The “Big Bang Theory” spinoff that will focus on a young Sheldon Cooper is eyeing child actor Iain Armitage for the lead role, TheWrap has confirmed.
The CBS series would follow Sheldon during his formative years as a socially awkward genius in Texas, which has been a source of a lot of comedic fodder already on “Big Bang.” In addition, Zoe Perry is in talks to play Sheldon’s mother Mary. Perry’s mother, Laurie Metcalfe, played the role in the original series and was nominated for an Emmy for her performance.
It is important to note, however, that CBS has yet to give the series — tentatively titled “Sheldon” — an official pilot order at this point.
Armitage currently appears as Shailene Woodley’s son in the HBO series “Big Little Lies,” and has previously appeared on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and the NBC comeptition series “Little Big Shots.” He is represented by Abrams Artist Agency and Ryan LeVine from Jackoway.
CBS and Warner Bros. Television declined TheWrap’s request for comment.
Jim Parsons, who plays the idiosyncratic genius on the megahit CBS sitcom and won three Emmys while doing so, would executive produce along with original series executive producers Chuck Lorre and Steve Molaro, with Molaro writing the script.
“Big Bang Theory” is executive produced by Lorre, Molaro, and Bill Prady. It is produced by Chuck Lorre Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.
This is the latest project a “Big Bang” star has set up at CBS. Previously, the network ordered the pilot “Living Biblically” with Johnny Galecki executive producing.