how different”The Big Bang Theory”Could have been,” has often been said. In the original idea of the series there was no neighbor Penny (Kaley Cuoco), only nerds. And of these, only Leonard (Johnny Galecki) and Sheldon (Jim Parsons) existed at the beginning. Simon Helberg as Howard and Kunal Nayyar as Raj were created later in the script’s development. But as it has now emerged, one of the two almost got fired immediately after shooting the pilot episode.
In the book published a few days agoThe Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story Of The Epic Hit Series” series creator Chuck Lorre is now telling this story for the first time: According to the pilot, a person in charge of TV broadcaster CBS decided to fire Kunal Nayyar and replace it with another actor.
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As Lorre recounts (via ScreenRant), he himself was not informed about it. When he went to the traditional Upfronts, where the broadcasters presented their new program and also “The Big Bang Theory“ was to be announced, landed in New York, he learned at the airport that Kunal Nayyar was not there for the presentation. Because a broadcaster responsible decided that the actor was not the right cast for the role.
According to his own statement, Lorre was furious. On the one hand, he wasn’t even consulted, on the other hand, you can’t decide based on the pilot whether Nayyar fits the role. After all, his character has nothing to do in the first episode. He therefore called the broadcaster directly and argued against the dismissal. He made it clear that he believes in the cast and takes responsibility for it. So he was able to change the mind of those responsible for the station.
In the end, Lorre had the right instinct. “The Big Bang Theory” became one of the highest-grossing sitcoms of all time with Kunal Nayyar and ran from 2007 to 2019.
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