The Big Bang Theory spinoff series Stuart Fails to Save the Universe saw Stuart and the gang stuck inside a DC Comic and used the Golden Age Flash to get out of it. It was an interesting episode that used both the creativity of the show and the DC rights that HBO Max already has.
It was also a fitting choice, since Sheldon Cooper spent twelve seasons practically worshipping the Scarlet Speedster. But The Flash is far from the only hero TBBT dropped references to over the years. Here are seven other superheroes already baked into the show’s DNA that the HBO Max spinoff could plausibly summon next.
1. Howard Donned the Batman Suit at Penny’s Halloween Party
Howard in The Big Bang Theory | Credits: CBS
Superhero and Star Trek references are part and parcel of The Big Bang Theory, and there is no way the show missed out on one of the most popular ones of all. Howard, in the season 4 episode ‘The Justice League Recombination, ‘ dons the Batman cowl and cape and even changes his voice and exclaims, ‘I am Batman!’ It is one of the best episodes of the show.
While we do not yet have a DCU Batman (and there is no way Battinson will make a cameo), Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, with its generally clever and cheeky writing, can do a similar jig with a different actor. In fact, bringing an Alan Ritchson cameo as Batman would actually be hilarious.
2. Superman Has Been Referenced Many Times in TBBT
A still from The Big Bang Theory | Credits: CBS
Superman appeared in the flesh during that same Halloween episode, with Zack leaping into Penny’s apartment in a cape, fumbling the classic ‘it’s a bird, it’s a plane’ line. Sheldon also wore Superman shirts throughout the series’ run as part of his rotating superhero wardrobe.
Given that Stuart specifically invoked Superman’s name alongside Batman’s while trapped in Gotham, a proper cameo from the Man of Steel would close a loop the show has already opened for itself.
3. Stuart Fails to Save the Universe Originally Wanted Green Lantern
Hal Jordan in Lanterns | Credits: HBO Max
While we got the Golden Age Flash in Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, the makers reportedly wanted Green Lantern first (via Deadline). Co-creator Zak Penn said that they were all set for a Green Lantern-themed episode when HBO Max denied permission because of DCU’s Lanterns being an ongoing series. Leonard wears the Green Lantern costume in the Justice League-themed episode, and it is a hilarious one.
We may not get a Lantern on Stuart in the same season, but maybe a season 2 can see Hal Jordan or John Stewart coming in. Hopefully, at the time, there will not be a Lanterns season 2 running simultaneously.
4. Raj Wore an Aquaman Suit in the Justice League Costume Episode
Aquaman Raj in The Big Bang Theory | Credits: CBS
Raj drew the short straw as Aquaman in the season 4 Justice League costume episode, grumbling that ‘Aquaman still sucks’ while stuck wearing the least-respected superhero’s orange-and-green suit.
Sheldon also owned Aquaman-branded shirts as part of his comic-fueled closet. Given the show’s fondness for playing underdog heroes for laughs, a self-aware Aquaman cameo poking fun at his reputation would slot right into Stuart’s comedic wheelhouse.
5. A Lynda Carter Wonder Woman Reference Is in Stuart’s Wheelhouse
Lynda Carter in Wonder Woman | Credits: ABC
We got a Golden Age Flash, why not a Golden Age Wonder Woman? Lynda Carter coming in as Wonder Woman one more time would actually be quite fitting for The Big Bang Theory franchise, as the boys are huge fans of the actress. There is also a reference to the character in the same Justice League costume episode, where Penny wears WW’s costume.
Wonder Woman would give the spinoff’s alternate-universe machine an obvious next stop, especially with Gotham and Central City already established as real locations within the show’s comic-book dimension.
6. Thor Would Be a Great Marvel Detour for the Show
Thor Raj in The Big Bang Theory | Credits: CBS
Till now, we have been seeing mostly DC references, because Stuart Fails to Save the Universe established Central City and Gotham as canon to the comic dimension. However, next time we might get to see a Marvel comic dimension, though how HBO Max will navigate the rights to this is a bit complicated.
Raj wore a Thor costume in The Big Bang Theory season 1’s ‘Halloween episode, ‘The Middle-Earth Paradigm’, and it was revealed that he couldn’t speak to women without alcohol. It would be a pretty fun reference to one of Raj’s best quirks if Thor were to make a similar cameo in Stuart.
7. A Wolverine Cameo Would Be a Great Reference to Sheldon in TBBT
Marvel’s Wolverine | Credits: Insomniac Games
Wolverine got specific comic-book real estate in the episode ‘The Hofstadter Isotope,’ when Sheldon picked up a copy of Wolverine: Origin and confidently, if inaccurately, explained the character’s backstory to Leonard.
That moment of Sheldon-splaining made Wolverine part of the show’s canon of nerd lore. A clawed cameo, or even just another deep-cut comic reference, would reward longtime viewers who remember Sheldon’s fumbled trivia.
Which superhero do you think should have been there in Stuart Fails to Save the Universe? Comment below.
Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is streaming on HBO Max.
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