Kaley Cuoco just returned as Penny from The Big Bang Theory for the first time in seven years. Cuoco reprised her role as Penny for the new HBO Max show “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe”.
Cuoco’s return to the role happens towards the end of Episode 2 of the new spinoff show which focuses on comic book store owner Stuart Bloom. “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe” is a 10-episode sci-fi comedy with full action and fantasy elements. The show follows Stuart as he tries to save the universe from a multi-dimensional collapse caused by a device malfunction that Sheldon, Leonard and Howard created.
The series reunites four returning cast members from The Big Bang Theory. Stuart Bloom (Kevin Sussman), Bert (Brian Posehn), Kripke (John Ross Bowie) and Denise (Lauren Lapkus). It also features a host of cameos from previous Big Bang Theory cast members, with Kunal Nayyar having already appeared as Raj last week in Episode 1.
The only twist is that while characters like Penny and Raj do appear, they appear as alternate universe versions of themselves. That is because each episode of Stuart Fails to Save the Universe takes place in a different alternate universe.
The second episode takes place in an authoritarian dystopia where anti-social behaviour is punishable by an electronic zapper embedded in the neck of every civilian. The zappers are controlled by AI overlord that uses satellite technology to track everyone in a fully-functional surveillance state. In the episode, this alternate version of Penny is the leader of the rebellion force leading a revolution against the AI overlord. She appears alongside Zack, played by Brian Thomas Smith, who Big Bang fans will now as Penny’s original boyfriend before Leonard in Season 1.
You can watch a short snippet of Penny’s appearance in the show right here:
When the creators of the show were asked about bringing back past Big Bang cast members, they explained that sometimes they had characters in mind for certain things, while others would come to mind later to fill a role that already served a purpose in the story.
Producer Bill Prady shared that “It was really fun finding places for characters outside of our four main characters.” Writer Zak Penn added that “Sometimes we would have an opportunity for a character and say, ‘oh, the leader of the rebellion, that would be fun if that were Penny.'” You can read more of their commentary in our full Q&A with the creators of the show here.
Notably, while this is the third spinoff show in The Big Bang Theory franchise, it is the first one to take place in present day. Both Young Sheldon, and Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage are prequels that take place decades before The Big Bang theory. For that reason, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is the first chance for Big Bang creators Chuck Lorre and co to bring back the main cast to see where they are now.
Who do you think will appear in next week’s episode? Get excited, because the creators have teased that more surprises are to come.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is streaming now HBO Max, with new episodes every Thursday for it’s 10-week season.
If you enjoyed our article on Kaley Cuoco Appearing as Penny in The Big Bang Theory Spinoff Show Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, then please check out more from Screen Brief below.
Read more TV News from Screen Brief.
