5 Big Bang Theory Characters Who Most Need To Return for the Sequel Show (Who Aren’t the Main Gang)

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A sequel to the hit show The Big Bang Theory is in the works, and it’s heading to HBO Max! This new comedy, called Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, reunites producer Chuck Lorre with original creative partner Bill Prady. Unlike previous shows in The Big Bang Theory universe, this one is a sci-fi adventure starring Kevin Sussman as Stuart Bloom. The trailer shows a visually unique and funny series that promises to be different from what fans are used to.

I’m so excited to see Lauren Lapkus as Denise, Brian Posehn as Bert Kibbler, and John Ross Bowie as Barry Kripke joining the new project – they were all in the promo! I’m really hoping we’ll see at least a quick glimpse of the Pasadena gang, like Sheldon, Leonard, and Howard. The story has already found a way to include them, though it’s not confirmed if they’ll actually be in it. But beyond that, I think it would be amazing to see even more familiar faces from The Big Bang Theory make an appearance in Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, just for the fun of it or to help move the story along.

Zach Johnson

Brian Thomas Smith’s character on The Big Bang Theory isn’t featured as much as others – he only appeared a few times as Zach Johnson. However, whenever he was on the show, he always made a strong impression with his great comedic delivery and his unique relationship with Penny and the rest of the characters.

Zach started as a somewhat silly ex-boyfriend for Kaley Cuoco’s character, and it turned out he was already married. Despite being a bit clueless, he was a genuinely likable and fun guy. He last appeared on The Big Bang Theory in the final season, when he and his wife surprisingly came back hoping Leonard would donate sperm. It’s funny to imagine what might have happened if he’d ended up with Penny, or if Leonard had agreed to his request.

Will Wheaton

As a huge fan of Will Wheaton, it’s always been great seeing him on The Big Bang Theory. He didn’t really play a character, though – he was basically playing himself, but turned up to eleven! His dynamic with Sheldon was so entertaining, going from enemies to friends and then back to playfully competing, especially when he took over the Professor Proton role. I’m really excited to see him return in Stuart Fails to Save the Universe – it’s just fun to watch someone with such a fantastic career in so many memorable shows and movies pop up!

Mrs. Wolowitz

Throughout The Big Bang Theory, Stuart was largely seen as an honorary member of the group. While he had a few personal storylines, his connection with Howard’s mother, Mrs. Wolowitz, was particularly memorable. After the comic book store burned down, Stuart started helping Mrs. Wolowitz, and they formed a close, almost familial bond. Considering Mrs. Wolowitz is deceased in the show’s main timeline, hearing her voice in one of the alternate realities the friends encounter would be a fantastic nod to fans.

Leslie Winkle

Sara Gilbert was already known for her comedic talent when she joined The Big Bang Theory as a scientist at Caltech and a possible love interest for Leonard. Initially brought on as a recurring character, her role as Leslie Winkle was even upgraded to a series regular for season 2. However, the writers eventually stopped featuring her prominently as they found it difficult to integrate her character effectively into the show’s storylines.

Leslie always had the potential to be a great character, but she never got a major story arc of her own. The upcoming Stuart Saves the Universe seems to finally address that. While she likely won’t become a main character, the creators of The Big Bang Theory could potentially give her something meaningful to do in the sci-fi sequel.

The Coopers (From The Past)

Even though Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is a new addition to The Big Bang Theory universe, the franchise is still thriving with earlier stories. Young Sheldon and Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage have both been successful in showing the Cooper family’s life before Sheldon met his friends, setting up the original series. Because these characters have become popular on their own, it would be exciting to see them reappear in Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, perhaps through a different timeline or reality.

The new HBO Max show might even delve into what Sheldon’s life could have been like if his father hadn’t passed away. As Young Sheldon showed, George’s sudden death drastically changed the family’s plans. It’s interesting to consider how Sheldon would have grown up with his dad still around and maintaining a strong family connection.

Stuart Fails to Save the Universe drops all 10 episodes on July 23, 2026, on HBO Max.

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2026-05-19 19:16