HIMYM's Barney Audition Nightmare: Big Bang Theory's Jim Parsons Reveals Shocking Experience

Jim Parsons reflects on his audition experience for the character Barney in How I Met Your Mother, before eventually securing the role of Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory. Over a decade has passed since the actor introduced the socially awkward genius in the popular CBS sitcom. Parsons' portrayal of Sheldon was so remarkable that he often stole the spotlight and was considered the true protagonist of The Big Bang Theory. However, if circumstances had been different, Parsons could have found himself in the lead of another successful comedy. In Jessica Radloff's book, The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story Of The Epic Hit Series, Parsons recounts his audition for Barney in How I Met Your Mother. He confesses that he had doubts about the process, knowing that he didn't fit the character's description. Ultimately, Neil Patrick Harris was cast as Barney, despite not matching the character's initial portrayal on paper. Please see Parsons' complete statement below.

How Parsons’ How I Met Your Mother’s Casting Would Have Changed Big Bang Theory

I auditioned and received call-backs a couple times for the role of Barney on How I Met Your Mother. However, I was reluctant to audition because the casting breakdown described him as a "big lug of a guy." I couldn't help but think, What are they thinking?! I'm not a big lug of a guy! [Laughs] Then, when Neil Patrick Harris got the role, it served as a valuable lesson. Not that we are similar in any way, but he definitely does not fit the description of a big lug of a guy. From that point on, I decided to disregard the casting breakdown and instead focus on bringing my own interpretation to the material.

While there is no guarantee that Parsons would have secured the role of How I Met Your Mother if he had been more confident in his abilities, it appeared that the producers noticed something in him that made him a viable candidate. As a result, it was not unthinkable that he ultimately became Barney, which would have meant turning down the opportunity to play Sheldon in The Big Bang Theory. This may seem like a far-fetched idea, not only because Parsons was exceptional as Sheldon, but also because Harris was equally outstanding as Barney.

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Since both Parsons and Harris played vital roles in the success of The Big Bang Theory and How I Met Your Mother, it is plausible to suggest that these shows may not have achieved the same level of popularity if the casting of their characters had been different. Interestingly, Sheldon was originally conceived as a character similar to Barney, known for his ways with women. Thankfully, this aspect was altered, as it would have significantly altered the trajectory of The Big Bang Theory had CBS decided to proceed with that portrayal.

Although these shows have come to an end, their influence lives on through their enduring popularity and the success of their respective spin-offs. As Young Sheldon potentially wraps up with its seventh season, Warner Bros. is actively exploring the possibility of expanding The Big Bang Theory universe with another offshoot. Whether Parsons will be involved in this new venture remains unconfirmed.

Source: The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story Of The Epic Hit Series