NCIS: Origins Season 2 - Only Murders in the Building star Shea Buckner to portray Young Dwayne Pride in the CBS spin-off

NCIS: Origins trailer (Image via Youtube/@Prime Video)
NCIS: Origins trailer (Image via CBS)

The prequel of the NCIS: Origins series follows a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs as he begins his career as a probationary NIS agent in 1991. The program delves into his early cases, Mike Franks' training, and the psychological impact of losing his wife and child. It is narrated by Mark Harmon and stars Austin Stowell as the younger Gibbs.

The episode blends new and returning characters, with Gibbs joining a tough, early-version NCIS squad at Camp Pendleton. Season 2 of NCIS: Origins, which premiered in October 2025, was extended following its 2024 premiere.

Shea Buckner will play a young Dwayne Pride in NCIS: Origins Season 2, which will explore Pride's early career and his relationship with a young Gibbs. Buckner, an Olympian turned actor, offers both athleticism and movie experience to the character. The episode reunites the "Fed Five" task group, providing fans with further insight into the franchise's background.


More about NCIS: Origins Season 2 and Shea Buckner

A youthful Dwayne Pride is bringing a fresh perspective to season 2 of NCIS: Origins. In the prequel, Shea Buckner will portray Pride, providing viewers with an insight into Pride's early career as a probationary NIS agent in Panama during the 1990s. The most well-known role of Scott Bakula is that of Pride on NCIS: New Orleans.

Austin Stowell will portray a younger Leroy Jethro Gibbs in Buckner's Pride. As they complete a difficult covert mission, the episode delves into their tension and camaraderie.

This episode also reunites the famed "Fed Five" task force, Gibbs, Mike Franks, Dan McLane, Felix Betts, and Pride, to illustrate how these agents initially met, establishing the framework for the renowned team that seasoned NCIS viewers are familiar with. Fans should expect more surprises as McLane and Betts' casting is still underway.

Buckner's background gives his casting decisions more depth. He played water polo for the United States at the 2012 Olympics and won two NCAA titles while attending USC. His transition into acting has been perfect. He portrayed Tony Caccimelio in Only Murders in the Building in addition to his recent parts in Animal Kingdom, The Equalizer, and The Blacklist. His athletic discipline and on-screen brilliance make him a great candidate to play the driven, talented Pride.

The early years of the NCIS universe are explored in the second season of NCIS: Origins, which shows how these individuals developed into the leaders and agents that viewers are familiar with today and it is anticipated that Buckner's entry will add a fresh viewpoint and enhance the franchise's legacy.

CBS airs new NCIS: Origins episodes on Tuesday nights and later this season, Buckner will make a brief appearance that will give audiences an intriguing look into Dwayne Pride's past.


Keep reading Soap Central for more such informative articles.

Edited by Amey Mirashi