The Big Bang Theory spin-off Sheldon casts title role — plus, Laurie Metcalf’s daughter

Big Bang Theory spin-off -

The tenth season of The Big Bang Theory is off the air tonight, so how about some news about its spin-off Sheldon instead?

While CBS still isn’t saying much of anything on the project (which would have Jim Parsons as an executive producer alongside Steve Molaro and Chuck Lorre — Bill Prady is expected to be involved in some capacity), we do now know (per Deadline) a little more in terms of its potential casting. Big Little Lies actor Iain Armitage is set to play the younger version of Sheldon Cooper in the pilot, who will be living with his family in Texas. It’s his origin story, i.e. how he became the obsessive / brilliant adult he is in the flagship series.

Meanwhile, the following bit of casting is even more interesting given that Zoe Perry is set to play Sheldon’s mother Mary. Perry is the daughter of Laurie Metcalf (who plays Mary on The Big Bang Theory) and Jeff Perry of Scandal fame. She’s already got an arc on the latter series this season.

It’s still to be seen if this idea turns into a full-fledged series, but CBS and Warner Bros. TV have likely wanted some sort of extension to this franchise for years. A prequel does make some sense, especially given that Sheldon is the real selling point for many people. We do think that it would’ve been interesting to see a spin-off about Stuart or one of the other recurring characters on the show, but we can’t fault anyone for wanting to go with someone so familiar already.

If the show lands, our feeling is that CBS should try to air it after the series proper and come up with a great one-two ratings punch. While the flagship show’s lost some viewers over the years, it is still the #1 comedy on TV.

What do you think of this casting? Does reading about any of this make a Big Bang Theory spin-off worth watching? Share in the comments.

Also, be sure to visit this link to get some further news surrounding the future of the show, otherwise known as the state of current contract negotiations. (Photo: CBS.)

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