Austin Stowell, who steps into the iconic shoes of young Leroy Jethro Gibbs in NCIS: Origins, has made a heartfelt confession that’s surprising fans. Despite his excitement about joining the franchise, Stowell admitted that playing a character so deeply loved by viewers — and so closely tied to Mark Harmon — feels like a huge weight on his shoulders.

According to Stowell, it’s not just about learning the lines or getting the look right. It’s about honoring the legacy that Mark Harmon built over nearly two decades. Stowell shared that no matter how hard he works, he knows fans will always see Gibbs as Harmon’s creation first, which makes the task feel both thrilling and impossible at times.

What makes the challenge even greater is Stowell’s deep respect for the character. He wants to bring his own touch to Gibbs while staying true to what made the role so special in the first place. The pressure to live up to expectations, he says, is something he may never fully shake — but it’s also what motivates him to give it everything he’s got.

As NCIS: Origins prepares to take viewers back to Gibbs’ early days, fans will get the chance to see how Stowell rises to this unique challenge. One thing’s for sure: he’s determined to honor Mark Harmon’s legacy while carving out his own place in the NCIS world.