Jim Parsons has revealed what made him choose the actor who will play young Sheldon Cooper in Young Sheldon.
Speaking on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Big Bang Theory star revealed he had a hand in picking who would portray the mini version of his notoriously awkward character in the forthcoming spin-off series.
The role eventually went to Iain Armitage, the scene-stealing son of Shailene Woodley's character in Emmy-nominated drama Big Little Lies.
And now, Parsons – who will serve as executive producer and also provides a voiceover for the spin-off series – has credited Iain's "mind-blowing" audition for helping him land the break-out role.
"They wrote the most trial-by-fire, two-page monologue and all these kids were coming in with it and they were all really good," said Parsons.
"But Iain, when his tape came in, it was mind-blowing and I thought, 'he looks really young but he must be 13 to be able to do this' – but he was 8.
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"He is such a man-child. He thinks like a man.
"He's fantastic. I didn't think I was very good with kids but I'm fine with him. He's such a sweet kid, too."
During the interview, Parsons also revealed his on-screen prodigy got him a very Sheldon-inspired wedding gift.
"He wanted to get me a gift for my wedding," he added. "An ant farm – and he said, 'congratulations on your new children.'"
Young Sheldon officially premieres on Thursday, November 2 on CBS.
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