Every ‘Big Bang Theory’ Star Making a Comeback in Chuck Lorre’s New Spin-Off—Who’s In and Who’s Out?

The next spinoff of The Big Bang Theory will take place closer to the original series’ timeline than prequel spinoffs Young Sheldon and Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, but only a few familiar characters from The Big Bang Theory’s cast are presently confirmed to appear. Some fans have hoped the show might feature Howard and Raj, especially after The Big Bang Theory finale failed to completely elaborate on the latter’s ending, but neither one of the pair has been confirmed.

Since The Big Bang Theory spinoff’s story remains 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 among The Big Bang Theory’s side characters. Actor Kevin Sussman was the original choice to play Sheldon until Jim Parsons came along, having previously played a main role in the first season of Ugly Betty. He’s also appeared in multiple episodes of series such as Weeds, Better Call Saul, and Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp (the original movie being one of his earliest film roles).

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 original Big Bang cast, since the Young Sheldon finale reveals 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 of The Big Bang Theory, but she’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 in The Big Bang Theory solely 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.

Lauren Lapkus has already proven herself capable of carrying a larger role. Her most notable role was on Orange Is the New Black, which featured Lapkus at the start of its three-year streak of beating Big Bang Theory at SAG for Best Ensemble Performance in a Comedy Series. Her dance card has been consistently full since then, appearing on shows such as Drunk History and Star Trek: Lower Decks as well as films such as Holmes & Watson and Jurassic World.

2Bert Kibbler

Played By Brian Posehn

Outside of his role as Caltech geologist Bert Kibbler on The 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 for Mr. Show with David Cross and Bob Odenkirk. He’s had an extremely prolific career in comedy and voice acting, but he particularly fits the nerd culture of Big Bang thanks to his Dungeons & Dragons podcast Nerd Poker and his writing for major comic title Deadpool.

Fans hoping to see Howard and Rajesh return to the franchise should be pleased with Bert’s appearance in the show, since Bert’s more associated with Raj and Howard than with any other Big Bang characters. He’s featured in their band Footprints on the Moon, bought and crashed Howard’s scooter, and babysat Raj’s dog in the Big Bang Theory finale. 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 of The Big Bang Theory’s best Sheldon episodes due 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.

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 sitcom Speechless and had recurring roles in numerous comedies such as Reno 911! and Childrens Hospital. He’s also set to feature alongside Jeff Daniels’ Ronald Reagan in the upcoming drama Reykjavik. Most notable for the present context, however, is that Bowie shares a place with Sussman in the lifeblood of The Big Bang Theory as the original casting choice for Leonard. But if Johnny Galecki’s Leonard gave us Bowie’s Kripke, the casting change was well worth it.

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