The Forgotten Military Thriller That Preceded ‘NCIS’

Before Mark Harmon became a household name as Leroy Jethro Gibbs on NCIS, he had a different vision for his Hollywood career. In 1988, he starred alongside Sean Connery in a military thriller that was supposed to be a big hit. Instead, it became a flop that most people have never even heard of.

What went wrong? Why did this film fail despite its star power? And how did Harmon bounce back to become one of television’s most beloved actors? Let’s dive into the story of The Presidio, the forgotten action thriller that failed to launch Mark Harmon’s movie career.

A Star-Studded Cast with High Hopes

Harmon wasn’t just some unknown actor when he took on The Presidio. By the late 1980s, he was already a rising star. After earning an Emmy nomination for Eleanor and Franklin: The White House Years and gaining popularity on St. Elsewhere, he was considered one of Hollywood’s most promising leading men.

The film also had legendary actor Sean Connery, fresh off The Untouchables, which won him an Academy Award. It seemed like a recipe for success. But things didn’t quite go as planned.

What Was ‘The Presidio’ About?

Directed by Peter Hyams (Capricorn One, 2010: The Year We Make Contact), The Presidio was a mix of military drama, mystery, and action.

The plot followed Mark Harmon’s character, Jay Austin, an ex-military investigator-turned-San Francisco detective. He’s forced to work with his old commanding officer, played by Sean Connery, to solve a murder at the Presidio military base. To make things even more complicated, Austin falls for his ex-boss’s daughter, played by Meg Ryan.

The film had all the right ingredients—action, romance, and the legendary charisma of Sean Connery. So why did it fail?

Why ‘The Presidio’ Bombed at the Box Office

Despite the hype, The Presidio was a critical and commercial disappointment. Here’s why:

1. A Predictable and Confusing Plot

Audiences found the storyline formulaic and uninspired. The film tried to blend mystery with military action but ended up delivering a generic cop drama. Even with Connery’s charm and Harmon’s likability, the script lacked depth.

2. Poorly Written Romance

The relationship between Harmon’s character and Meg Ryan’s character felt forced. Many critics pointed out that their chemistry didn’t click, making the romance subplot feel unnecessary.

3. Weak Action Sequences

For a military thriller, the action was underwhelming. The film had a few decent chase scenes, but nothing that made it stand out from other 1980s action films.

4. Unfair Comparisons to Other Thrillers

1988 was a competitive year for action films. Die Hard debuted that summer, redefining the genre. Compared to Die Hard, The Presidio felt outdated and unoriginal.

Mark Harmon’s Career After ‘The Presidio’

Even though The Presidio didn’t do much for his movie career, Harmon didn’t fade into obscurity. Instead, he pivoted back to television, where he thrived.

Returning to TV Success

In the 1990s, Harmon landed roles in hit shows like Chicago Hope and Reasonable Doubts. He proved himself as a solid TV actor, even if his movie career never took off.

The Game-Changing Role: ‘NCIS’

Everything changed in 2003 when he took on the role of Leroy Jethro Gibbs in NCIS. The show became a massive success, running for over two decades and making Harmon one of the most recognizable faces on television.

It’s ironic—Harmon once tried to be a big movie star, but it was TV that gave him the lasting legacy he was looking for.

Sean Connery’s Thoughts on ‘The Presidio’

Unlike Harmon, Connery’s career remained strong after The Presidio. He quickly bounced back with hits like Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) and The Hunt for Red October (1990).

But what did Connery think about The Presidio?

Reports suggest that while Connery enjoyed working with Harmon, he wasn’t thrilled with the script. He later referred to the film as a forgettable project that didn’t make the most of its potential.

Why ‘The Presidio’ Is Worth Watching Today

Even though The Presidio bombed, it’s still an interesting watch, especially for Mark Harmon fans. Here’s why:

• It’s a glimpse into Harmon’s pre-NCIS days—Fans of Gibbs can see a younger Harmon in action.
• Sean Connery steals the show—As always, Connery’s presence makes any film worth watching.
• It’s a nostalgic 80s thriller—If you love old-school action movies, The Presidio has that classic late-80s feel.

Conclusion: A Career Misstep That Led to Success

While The Presidio didn’t launch Mark Harmon’s movie career, it didn’t derail him either. Instead, it helped him find his true calling—television. By the time NCIS rolled around, Harmon had learned what worked for him as an actor, and the rest is history.

So if you’re an NCIS fan looking for a throwback, give The Presidio a shot. Just don’t expect a masterpiece—because even Mark Harmon had to stumble before finding his stride.