirky, cocky, and even funny. He’s a tad incompetent, but in a charming way. It has been fun seeing Sean bring him to play.
Now, he can exist in the NCIS franchise with no canonical burden. As great as it is to play Gibbs, it comes with pressure, considering how well known he is. Stowell is doing well with the character, especially in NCIS: Origins season 3, as he becomes fully comfortable in the role. The recast also allows Sean to fully fulfill his duties behind the scenes as an executive producer for the franchise. Overall, it’s a win-win situation for everyone.
