One MCU Star Almost Got Cast as The Big Bang Theory’s Penny

There is a lot of talk about almost-castings in fan-favorite TV shows or movie franchises. Sometimes they make a lot of sense for the character, and sometimes the audience is convinced that it would’ve ruined the story and the perception. Still, it is always fun to imagine and discuss such things.

One of the characters that changed the most during the pre-production phase of The Big Bang Theory is Penny. Not only was her name changed, but the actress playing the role was also different. Katie, played by Amanda Walsh, was supposed to accompany Sheldon, Leonard, and the rest of the gang on their adventures.

However, since the audience didn't like Katie's attitude that felt too aggressive toward the other two characters, it was decided to soften her personality. Thus, Penny was born. Friendly and bubbly, she quickly won over the viewers’ hearts, all thanks to Kaley Cuoco 's brilliant performance.

Since then, the actress has made the role her own, but she wasn't the only strong contender.

One of the actresses who had a chance of becoming Penny is Marisa Tomei, better known to the general public as Peter Parker's Aunt May in the MCU ’s recent Spider-Man movies. While the actress was considered by many comic book fans to be too young to portray Spider-Man's aunt, she would be perfect to fill Penny's shoes.

Tomei was such a strong contender that Jim Parsons, who portrayed Sheldon Cooper on the show, actually read with her at the audition. The actor recalled the events of that day in an interview with Jessica Radloff, which was later included in the book The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series.

“I had the part of Sheldon for a long time before everything was settled. I read with Marisa Tomei. <...> I remember going to the snack room after we were done and telling Ken and Nikki, ‘I’ve never been in someone else’s audition before!’ And they said, ‘Well, she was kind of really auditioning you’,” Parsons shared.

We'll never know how that casting would have worked on screen, but it will forever be significant in the context of The Big Bang Theory's creation story. If you want to relive some of the greatest moments from the hit sitcom, you can stream it on Netflix or Max.

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