The Big Bang Theory creator won't deny returns of classic characters for new spin-off series
Fans are calling for the original cast to return.
The Big Bang Theory creator Chuck Lorre hasn't ruled out the return of major characters from the hit sitcom for its forthcoming spin-off Stuart Fails to Save the Universe.
A full season of the series was ordered earlier this year, marking the third expansion of The Big Bang Theory franchise following earlier offshoots Young Sheldon and Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage.
This latest entry differs by taking the plot in an overtly sci-fi direction, with executive producer Zak Penn describing it as a show that Leonard (Johnny Galecki), Sheldon (Jim Parsons) and their nerdy pals would take a spirited interest in.
But could the group actually appear in some capacity? Notably, the synopsis for Stuart's spin-off stated that the hapless comic book shop owner would cause "multiverse armageddon" by breaking a device designed by Leonard and Sheldon.
It also teased that Stuart's mission to restore reality would see him encounter "alternate-universe versions of characters we've come to know and love from The Big Bang Theory".
Quizzed on whether these details meant that members of the original cast would be back, Lorre told TVLine: "That is a closely guarded piece of information that, you know… I've taken a blood oath regarding."
He added that if your "hope" is to see the original Big Bang Theory characters again – albeit perhaps not as we know them, due to the multiverse shenanigans – then "you're going to love this show".
Clearly, this statement can't be taken as a promise of anything in particular, but it does seem like Lorre could be hinting at the involvement of other actors from the hit sitcom – or at least, reimagined versions of their characters.
In addition to the aforementioned Galecki and Parsons, The Big Bang Theory made stars of Kaley Cuoco (Penny), Kunal Nayyar (Raj), Simon Helberg (Howard), Melissa Rauch (Bernadette) and Mayim Bialik (Amy).
So far, the only confirmed names for Stuart Fails to Save the Universe are Kevin Sussman (Stuart), Lauren Lapkus (Denise), Brian Posehn (Bert) and John Ross Bowie (Kripke), all of whom were recurring players on the original series.
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Authors
David Craig is the Senior Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest and greatest scripted drama and comedy across television and streaming. Previously, he worked at Starburst Magazine, presented The Winter King Podcast for ITVX and studied Journalism at the University of Sheffield.
