The Big Bang Theory universe is expanding once again, and another familiar face is making a comeback.
John Ross Bowie is set to reprise his role as Barry Kripke in the upcoming Max spinoff series, Variety reports. While the project is still in development, Bowie will be reuniting with previously announced cast members Brian Posehn, Lauren Lapkus, and Kevin Sussman.
All four actors appeared in various capacities throughout The Big Bang Theory’s 12-season run. The hit CBS sitcom, which aired from 2007 to 2019, starred Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Johnny Galecki, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Mayim Bialik, and Melissa Rauch as a quirky group of scientists and their significant others navigating life and relationships.
CBS first expanded the franchise with Young Sheldon, a prequel series that follows a young Sheldon Cooper (Iain Armitage) as he grows up in Texas.
That show later introduced viewers to Sheldon’s older brother, Georgie (Montana Jordan), whose relationship with Mandy (Emily Osment) set the stage for another spinoff: Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage.
A Fresh Start for the Franchise
Montana Jordan, who leads Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, assured fans that each new installment in the franchise can stand on its own.
“You can watch Young Sheldon without knowing anything about The Big Bang Theory. And I believe you can watch Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage without watching Young Sheldon,” Jordan exclusively told Us Weekly in October 2024. “It’s a new start.”
John Ross Bowie As Barry KripkeMayim Bialik Addresses Her Potential Return
As anticipation builds for Max’s new spinoff, Mayim Bialik, 49, has spoken about the possibility of reprising her role as Amy Farrah Fowler.
“I haven’t been contacted,” she revealed exclusively last month. “I’ve seen what’s been announced, and I think that’s where a lot of people’s knowledge of it is right [now]—me being one of them.”
Still, Bialik is eager to see where the franchise goes, both as an actress and a fan.
“These characters were so iconic and so significant to people. [Creators] Chuck [Lorre] and Bill [Prady] really created a world of characters that people want to know about and follow up on,” she shared. “So, I’m very flattered, and I would be very flattered if I am contacted.”
Would Bialik Return as Amy?
Bialik, who first appeared as Amy in season 3 before becoming a series regular, made it clear that she would love the opportunity to step back into the role.
“I love being known as that character, and I love what it means to people. So for me, it would be a thrill to be part of it in any way,” she said.
The actress previously returned to the franchise during a guest appearance alongside Jim Parsons in Young Sheldon. She reflected fondly on the experience, noting that it allowed her to reconnect with familiar faces behind the scenes.
“It was a really, really fun experience to be part of that,” she shared. “I also get to interact with [creators] Steven [Molaro] and Steve [Holland] and a lot of our writers and producers, so it’s a whole world that I still feel very connected to.”