The Big Bang Theory star opens up about becoming an unlikely action hero, working with Jonathan Frakes and the creative plans beyond the first season.
John Ross Bowie has returned to The Big Bang Theory universe, but Barry Kripke is no longer confined to the familiar hallways of Caltech. In HBO Max’s Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, the quantum physicist has become an unlikely action hero, traveling through alternate realities alongside Stuart Bloom, Denise and Bert in an attempt to prevent a multiverse Armageddon.
The ambitious comedy has already secured its future. HBO Max officially renewed Stuart Fails to Save the Universe for a second season after just four episodes, and nine of the first season’s 10 installments have now aired. The series has taken familiar supporting characters from one of television’s most successful sitcoms and transformed their world into a genre-bending adventure filled with science fiction, fantasy, horror, and superhero storytelling.
During an exclusive interview with Nerdtropolis, Bowie opened up about the enormous creative leap from The Big Bang Theory, reuniting with familiar cast members and performing some of the most physically demanding stunt work of his career. He also discussed the unexpected brilliance of Kevin Sussman, working with Star Trek icon Jonathan Frakes and the creative team’s early conversations about stories beyond the first season.
The ambitious production also introduced some physically demanding stunt work, including a controlled free fall that Bowie described as particularly daunting.
The series follows Stuart Bloom (Kevin Sussman), who accidentally breaks a device built by Sheldon and Leonard, triggering a crisis that threatens reality itself. With help from his girlfriend Denise (Lauren Lapkus), geologist Bert (Brian Posehn), and Kripke, Stuart must navigate alternate universes and somehow put everything back together.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe Takes a Massive Swing
The scale of Stuart Fails to Save the Universe immediately separates it from the sitcom that introduced Stuart and Kripke to millions of viewers.
When I compared the series to The Big Bang Theory meets Bill & Ted, Bowie recalled filming scenes near explosions and joking with his co-stars about how drastically production had changed.
“There’d be moments where we would be standing near explosions, and we would be joking like, ‘Remember on the old show when a set piece meant like, oh, the boys sing karaoke?’”
Bowie continued, “It was a very big jump (from) multicam sitcom to suddenly becoming action heroes. It was abrupt but very exciting.”
The actor acknowledged similarities to science fiction favorites such as Doctor Who and Sliders, although he noted that neither originated from the world of a traditional sitcom.
“None of them came from the universe of a fairly straight-down-the-middle multicam sitcom with people standing around a couch,” Bowie explained. “It’s a very big swing. And I’m really, really psyched to be a part of it.”
When asked whether he initially believed the ambitious concept could work, Bowie pointed to his confidence in the creative team behind the series.
He knew Chuck Lorre wanted to challenge himself, Bill Prady was an enormous science fiction fan, and Zak Penn brought experience writing action-oriented projects, including Last Action Hero and an X-Men sequel.
“This is a big swing, but these are the guys to take it,” Bowie said.
The Big Bang Theory Cast Returns in Unexpected Ways
One of the show’s biggest attractions has been the return of familiar faces from The Big Bang Theory. However, these appearances offer more than brief nostalgic cameos.
Returning actors portray dramatically different versions of their original characters, allowing the series to explore personalities and circumstances that would have been impossible within the traditional sitcom format.
“First of all, these are my friends. It was delightful to see them,” Bowie said. “Everyone who comes back plays a wildly different version of the character we know and love from the original show, from what we are calling the mothership.”
Bowie emphasized that the returning actors were enthusiastic about participating in the new series and helping the production deliver the strongest possible experience.
He also believes their appearances work for longtime fans without alienating newcomers.
“I think it works because if you’re not a fan of the original show or you’re just not familiar with the original show, these cameos stand on their own.”
Rather than simply revisiting familiar settings, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe uses alternate realities to reinvent its characters while maintaining a connection to the franchise’s roots.
Barry Kripke Becomes an Essential Multiverse Hero
Kripke may not be known for his teamwork, emotional intelligence, or ability to avoid creating problems. However, he brings something important to Stuart’s team: legitimate scientific expertise.
“For all of Kripke’s shortcomings, and they are multitude, he is a quantum physicist, a reputable quantum physicist,” Bowie explained.
The character serves a purpose beyond creating complications for the group.
According to Bowie, Kripke’s scientific knowledge becomes essential when the team attempts to navigate realities that defy everything they understand.
“I mean, we’ve got two comic book store employees and a geologist. I think if you’re gonna be traversing the multiverse, you should probably have at least one string theorist hanging around.”
Bowie compared Kripke’s usefulness to a pair of needle-nose pliers: an item that might not seem important until a specific situation makes it absolutely necessary.
When I suggested that the spinoff would finally fill the Kripke-shaped void left by The Big Bang Theory, Bowie enthusiastically agreed.
“Yes, in a big way. Yes, in a very big way.”
The expanded role also allows Bowie to explore sides of the character that were never possible during his appearances on the original series.
Jonathan Frakes Directs a Wild Garden of Eden Adventure
One of Bowie’s favorite experiences involved an episode set in a paradise resembling the Garden of Eden.
The installment features Kripke in an unusually uncomfortable situation, including spending time in a hot tub and stripping down to his underwear.
However, Bowie explained that the experience was memorable for reasons beyond the character’s circumstances.
“Everyone in that episode was so funny and such a good sport, and joke for joke, that’s a really, really strong episode.”
The installment was directed by Jonathan Frakes, whose extensive work across the Star Trek franchise made him a particularly exciting collaborator.
“It was so fun to work with him,” Bowie said. “He was just so psyched to be directing this sort of broad comedy.”
Bowie praised the director’s enthusiasm and dry sense of humor, explaining that the production gave Frakes an opportunity to explore a comedic style he had rarely been able to showcase.
The episode also introduced a different dynamic for Kripke and Bert.
“In most of the episodes, we are escaping something or fighting some sort of adversary,” Bowie explained. “In that episode, it’s us who screw things up. Bert and I screw things up in that universe, and that’s why we have to leave.”
Another unexpected bonus came during post-production.
According to Bowie, the production discovered it had money remaining in its budget and decided to spend it on music clearances.
“They blew it out on music clearances,” Bowie revealed. “There are a couple songs in there like, wow, that had to be an expensive bit of songwriting royalties. But they spent the money, and it’s really fun.”
John Ross Bowie Faced His Most Dangerous Stunt Work
The transition from a traditional studio sitcom to an effects-heavy multiverse adventure also introduced significantly more demanding physical challenges.
Bowie recalled filming a sequence in which the cast was suspended more than 20 feet in the air in front of a green screen while appearing to fall between dimensions.
The sequence required extensive wirework and had to be filmed twice after the production adjusted the performers’ positions and falling speed.
“That was really intense, kind of scary, but I’ve seen the finished product, and it looks amazing,” Bowie said.
The stunt became even more intimidating when Bowie was required to experience a controlled free fall before stopping approximately two feet above the ground.
Although the actor knew trained professionals were handling the sequence, the physical sensation was difficult to ignore.
“Even though you know that intellectually, you’re still plummeting a couple dozen feet,” Bowie explained. “It’s hard not to feel like, oh, well, this is where I go. I guess this is how my career ends. And they’re gonna dedicate the episode to me.”
Despite the fear, Bowie had no regrets.
“That was pretty daunting, but I regret nothing. It looks awesome.”
When I jokingly compared his experience to Hans Gruber’s infamous fall in Die Hard, Bowie acknowledged that the stunt had given him a new appreciation for actors who get thrown off buildings in action movies.
The elaborate production also meant every episode could feel entirely different from the previous installment.
“The show felt like it was rebooting itself every week,” Bowie explained. “The production design would change dramatically from week to week.”
He described the first season’s 10 installments as “very exciting, very distinct episodes.”
Kevin Sussman Finally Steps Into the Spotlight
At the center of the adventure is Kevin Sussman, whose character has gone from being frequently ignored inside his own comic book store to holding the fate of reality in his hands.
For Bowie, watching his longtime friend take center stage has been a rewarding experience.
The two actors knew each other long before joining The Big Bang Theory, having crossed paths while auditioning for dot-com commercials during the late 1990s.
“I’ve known Kevin for years and years and years,” Bowie explained. “I’ve known Kevin much longer than our participation with BBT would suggest.”
Watching Sussman perform on set gave Bowie an even greater appreciation for the actor’s comedic range.
“No two takes are the same,” he said. “He has a million shades of nebbish. And he uses them so well.”
Bowie believes the series works because it places characters who would traditionally remain on the sidelines at the center of an enormous adventure.
“I think the show works because it puts unconventional heroes in the spotlight.”
He pointed to a line from Stuart in the trailer that perfectly captures the show’s appeal.
“I’m kind of new to the action genre.”
For Bowie, that simple admission represents the unusual charm of watching these characters navigate situations they were never prepared to encounter.
John Ross Bowie Reveals Early Talks About More Multiverse Adventures
With the first season approaching its conclusion, I asked Bowie whether there had been conversations about continuing the story and what it felt like to film the finale.
Bowie described filming the season finale as “pretty goddamn surreal,” explaining that the production’s final scenes carried an unexpected sense of finality, even though the last scene of the episode was not the final scene filmed.
“The last scene is not the last scene we shot, but it still had an air of finality to it.”
More importantly, Bowie confirmed that the creative team had already discussed potential stories extending beyond the first season.
“Yes, there has been talk, and there has even been talk of what would happen in the hours following where that episode ends.”
At the time of our conversation, Bowie emphasized that the changing streaming industry made it difficult to know whether those ideas would ever reach the screen.
“Who knows if we get to make more, but if we do get to make more, there are plans for really cool stories in place.”
Since our interview, HBO Max has officially renewed Stuart Fails to Save the Universe for a second season.
The announcement came after just four episodes had aired, with the streaming service reporting that the spinoff had become its second-biggest global comedy launch.
The renewal gives the creative team an opportunity to continue developing the multiverse adventures Bowie discussed during our conversation. However, HBO Max has not announced a premiere date or episode count for Season 2.
The show’s future is now confirmed, but one important question remains: Can Stuart, Denise, Bert and Kripke actually save the universe without making everything worse?
As Bowie joked when I compared the unlikely group’s chemistry to Friends, the series might be best described as “Friends with slightly less cool hair.”
The first nine episodes of Stuart Fails to Save the Universe are now streaming on HBO Max, with the 10-episode first season concluding Thursday, Sept. 24, at 9 p.m. ET.
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Sean Tajipour
Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.
