'The Big Bang Theory' Prequel News, Release Date: Production Starts for 'Young Sheldon'
CBS confirms that one of their sitcoms, "The Big Bang Theory," is officially getting a prequel titled "Young Sheldon." The announcement came as series creators Chuck Lorre and Steve Molaro are reportedly casting additional actors for the series with production set to start this month.
As the title implies, the prequel will be focused on the childhood of Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons), the socially-awkward genius from the original series who was also known to be a child prodigy.
The younger version of Sheldon is going to be played by Iain Armitage ("Big Little Lies"), while his mother, Mary Cooper, will be played by Zoe Perry ("The Family").
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The story starts with Sheldon being a nine-year-old and still living with his family in East Texas. At this young age, he is already attending high school.
In addition, the show will be narrated by adult Sheldon, which means Parsons will lend his voice for it.
Other confirmed stars for the show are Raegan Revord ("Modern Family"), who is believed to play Sheldon's twin sister Missy; Lance Barber ("The Comeback"), who plays Sheldon's father; and Montana Jordan, who will portray Sheldon's older brother.
"The Big Bang Theory" co-creator Bill Prady is not working on the prequel. However, Lorre and Molaro are part of it along with Jon Favreau as the director and producer of the pilot episode.
The upcoming show will be a single-camera series, deviating from the usual multicamera comedy used in "The Big Bang Theory."
Throughout its run, "The Big Bang Theory" had always been making references to Sheldon's childhood - mostly because of his religious mother and his unique, genius traits such as having a good eidetic memory and acquiring a doctorate degree at 16.
This unusually high level of intelligence gave the character less skills when it comes to social and emotional understanding, making him weird, awkward and tactless at times.
A premiere date for "Young Sheldon" is yet to be announced.
