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The Big Bang Theory veteran confirmed to join cast of its much-anticipated new spin-off series

It seems Sheldon Cooper's greatest nemesis-turned-friend will be back.

(L-R) John Ross Bowie, Lauren Lapkus, Kevin Sussman and Brian Posehn star in Stuart Fails to Save the Universe; their characters are standing in a row, looking shocked and worried at something ahead of them. Stuart is holding a large technological instrument.

Colin Remas Brown / HBO Max

Published: Tuesday, 26 May 2026 at 11:08 am

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The cast of new The Big Bang Theory spin-off Stuart Fails to Save the Universe continues to fill up with alumni from the original show, with one additional star now confirmed to appear.

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While we already knew that Kevin Sussman's Stuart Bloom, Lauren Lapkus's Denise, Brian Posehn's Bert and John Ross Bowie's Barry Kripke would be leading the cast, we now know that Wil Wheaton will be returning - we imagine, to reprise his role as himself.

Wheaton previously appeared in 17 episodes of The Big Bang Theory, playing a fictionalised version of himself. He was initially a guest star, but eventually became a recurring character.

His appearance in Stuart Fails to Save the Universe was confirmed in a new HBO Max teaser for upcoming shows in 2026. One brief clip shows Wheaton, seemingly using some sort of magical power.

Wil Wheaton as himself and Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory. Wheaton is stood in a doorway and Sheldon is stood opposite him.

Wil Wheaton as himself and Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper in The Big Bang Theory. Sonja Flemming/CBS via Getty Images

The synopsis for Stuart Fails to Save the Universe says: "Comic book store owner Stuart Bloom (Sussman) is tasked with restoring reality after he breaks a device built by Sheldon and Leonard, accidentally bringing about a multiverse Armageddon.

"Stuart is aided in this quest by his girlfriend Denise (Lapkus), geologist friend Bert (Posehn), and quantum physicist/all-around pain in the ass Barry Kripke (Bowie).

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"Along the way, they meet alternate-universe versions of characters we’ve come to know and love from The Big Bang Theory. As the title implies, things don’t go well."

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The alternate universe versions of the characters we see could extend to the main Big Bang Theory characters, played by the likes of Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons and Kaley Cuoco.

When asked whether the original show's stars would be back for the spin-off, creator Chuck Lorre previously told TVLine: "That is a closely guarded piece of information that, you know… I've taken a blood oath regarding."

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Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is coming to HBO Max in July 2026. Subscribe to HBO Max from £5.99 a month.
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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of James Hibbs, smiling against a lime green background.

James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

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