“Big Bang Theory” spinoff adds 3 cast members from original series

Kevin Sussman, Brian Posehn, and Lauren Lapkus may soon return to the "BBT" universe.

The Big Bang Theory universe is expanding yet again.

A Max spinoff of the hit CBS sitcom has lined up three returning cast members who began on the original series. Kevin Sussman, Brian Posehn, and Lauren Lapkus all have holding deals in place to reprise their roles from The Big Bang Theory, though the series has not officially been greenlit, Entertainment Weekly has learned. The series hails from the original show's co-creator and executive producer Chuck Lorre.

Representatives for Warner Bros. TV and Lorre declined to comment, while reps for Sussman, Posehn, and Lapkus didn't immediately respond to request for comment.

<p>Michael Yarish/CBS via Getty</p> Lauren Lapkus and Kevin Sussman on 'The Big Bang Theory'

Michael Yarish/CBS via Getty

Lauren Lapkus and Kevin Sussman on 'The Big Bang Theory'

On the original show, Sussman recurred as comic book store manager Stuart Bloom before eventually becoming a series regular, while Lapkus played the shop's assistant manager, Denise, who later dates Stuart. Meanwhile, Posehn portrayed geologist Bert Kibbler on several of the same episodes as Sussman and Lapkus.

Sussman appeared in 84 episodes after debuting in the show's second season in 2009, while Posehn acted in 15 eps beginning in 2013, and Lapkus recurred in eight episodes starting in 2018.

Related: Chuck Lorre says 'f--- 'em' to TV industry for not being interested in sitcoms

If the untitled Max series proceeds, it will be the fourth show in the Big Bang Theory franchise so far. The original show, which followed a group of scientists and nerds, ran for 279 episodes in its 12 seasons between 2007 and 2019. The prequel Young Sheldon, which focused on the childhood of BBT protagonist Sheldon Cooper, sustained 141 eps across seven seasons, from 2017 to 2024. Young Sheldon then launched a spinoff, Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage, which is set to debut next week on CBS. That show will follow Sheldon's brother and sister-in-law.

Related: CBS orders Young Sheldon sequel series — and no, it's not Old Sheldon

<p>Sonja Flemming/CBS via Getty</p> Brian Posehn on 'The Big Bang Theory'

Sonja Flemming/CBS via Getty

Brian Posehn on 'The Big Bang Theory'

Sussman has acted in films like Almost Famous, Wet Hot American Summer, Hitch, Sweet Home Alabama, and Burn After Reading. He recently played a supporting role in Lessons in Chemistry.

Posehn began his TV career on Mr. Show with Bob and David and was a regular on The Sarah Silverman Program. He has also made guest appearances on shows like Friends, New Girl, Seinfeld, and Community, and voiced a number of animated characters across TV and film.

Related: Young Sheldon cast reacts to series finale: 'I will miss everyone so much'

Lapkus headlined Netflix's film The Wrong Missy and acted in numerous episodes of Orange Is the New Black. She is a prominent performer in Los Angeles' alt-comedy circles, frequently appearing at live events and on podcasts like Comedy Bang Bang.

Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly.