NCIS Turmoil: Michael Weatherly’s Comments Spark Drama, Gibbs’ Return Still in Question

Tensions are brewing behind the scenes of NCIS once again. Former series regular Michael Weatherly, who played fan-favorite Tony DiNozzo until his exit in 2016, may have just jeopardized his possible return with comments about longtime co-star Mark Harmon.

In a recent interview, Weatherly revealed that he and Harmon (who played the iconic Leroy Jethro Gibbs) didn’t initially get along. “He was confused by my presence from the start,” Weatherly quipped, comparing himself to “a kid who had one too many bowls of Count Chocula.” While meant in jest, insiders say the remarks came off as immature and potentially disrespectful-especially as discussions about Weatherly’s return to the show were reportedly already underway.

Sources claim producers were previously thrilled at the idea of Weatherly coming back, but his comments may have derailed the momentum. “If he had half a brain, he’d shut up,” one insider harshly stated. Another called Weatherly a “big oaf” whose ego needed constant attention.

This isn’t the first behind-the-scenes feud at NCIS. Longtime cast member Pauley Perrette famously left the show in 2018 after alleged on-set conflicts with Harmon following an incident involving his dog biting a crew member. Perrette later claimed she felt unsafe around Harmon, though he never publicly addressed the situation.

Actress Cote de Pablo, known for playing Ziva David, also exited the show abruptly in 2013, reportedly due to dissatisfaction with her character’s direction. Her decision frustrated co-star David McCallum, who questioned her commitment to the show.

Even Harmon himself has faced internal friction. Years ago, he clashed with series creator Donald P. Bellisario over work schedules, which ultimately led to Bellisario’s departure from the series—a rare situation where the lead actor effectively outlasted the show’s own creator.

Still, fans are holding out hope for Harmon’s return. Rocky Carroll, who plays Leon Vance, recently hinted that we might see Gibbs again for the show’s 20th anniversary. Executive producer Steve Binder added fuel to the speculation, saying Harmon “continues to be an integral part of the fabric of the show” and urged fans to “never count Leroy Jethro Gibbs out.”

Whether or not Harmon makes a comeback-and whether Weatherly can recover from his misstep—remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the drama behind the scenes of NCIS is nearly as gripping as the stories on screen.