Jim Parsons reveals an impossible condition to return to The Big Bang Theory

The Big Bang Theory actor, Jim Parsons, said that he's likely to reprise the role of Sheldon Cooper again in the "next lifetime". The actor, who famously played a science nerd in the series, returned to the finale of the spinoff, Young Sheldon. However, in an interview during the Drama League Awards on May 17, 2024, with E! News, Parsons didn't encourage the ask of playing Sheldon anytime soon.

For the uninitiated, The Big Bang Theory is a science-based television sitcom that aired on CBS between 2007 and 2019. It released 279 episodes in 12 seasons. The show received an 81% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Both HBO Max and Netflix picked up the series at different times to stream on their platforms.

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Jim Parsons gives unusual specifications to return to The Big Bang Theory

Actor Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper in the show (Image via Instagram@bigbangtheory and jodd_anactoflove)

As mentioned before, The Big Bang Theory actor Jim Parsons was asked about reprising his role as Sheldon Cooper again on May 17, 2024. The actor was attending the Drama League Awards when he was posed the question in an exclusive by E! News.

Parsons joked that he might play the character again in a "reincarnation" or in the "next life". He replied in a clear negative:

"Look, never say never to anything. Life is long, God willing. But I don't think so."

However, he seems open to the idea of playing the role occasionally as needed. His last appearance in the franchise as Sheldon in Young Sheldon was aired on May 16, 2024, a day before the interview.

Parsons admitted that playing Sheldon in the spinoff's finale was both special and odd. It was the second time that his Sheldon was wrapping up a show, as they had wrapped up The Big Bang Theory in 2019. He explained the feeling:

"You shoot that final episode, and it's wrapped for you and then a couple of months later, it wraps for the rest of the world and it's a very weird feeling to flood over you again like that."

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Who is Jim Parsons of The Big Bang Theory?

Jim Parsons, born James Joseph Parsons, is most famously known to play the nerd physicist Sheldon Cooper. However, his acting career has many titles, like The Normal Heart, Hollywood, The Boys in the Band, A Kid Like Jake, Spoiler Alert, Hidden Figures and more.

He has received many awards, including Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy. He also likes doing stage performances and returned to theatre with plays like Hollywood, Mother Play, Our Town and more. Moreover, he has lent his voice to a few titles.

Actor Jim Parsons was last seen playing Sheldon Cooper in CBS's spinoff, Young Sheldon's finale. The Big Bang Theory concluded on May 16, 2019, where the actor played his most famous role of Sheldon.

He lent his voice as the spinoff's narrator before appearing in the last episode as the adult Sheldon with former co-star Mayim Bialik, who played Amy Fowler in the original show.

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What is next in Sheldon Cooper's franchise?

Parsons in one of the scenes from the show (Image via Instagram@bigbangtheory)

The Big Bang Theory ended with season 12 in May 2019. Its spinoff, Young Sheldon, covering the coming-of-age of the protagonist, aired between September 2017 and May 2024.

For some time the original and the spinoff were airing parallel as the younger version and the older Sheldon appeared in two shows. As mentioned before, Parsons was the narrator presenting Sheldon's story and childhood in the spinoff.

With the conclusion of Young Sheldon, the franchise is not wrapped up. Another spinoff, Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage, focussing on Georgie Cooper and Mandy McAllister, has been announced by CBS.

Watch The Big Bang Theory and six seasons of Young Sheldon available on HBO Max.