Jim Parsons, the Emmy-winning actor who famously portrayed the brilliant Sheldon Cooper for 12 seasons on The Big Bang Theory, has ruled out a return to the role… at least for now. Besides starring as the character in the popular sitcom from 2007 to 2019, Parsons served as an executive producer and narrator for the show’s Young Sheldon spin-off. For that show’s final episode, which aired in May, Parsons returned as Sheldon on-camera.
As the Big Bang Theory universe continues to grow, it’s only natural to wonder if we’ll see more of Parsons as the beloved character. While appearing on Who’s Talking To Chris Wallace? (via EW) Wallace asked Parsons if he would consider appearing in a “reboot of Big Bang Theory or, God forbid, a reunion show.” Parsons answered:
“As we sit here now, no, but I also I would I never say never to anything, because life just changes so much. You know, one of the things is that it was so special as what it was as what it is. And they call it lightning in a bottle for a reason, and you can be certain it wouldn’t be that. And so why would we be doing it? I don’t know that that’s how I feel on that right now. But like I say, God willing, life is very long.”
The Big Bang Theory Continues to Expand
Lightning in a bottle, indeed. Created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, The Big Bang Theory became one of the most celebrated sitcoms of the 2000s, with an expansive fanbase and numerous recognitions (including 10 Emmy Awards). For his portrayal of the socially awkward but genius theoretical physicist, Parsons earned four Emmy Awards and several other accolades. Parsons’ Sheldon is arguably The Big Bang Theory franchise’s most popular character, and the actor understands that some people will always see him as Sheldon. He now considers this a blessing:
“I feel pretty strongly that it’s almost, if not totally, 100 percent blessing at this point. I know that I wouldn’t have said that 10 years ago.”
It’s been 17 years since The Big Bang Theory premiered, but the franchise isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. Young Sheldon wrapped earlier this year with its seventh season, but there are already two more Big Bang Theory-adjacent sitcoms in the works. The first is the upcoming Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, which is a spin-off to Young Sheldon and premieres on CBS on October 17. It is led by Montana Jordan and Emily Osment, who will continue their roles as Georgie Cooper and Mandy McAllister.
The second is a Max spin-off that was first announced last year and is now in early production stages. Kevin Sussman, Brian Posehn, and Lauren Lapkus are set to reprise their Big Bang Theory characters Stuart Bloom, Bert Kibbler, and Denise. According to Deadline, it is speculated that the series “will revolve around Stuart’s comic book store.”