Jim Parsons Talks Potentially Reprising ‘Big Bang Theory’ Role On Spin-Off: “Life Is Very Long”

Although The Big Bang Theory‘s onscreen universe is expanding, don’t expect Jim Parsons to pay a visit to the Comic Center of Pasadena anytime soon.

Following news of a Max spin-off in the works, the Golden Globe winner suggested he might take a break from portraying Sheldon Cooper when asked about potentially reprising the role for a cameo, 17 years after he first debuted as the character.

“As we sit here now, no, but I also I would I never say never to anything, because life just changes so much,” said Parsons as he appeared on Who’s Talking To Chris Wallace? on Friday.

“You know, one of the things is that it was so special as what it was as what it is. And they call it lightning in a bottle for a reason, and you can be certain it wouldn’t be that,” he added. “And so why would we be doing it? I don’t know that that’s how I feel on that right now. But like I say, God willing, life is very long.”

Parsons originated the hilarious role of the theoretical physicist and former child prodigy when The Big Bang Theory premiered on CBS in 2007, running for 12 seasons until 2019. “I feel pretty strongly that it’s almost, if not totally, 100% blessing at this point,” he said of his time on the show. “I know that I wouldn’t have said that 10 years ago.”

After a new spin-off was announced for Max last year, Kevin Sussman, Brian Posehn and Lauren Lapkus have signed talent-holding deals to potentially reprise their roles as Stuart Bloom, Bert Kibbler and Susan Fischer in the show, which is speculated to revolve around Stuart’s comic book store.

Parsons reprised his role for the May series finale of Young Sheldon, which starred Iain Armitage as his young counterpart. The actor also served as an executive producer and narrated the series as Sheldon for its seven-season run, which kicked off in 2017.

Meanwhile, Young Sheldon spin-off Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage premieres Thursday, Oct. 17 on CBS, with Montana Jordan and Emily Osment reprising their roles as Sheldon’s older brother Georgie Cooper and his wife Mandy McAllister.