Many fans are conjecturing that multiple cherished characters will make a comeback for the memorial as NCIS attempts to memorialize David McCallum after his passing in September.
The longest-running character on the show was played by McCallum, who started NCIS in 2003 and continued to appear until his death as Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard. Almost every actor who has worked on NCIS has had a lasting impression of McCallum thanks to his extended run on the show.
Now, as the show seeks to honor McCallum and his legacy, some fans see it as the perfect opportunity for beloved characters – like Mark Harmons’s Leroy Gibbs and Michael Weatherly’s Anthony DiNozzo – to return.
The return of these characters is more possible because these actors have hinted interest in reprising their roles.
Though it has been ten years since Anthony DiNozzo’s final appearance on NCIS, Weatherly has been active on X this year, writing about the actor on several occasions. Weatherly is obviously thinking about the show even if he hasn’t mentioned a comeback.
Harmon, on the other hand, has hinted at a potential comeback in the past, stating that he would probably return to the program soon after leaving. But Gibbs hasn’t shown up yet.
Harmon said earlier this year that he had no time to return to the show because he had dedicated all of his time to creating a novel based on a genuine incident from the Office of Naval Intelligence. But Season 21 would be the ideal time for his comeback, given that book comes out in November.
Like DiNozzo, nothing has been confirmed about Gibb’s return, but fans who have been waiting may finally see their hopes fulfilled.
Movieguide® previously reported:
NCIS fans were sad to hear Mark Harmon would be leaving the crime show after 19 seasons, but showrunner Steven D. Binder has given fans hope for Harmon’s return.
While appearing at PaleyFest, Binder said, “Never count Leroy Jethro Gibbs [Harmon’s character] out. What the future will hold I can’t say, but I wouldn’t count anybody out, dead or alive, on the show.”
Sean Murray, who stars on NCIS as Special Agent Timothy McGee, has also mentioned the possibility of Harmon returning to the show.