A new social media image sparks speculation about a core cast member ofThe Big Bang Theoryreturning for its third spinoff. Theend ofYoung Sheldonpaved the way forGeorgie & Mandy’s First Marriage. While it exists in the same universe as the nerd-centric sitcom, it barely has any connection to the original series that started this TV universe. Luckily,Chuck Lorre is supposedly developing a third offshootthat is directly tied to it, and based on a new image online, someone from the Pasadena gang may be returning to star in the project.

In a new post on Instagram stories,Kunal Nayyarshares animage of himself dressed as Raj Koothrappali fromThe Big Bang Theory. Check out the photo below:

Kunal Nayyar as Raj

The snap is pretty straightforward. It’s a selfie of Nayyar in his Raj costume. He captioned the image,“Remember this guy?,” further sparking rumors that he is set to return forThe Big Bang Theory’s upcoming third offshoot. Sadly, he didn’t reveal if this was a photo that was recently taken or a throwback post.

Why Raj Is The Perfect Character For The Big Bang Theory’s Third Spinoff

Raj Still Has Many Stories Left To Tell

It has been five years sinceThe Big Bang Theoryended. While the send-off to the Pasadena gang was generally well-beloved, some aspects were heavily criticized, includingthe disappointing way that Raj’s story ended. While all characters found contentment in their personal and professional lives, Nayyar’s character was left without a life partner. For most ofThe Big Bang Theoryseason 12, he was engaged to be married to Anu. However, the writers decided that it wasn’t working out, so they pulled the plug on it.

Besides finding his life partner — something that he always wanted to do in The Big Bang Theory, the new offshoot can also explore Raj’s professional endeavors, not to mention the relationship he has with his family in India.

Kunal Nayyar’s Raj sits and looks glum on a couch in The Big Bang Theory

Because of this,Raj is actually the perfect candidate to spearhead the newBig Bang Theoryspinoff. There are still so many stories that can be told about the character, primarily because he was treated as a supporting player throughout the sitcom’s 12 years on the air. Besides finding his life partner, which he always wanted to do inThe Big Bang Theory, the new offshoot can also explore Raj’s professional endeavors, not to mention his relationship with his family in India.

Our Take On The Third The Big Bang Theory Spinoff

Lorre Has Yet To Give Any Substantial Update About The Project

While it’s uncertain when this image of Raj was taken, the timing of its posting and Nayyar’s caption are more than enough to exciteBig Bang Theoryfollowers for his possible return to the franchise. Lorre was coy when asked about the status of the third spinoff, and I understand if he’smore focused on launchingGeorgie & Mandy’s First Marriageright now. That said, I also know that the easiest way to get fans of the Pasadena gang back is to center theuntitledThe Big Bang Theoryspinoffon an already beloved core cast member like Raj.

At this point, it’s possible that theBig Bang Theoryco-creator has gradually moved on to working on his next project and leftGeorgie & Mandy’s First Marriageto the capable hands of Steve Holland and Steve Molaro. If that’s the case, then Nayyar’s post could very well be a tease for his eventual return to the TV franchise. It’s worth noting that he’s the only member of the core cast who didn’t get any kind of update fromadult Sheldon inYoung Sheldon. At leastPenny got a shoutout in the finaledespite Kaley Cuoco not making an appearance.

The Big Bang Theory cast eating together in the living room

What To Expect In A Possible Raj-Centered Big Bang Theory Spinoff

Raj’s Show Needs To Be Different From Georgie & Mandy’s

As previously mentioned, there’sno shortage of stories for a possible Raj-centricBig Bang Theoryspinoff, primarily because of how the sitcom handled his personal narrative. The first thing, however, that Lorre needs to figure out is where to set the show. Raj can’t possibly stay in Pasadena, since it will raise questions about the status of his friendship with the rest of the group. Because of this, Nayyar’s character needs to relocate somewhere, either permanently or temporarily. That way, the offshoot can introduce a new ensemble to surround the character away from Sheldon, Leonard, and the rest.

The proposed new show with Raj needs to find a way to differentiate itself from Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage.

The Big Bang Theory Poster

Moving forward with aBig Bang Theoryspinoff with Raj at the center will continue the franchise’s trend of shifting the spotlight away from Sheldon. TheYoung Sheldonfinale wrapped up the character’s TV arc neatly. The proposed new show with Raj needs to find a way to differentiate itselffromGeorgie & Mandy’s First Marriage. This may mean that it will not lean on family stories as much, considering the nature of Georgie and Mandy’s situation in Texas. It’s also possible that it will shift its format to be a single-cam sitcom.

The Big Bang Theory

Cast

The Big Bang Theory: This sitcom follows a group of socially awkward scientists and their interactions with each other and the people around them. Centered on physicists Sheldon and Leonard, the series humorously explores friendship, romance, and the quirks of life among an eclectic group of academics.