NCIS: Origins Casting Younger Version of Scott Bakula’s Pride
The anticipation surrounding the casting of a younger version of Dwayne Pride from NCIS: New Orleans has been palpable among devoted fans of the franchise. This beloved character, originally brought to life by Scott Bakula, embarks on a new journey through the lens of NCIS: Origins. Shea Buckner, known for his roles in series like Only Murders in the Building and The Rookie, is stepping into this beloved role, promising to unveil a backstory that fans have been eager to explore.

In this spin-off series, Pride’s history is explored further as he transitions from a Sheriff’s Deputy to a Probationary Special Agent in the National Investigative Service (NIS). The showrunners aim to leverage this character’s background to enrich the larger narrative of the NCIS universe, and fans are excited to witness how this younger portrayal connects to the established canon of the franchise.
Dwayne Pride: A Character with Depth
Dwayne Pride has been a pillar of the NCIS franchise since his introduction in NCIS: New Orleans. His character arc reflects not just a professional journey but also a personal one. Throughout the seven seasons of NCIS: New Orleans, Pride navigated complex relationships, particularly with his colleagues and friends, including Gibbs. The prequel series offers the opportunity to delve into Pride’s formative years, allowing viewers to see how his past shaped the loyal and determined agent he became.
- Complex Narratives: The character’s multifaceted personality is one of the reasons he has garnered such a dedicated following.
- Relationship with Gibbs: Exploring how Pride’s early interactions with Gibbs evolve provides a unique angle for storytelling.
- Setting Context: Viewers will experience the historical context of Pride’s beginnings, giving depth to his character.
The episode featuring Buckner as the younger Pride is set to air later this season, and will undoubtedly answer many questions fans have about his early career and how he became part of the revered Fed Five task force.
| Character | Actor | Show | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dwayne Pride | Scott Bakula | NCIS: New Orleans | Main Character |
| Dwayne Pride (Younger) | Shea Buckner | NCIS: Origins | Newly Minted Special Agent |
The Exciting Return of Dwayne Pride to the NCIS Franchise
After a four-year hiatus following the conclusion of NCIS: New Orleans, the return of Dwayne Pride is seen as a significant event for fans. While the character was a mainstay of the previous series, the shift to NCIS: Origins signifies a deliberate expansion of the narrative to explore his past and the development of his character. This transformation is not just about nostalgia; it is a strategic choice by the creators to build upon the established lore while also attracting new viewers.
The Impact of Revisiting Character Backstories
Reviving characters from a spin-off series allows for deeper insights into their motivations and relationships. When audiences reconnect with characters they already love, as is the case with Dwayne Pride, the emotional resonance is heightened. Showrunners Gina Lucita Monreal and David J. North have expressed their commitment to not just retreading familiar ground but rather expanding the narrative tapestry of the NCIS universe.
- Legacy Building: The exploration of Pride’s younger self underscores the show’s commitment to legacy.
- Fresh Perspectives: Introducing younger characters provides fresh perspectives, allowing for new storytelling opportunities.
- Expanding the Universe: This allows for a multi-dimensional understanding of the NCIS world and its key figures.
The episode featuring Buckner as Pride will also bring back the Fed Five task force, which initially surfaced in NCIS season 11, connecting Pride’s story to key events that unfolded over the years within the franchise.
| Season | Episode | Character Introduced | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Fed Five: Part 1 | Dwayne Pride | Introduced to the NCIS universe |
| 11 | Fed Five: Part 2 | Pride’s Past Explored | Leads to NCIS: New Orleans spin-off |
Behind the Scenes of NCIS: Origins
Understanding how NCIS: Origins is crafted gives viewers a greater appreciation for the show. The showrunners have crafted a narrative that respects the original series while also breaking new ground. For instance, casting debates and character interpretations are significant considerations when developing story arcs. Shea Buckner’s casting has spurred discussions about what exactly makes a character iconic and how younger portrayals can effectively honor that legacy.
Crafting a Unified Narrative
The efforts to maintain continuity within the NCIS universe is intricate. As writers connect past events with current narratives, they often pull various elements together to form cohesive storylines that resonate with both longtime viewers and newcomers. Discovering how Dwayne Pride’s decisions as a young agent laid the groundwork for his future is an essential aspect of this process.
- Character Consistency: How does the younger Pride mirror the older version?
- Plot Development: What key events shape his character in the series?
- Audience Reception: Will fans embrace a new interpretation of the character?
As viewers eagerly await the upcoming episodes, the mechanics of storytelling blend with visual artistry to create a compelling narrative that not only revisits but also revitalizes a character beloved by many.
| Aspect of Production | Significance |
|---|---|
| Character Development | Exploring motivations and backstories |
| Plot Arcs | Connecting previous series to new narratives |
| Visual Storytelling | Enhancing emotional impact through visuals |
What Lies Ahead for NCIS: Origins and Its Characters
The introduction of a younger Dwayne Pride is just the beginning of what is expected to be an expansive exploration of the character’s past. As the NCIS universe continues to grow, so do the opportunities for deeper narrative dives into a plethora of side characters who have contributed to the series’ longstanding success. Viewers will likely experience additional story arcs involving pivotal moments in Pride’s life that reveal how he became not only an agent but also a well-respected figure in crime investigations.
Strengthening Character Connections and Narrative Threads
This revival of interest in Dwayne Pride serves as a springboard for re-examining not just his journey but also the journeys of other associates within the NCIS framework. The themes of camaraderie, loyalty, and justice resonate through every episode, and the intention behind NCIS: Origins remains strong: showcase how the past influences the present.
- Expanding Storylines: Future episodes may delve deep into Pride’s relationships with Gibbs and other core team members.
- New Challenges: Showcasing the struggles Pride faced as he earned his place as an NCIS agent.
- Legacy Exploration: What foundations did Pride lay for future agents in the NCIS universe?
The upcoming episodes of NCIS: Origins hold the promise of enriching experiences for its audience, transporting them to a time where the seeds of future journeys were sown.
| Future Episodes | Character Focus | Potential Themes |
|---|---|---|
| Episode 7 | Dwayne Pride (Younger) | Friendship and Trust |
| Episode 8 | Fed Five Task Force | Investigative Challenges |

