Jim Parsons gives Big Bang Theory fans little hope that he'll be in the sequel

The Big Bang Theory fans were happy to see Jim Parsons's cameo in the Young Sheldon finale. But could he return for another spinoff appearance? The actor himself has weighed in!

The comedy was a long-running CBS hit and a key reason for that was Jim Parsons. As Sheldon Cooper, the incredibly egotistical and self-centered genius, Parsons managed to make the character sympathetic and likable despite his many flaws.

Helping was Sheldon's relationship with fellow genius Amy (Mayim Bialik), which led to their marriage. Parsons won four Emmy awards for his work on the show, and it was no surprise that CBS wanted a sequel when TBBT ended. That was Young Sheldon, with Parsons narrating the tales of his younger self (Iain Armitage) growing up. The show ended its seven season run with Parsons and Bialik making cameos in the present. 

Speaking to Deadline, Parsons shared how it felt to take part in the Young Sheldon finale to bring a close to the character. 

"It was very special to do that. The feeling today is kind of odd. It's the second time now because when we ended The Big Bang Theory it felt like this too, a little bit different, but you shoot that final episode and it's wrapped for you. And then a couple of months later it wraps for the rest of the world and it's a very weird feeling to flood over you again like that."

Of course, fans are hopeful this isn't the last we see of Parsons as Sheldon in a new show.

Will Parsons return as Sheldon?

While Young Sheldon has ended, a spinoff is already being set, called Georgie and Mandy's First Marriage. It follows Sheldon's older brother, Georgie (Montana Jordan) and bride Mandy (Emily Osment) in their complex marriage. There's also been talk of a Big Bang Theory sequel though that's yet to be official announced as being in development. This, of course, has fans wondering if Parsons could cameo again or reprise the role in some way.

Speaking to E! News, Parsons was a bit cagey in his response to what it would take to return to playing Sheldon. 

"Reincarnation. Next lifetime. Never say never to anything. Life is long, God-willing, but I don't think so."

It may seem sad but it's also probably the simple answer that Cooper doesn't want to be tied down to one role like Sheldon all his life. While some stars continue to play roles for years (see Kelsey Grammer as Frasier), Cooper has been branching out in movies and has done great work on Broadway with a Tony nomination for Our Town. 

Young Sheldon was obviously close to Parsons, given it was about his character, but he wouldn't have the same connection to a Georgie and Mandy show. That series appears to be a classic studio sitcom rather than a single-camera show like Young Sheldon, so it wouldn't need Parsons narrating anyway. 

There's a chance there might be some flash forward bit yet it does seem like Parsons is closing the door on playing Sheldon once more even as fans are hopeful for a return.

Young Sheldon seasons 1-7 are streaming on Paramount+.