The next spinoff ofThe Big Bang Theorywill take place closer to the original series’ timeline than prequel spinoffsYoung SheldonandGeorgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, but only a few familiar characters fromThe Big Bang Theory’s castare presently confirmed to appear. Some fans have hoped the show might feature Howard and Raj, especially afterThe Big Bang Theoryfinalefailed to completely elaborate on the latter’s ending, but neither one of the pair has been confirmed.
SinceThe Big Bang Theoryspinoff’s storyremains tightly under wraps for the time being, it’s difficult to say how wide the door will remain open for appearances by the original cast. That said,four supporting characters of varying prominence in the original series are currently set to appear in Chuck Lorre’s new spinoff. Taking them in together, it’s easier to make at least a few educated guesses as to which direction the series might take.
4Stuart Bloom
Played By Kevin Sussman
Appearing in more than 80 episodes, comic store owner Stuart is among the most prominent amongThe Big Bang Theory’s side characters.Actor Kevin Sussman was the original choice to play Sheldonuntil Jim Parsons came along, having previously played a main role in the first season ofUgly Betty. He’s also appeared in multiple episodes of series such asWeeds,Better Call Saul, andWet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp(the original movie being one of his earliest film roles).
Chuck Lorre’s The Big Bang Theory Spinoff Will Feature The Original Sheldon & Leonard
The Big Bang Theory’s expansion series, which will be a true spinoff to the flagship, will feature Chuck Lorre’s original Leonard and Sheldon.
With Stuart in the cast, the spinoff could go in a number of directions. Most obviously, the spinoff could focus on his work life at the comic book store or his life after moving in with Denise.Stuart’s presence could also facilitate guest appearances from the originalBig Bangcast, since theYoung Sheldonfinalereveals that at least some of them still live around Pasadena and have remained friends over the years.
3Denise
Played By Lauren Lapkus
Stuart’s girlfriend and assistant manager Denise only appeared in a few episodes ofThe Big Bang Theory, butshe’d presumably play an equal role to Stuart in the spinoff since the two both live and work together. This could be great news for the series’ tone. Denise’s storylines inThe Big Bang Theorysolely complemented Stuart’s, but a featured role could allow the character to explore her own storylines and enhance her character development. This would add a fresh layer to the spinoff, rather than simply having each returning character rehash their exact roles from the original series.
Young Sheldon Already Told You That A The Big Bang Theory Revival With The Original Cast Is A Bad Idea
A The Big Bang Theory revival remains on the wishlist of many fans, but Young Sheldon already made it clear that doing so would only ruin the sitcom.
Lauren Lapkus has already proven herself capable of carrying a larger role.Her most notable role was onOrange Is the New Black, which featured Lapkus at the start of its three-year streak of beatingBig Bang Theoryat SAG for Best Ensemble Performance in a Comedy Series. Her dance card has been consistently full since then, appearing on shows such asDrunk HistoryandStar Trek: Lower Decksas well as films such asHolmes & WatsonandJurassic World.
2Bert Kibbler
Played By Brian Posehn
Outside of his role as Caltech geologist Bert Kibbler onThe Big Bang Theory, Brian Posehn is largely known for his stand-up career. But while he didn’t land his first comedy special until 2002,Posehn’s TV career got its jumpstart in the 1990s while acting and writing forMr. Showwith David Cross and Bob Odenkirk. He’s had an extremely prolific career in comedy and voice acting, but he particularly fits the nerd culture ofBig Bangthanks to hisDungeons & DragonspodcastNerd Pokerand his writing for major comic titleDeadpool.
Fans hoping to see Howard and Rajesh return to the franchise should be pleased with Bert’s appearance in the show, sinceBert’s more associated with Raj and Howard than with any otherBig Bangcharacters. He’s featured in their band Footprints on the Moon, bought and crashed Howard’s scooter, and babysat Raj’s dog in theBig Bang Theoryfinale. Rumors that he’ll play a main role alongside Stuart and Denise call into question what storyline might lead to that grouping. But if the rumors are justified, Bert’s inclusion should greatly raise the chances of Raj or Howie making an appearance.
1Barry Kripke
Played By John Ross Bowie
Barry Kripke is responsible for some ofThe Big Bang Theory’s best Sheldon episodesdue to his recurring role as one of Sheldon’s most memorable antagonists.Kripke’s role on the spinoff is the hardest to predict, since he doesn’t exactly fit in with characters like Bert and Stuart personality-wise. However, the fact that he and Bert presumably still work together more than justifies his appearance, and the disdain some Caltech physicists are shown to have for “lesser” sciences such as geology suggests that he could continue in his role as a recurring antagonist.
Why The Big Bang Theory’s New Spinoff Was Inevitable After Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage
Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, alongside its predecessor Young Sheldon, inadvertently made The Big Bang Theory’s upcoming spinoff inevitable.
John Ross Bowie doesn’t have the meatiest portfolio of the returning cast, but it’s certainly respectable. He played Minnie Driver’s husband in the sitcomSpeechlessand had recurring roles in numerous comedies such asReno 911!andChildrens Hospital. He’s also set to feature alongside Jeff Daniels’ Ronald Reagan in the upcoming dramaReykjavik. Most notable for the present context, however, is that Bowie shares a place with Sussman in the lifeblood ofThe Big Bang Theoryas the original casting choice for Leonard. But if Johnny Galecki’s Leonard gave us Bowie’s Kripke, the casting change was well worth it.
The Big Bang Theory
Cast
The Big Bang Theory: This sitcom follows a group of socially awkward scientists and their interactions with each other and the people around them. Centered on physicists Sheldon and Leonard, the series humorously explores friendship, romance, and the quirks of life among an eclectic group of academics.
