'Big Bang' Spin-Off Casts 'Big Little Lies' Actor as Young Sheldon

'Big Bang' Spin-Off Casts 'Big Little Lies' Actor as Young Sheldon

The Big Bang Theory prequel spin-off series, tentatively titled Sheldon, is getting more tangible, as producers this week announced their casting choices for the series' lead roles. There's still no word from CBS yet, though, about whether it wants to produce a pilot episode of the new series.

The spin-off will focus on the early life of Sheldon Cooper, who is played on Big Bang by Jim Parsons. The young Sheldon will be played by Iain Armitage, who is currently featured in HBO's mystery series Big Little Lies.

The Big Bang spin-off has also cast young Sheldon's young mother. She will be played by Zoe Perry, who has recently appeared on Scandal and NCIS. Perry is a particularly shrewd bit of casting, considering that she's the daughter of Laurie Metcalf, who has appeared as Sheldon's mother on Big Bang.

CBS has not yet committed to the new series. Big Bang is currently in its tenth season, and negotiations are reportedly underway to keep it on the air with its current cast for at least two more seasons.