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Kevin Sussman returns as Stuart Bloom in Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, the new HBO Max series that serves as a sequel to The Big Bang Theory. It's surreal to think about for Sussman, who can still remember losing one of the main roles of the original show before his Stuart casting.
To help promote the premiere of Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, Sussman spoke about the series in a recent edition of The Big Bang Theory official podcast. The actor commented on how he held off on celebrating the news he was getting his own spinoff until filming actually started. That's because he had initially been cast as Simon Helberg's Howard Wolowitz in the original show, all set to serve as one of the main characters of the hit sitcom. However, because of the fine print in his ABC contract related to his Ugly Betty role, Sussman was forced to give up the part.
Stuart Bloom Almost Played Howard Wolowitz
"When I found out that that role [of Howard] went away was during the celebration with my manager. I got a call from my agent that whatever ABC contract, blah blah blah, that’s not going to happen," Sussman said. "No, I knew that I wasn’t going back [for Ugly Betty Season 2]. Which made it so much more egregious... That’s why everybody who has come and sat in this chair and we talk about Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, they say to me, ‘This could not happen to a better person than Kevin Sussman.’ Period.”
Sussman only appeared in the first season of Ugly Betty, with the role written out of the show before the finale. As the actor explained, he even knew that he wasn't needed for any Season 2 episodes, but was still forbidden by the network to join the CBS series. Still, Sussman was able to join the show as his recurring Stuart character starting in The Big Bang Theory Season 2. Stuart would go on to appear in every subsequent season through the end of Season 12 in 2019. It was natural for him to be the one to lead his own spinoff.
Several Familiar Faces are Featured in the Spinoff
In Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, Sussman is joined by a handful of other recurring stars of the original show. This includes Brian Posehn as Bert Kibbler, Lauren Lapkus as Denise, and John Ross Bowie as Barry Kripke. It's likely that there will be some other special appearances as well, as a sneak peek trailer has already confirmed that beloved guest star Wil Wheaton will also be showing up in the new spinoff. As for Helberg, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Johnny Galecki, Kunal Nayyar, Mayim Bialik, and Melissa Rauch, no such cameos have been confirmed, but surprise appearances are possible.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe will premiere on HBO Max on July 23, 2026.
