Dwayne Pride Returns to NCIS Franchise in New Prequel Series

Dwayne Pride, a character made famous by Scott Bakula, is making a notable comeback in the NCIS franchise, four years after the conclusion of NCIS: New Orleans. CBS has confirmed that Pride will feature in the upcoming series NCIS: Origins, which serves as a prequel exploring the early careers of key characters in the franchise.

The original NCIS: New Orleans aired for seven seasons and, while it may not have reached the iconic status of the flagship NCIS or the popularity of NCIS: Los Angeles, it developed a loyal fan base. The show introduced audiences to the character of Dwayne Pride, who was established as a leading figure within the procedural drama.

NCIS: Origins, the franchise’s first prequel, is set in 1992 and will explore the backstory of various familiar characters, including Leroy Jethro Gibbs, portrayed by Mark Harmon. The series will delve into the history between Gibbs and Pride, who were once colleagues along with Mike Franks as part of the elite group known as the Fed Five. This team operated during the early 1990s, and their shared experiences are expected to play a significant role in the narrative.

According to reports from TVInsider, the show is currently casting for a younger version of Pride, who is depicted as a newly minted Probationary Special Agent in the NIS Panama office. The storyline will focus on the need for Gibbs and Pride to reconcile past differences to collaborate on a case that requires them to go undercover.

The prequel has already introduced younger versions of other characters, such as Young Ducky, played by Adam Campbell, and Lara Macy, the team leader from NCIS: Los Angeles. Pride’s introduction into this narrative is anticipated to expand the storytelling possibilities, as his character’s backstory is intricately linked to Gibbs’ history with the NIS.

The timeline for NCIS: Origins is tight, as it is set only two years before the Fed Five’s operations concluded in 1994. This limited window presents both challenges and opportunities for the writers to showcase the missions and dynamics of this influential group.

As speculation mounts about the specifics of Gibbs and Pride’s conflict that predates their time with the NIS, fans are eager to see how the series will balance the exploration of their complex relationship with the weekly cases that will unfold at Camp Pendleton, where Gibbs begins his journey as a special agent.

In summary, Dwayne Pride’s return in NCIS: Origins is poised to add depth to the NCIS universe, offering fans a glimpse into the formative years of beloved characters while setting the stage for fresh narratives in the franchise. The series promises to be an engaging exploration of the past, making it a highly anticipated addition to the long-running NCIS saga.