The Big Bang Theory spin-off SFTSU turns heads with the first table read (& one character's replacement is yet to be found)

The universe of The Big Bang Theory is set to magnify yet again, bringing back to the table some recognizable faces in a surprizing way. While the previous BTT spin-offs were firm on exploring Sheldon Cooper’s origin story or developing the other character and their backstories, the latest add on to the universe titled Stuart Fails to Save the Universe (SFTSU), shifts the limelight to an unlikely lead.

With the first table read done along with production currently happening, fans have noticed an oddity among the cast members where one member appears to be missing albeit in a peculiar way.

The new series is nonetheless gearing up to bring on a fresh new outlook to an already beloved and established franchise.

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A new direction for the Big Bang Theory franchise

Unlike the shows done in the past that aired and were linked to the CBS network, SFTSU will be streaming as an exclusive series on Max. This will be the first time that a Big Bang Theory spin-off won’t be airing on TV, suggesting a change in how the franchise will now be growing further.

The move to shift to a streaming platform also brings about questions about whether the show will be testing unfamiliar waters while trying to get in storylines that have never been done before in the franchise.

At the core of this new spin-off series is Kevin Sussman, making a comeback as his character - Stuart Bloom. More often than not, Stuart has been previously depicted as the tongue-tied, discomfited comic book store owner in The Big Bang Theory, but now, Stuart takes on a lead role, steering a world that remains mainly foreign to the fans.

While the official Big Bang Theory frequently made use of Stuart as a comic relief character, this new spin-off could let him be explored as a character who does indeed have many layers attached to him.

At the table read for SFTSU, a series of past cast members reunited a list that included Lauren Lapkus as Denise, Brian Posehn as Bert Kibbler, and John Ross Bowie as Barry Kripke.

It seems to be that each of these characters mirror the original led cast members of The Big Bang Theory like: Stuart as Leonard (awkward but endearing), Denise as Penny (the only female cast member), Kripke as Sheldon (self-importance and conceit) as Bert as Raj (calmness and not so aggressive).

Each of these sidelined characters who appeared on the original show as recurring characters brought their eccentric charm to The Big Bang Theory, and seeing them come together in a new spin-off opens up new possibilities.

Could this new spin-off further focus on Stuart and Denise’s relationship? Will Bert’s geology know-how play a more important role? The show allows for surprising changes that could differentiate SFTSU from its previously running shows.

Missing pieces: Where does this leave the original cast?

With Stuart, Denise, Kripke, and Bert reuniting their characters for this new story, longtime fans of the Big Bang Theory might just raise their eyebrows to notice a peculiar absence—there doesn’t seem to be an up-front equivalent to Howard Wolowitz in the list of cast members like the others.

This absence stands out, specially taking into account that Sussman initially auditioned for the role of Howard before eventually gaining the part for Stuart. Whether or not this means for a new character to step in to the shoes of Howard or if the show will figure out an entirely fresh dynamic still remains to be seen.

As far as cameos are concerned, Jim Parsons cleared the air that he has no current plans to make a comeback as Sheldon Cooper after the end of Young Sheldon. He said in an interview with Deadline:

"As we sit here now, no, but I also I would I never say never to anything, because life just changes so much..... You know, one of the things is that it was so special as what it was as what it is....And so why would we be doing it? I don’t know... that’s how I feel on that right now...."

However, other cast members, some of which include Mayim Bialik and Kaley Cuoco, have conveyed a sense of openness to revisit the franchise. While no news has been officially confirmed, the likelihood of getting cameos could still on the table.

The participation of Big Bang Theory creator Chuck Lorre also brings forth questions about whether the new SFTSU spin-off will include surprise bridges to past stories.

What lies ahead for Stuart’s story?

With its first table read done and dusted and production moving on as quick as a cheetah, SFTSU is currently on its way to becoming a new planet in The Big Bang Theory universe.

One of the biggest mysteries is what course of action/direction will the story take. Given the title, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, it’s likely imaginable that the show will incline into a more wacky and overstated style of comedy comedic, setting it apart from both The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon.

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With The Big Bang Theory universe enlarging its boundaries once again, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe has already sparkled curiosity amongst fans.

The first table read brought in excitement, but the absence of a key character's stand-in raises questions about the direction of the storytelling. As the project moves forward with its production, fans patiently await to see how this latest spin-off will take its final form.

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