Big Bang Theory fans divided over spinoff casting bombshell after title reveals focus on minor character

Daily Mail​

22-04-2025

Big Bang Theory fans are split over the latest casting news for the upcoming Max spinoff, which will focus on a minor character from the beloved sitcom.
Shortly after the show was announced as a spinoff centered around Kevin Sussman's Stuart Bloom and given the title Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, Warner Bros. Television boss Channing Dungey hinted that the series' timeline might allow for appearances from original characters.
Unlike previous Big Bang Theory spinoffs Young Sheldon and Georgie and Mandy's First Marriage, which were prequels happening before the original's timeline, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe marks a significant shift.
The Stuart-centric series could bring back familiar faces like Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, or any of the original characters, all of whom had longstanding relationships with Stuart.
When asked if the old gang would 'pop in' during a recent interview with Deadline, Dungey teased with a five-word response: 'I would never say never.'
With Penny (Cuoco) and Leonard (Galecki) potentially showing up in Stuart's world, fans quickly took to social media to express their thoughts.
One Reddit user wrote, 'I'd want to watch it just to see who makes guest cameos.'
Another fan shared concerns about the OG characters being altered for the spinoff: 'Hopefully they don't change too much about the characters reprising their roles.'
One fan even compared the new show to a major sitcom, writing, 'This is like creating a Friends spinoff set around Gunther…' referencing the side character from the iconic series starring Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, and the late Matthew Perry.
Others questioned how many spinoffs can truly succeed.
One user posted, 'I'm intrigued how much more Chuck Lorre can milk/expand this franchise down the line (unless 'Fails to Save the Universe' is a hint this may be the last spinoff).'
Of course, not everyone is on board with the spinoff.
One fan said, 'I feel a whole show on Stuart would get very old very quick. He was okay in small doses.'
The casting news comes on the heels of John Ross Bowie, 53, who played the plasma physicist Barry Kripke, joining the upcoming series.
With Penny (Cuoco) and Leonard (Galecki) potentially showing up in Stuart's world, fans quickly took to social media to express their thoughts
Bowie, who was a recurring presence throughout much of The Big Bang Theory, was downgraded to a guest role in seasons four and ten before the show concluded.
One of Barry's standout characteristics was his rhotacism, which gave him an Elmer Fudd-like charm as he swapped 'R' and 'L' sounds with 'W' when speaking.
Barry first caught attention in season two's The Killer Robot Instability, where he discovered the gang had built a robot. In response, he created his own robot, the Kripke Krippler, setting up a battle for supremacy.
Bowie has signed a talent holding deal with WBTV, ensuring his availability should the series make it through any remaining hurdles, Deadline reports.
Shortly after the news broke, Bowie shared a screenshot of the article on Instagram to celebrate.
He joked in the caption, 'Exciting news from @deadline… pardon me… deadwine,' imitating his character's signature speech.
The spinoff has also added notable talent to its team, with Zak Penn—known for X2: X-Men United, The Avengers, and Ready Player One—joining Bill Prady, co-creator of The Big Bang Theory.
Together with Chuck Lorre, they'll co-write the pilot script and executive produce the series.