AceShowbiz - Jim Parsons, the actor who played the iconic character Sheldon Cooper on "The Big Bang Theory", has responded to fan speculation that Michael Keaton could portray an older version of the character in a potential spin-off.

During an appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon", Parsons acknowledged the striking resemblance between Keaton and young Sheldon actor Iain Armitage. Fallon presented a side-by-side photo, prompting Parsons to remark, "It is interesting. There's definitely a resemblance."

While Parsons expressed excitement about the potential of Keaton joining the "lineage of Sheldon portrayers," he downplayed the likelihood of it actually happening. "Let me tell you this: I doubt that's going to happen," he said.

Parsons confessed his admiration for Keaton, stating, "I've admired that man my entire life, starting with 'Mr. Mom'." He also revealed that he had met Keaton briefly at an industry event.

Despite the casting rumors, Parsons confirmed that he and Mayim Bialik, who played Sheldon's love interest, Amy Farrah Fowler, will reprise their roles in the upcoming series finale of "Young Sheldon". However, Parsons noted that it was not as easy to reconnect with their characters as they had anticipated.

"It wasn't like riding a bike," he explained. "It felt weird. But then you get into it and it was really nice."

As "Young Sheldon" approaches its seventh and final season, Parsons expressed gratitude for the opportunity to depict the character's origins and expand the Cooper family story. "Being able to tell the origin of Sheldon Cooper and expanding the story to include the entire Cooper family has been a wonderful experience," said Parsons.