Stuart Fails to Save the Universe just killed off a beloved Big Bang Theory character in its premiere episode. The show’s creators broke down why the shocking death was necessary and how it sets up the rest of the season.
Who dies in the Stuart Fails to Save the Universe premiere?
Two major characters die in the premiere of HBO Max’s Stuart Fails to Save the Universe. Barry Kripke shoots original Big Bang Theory character Raj Koothrappali in the back in the episode’s biggest shock. Gary, the boyfriend of Stuart’s old flame Denise, also dies swiftly and without ceremony.
Raj, played by Kunal Nayyar, appears as a prisoner at CalTech under Kripke’s rule. He figures out how to repair the quantum interference device responsible for the multiverse Armageddon. Kripke, determined to protect his reign as Great Khalif of South Pasadena, kills him seconds before completion.
Co-creator Bill Prady told Deadline the writers needed “somebody who had the answer… and then he gets killed before he can use it.” He added that Raj was the natural fit because the story required “somebody capable of doing this math.” Co-creator Chuck Lorre kept his explanation simple. “It just seemed funny,” Lorre said.
John Ross Bowie, who plays Kripke, acknowledged discomfort with the scene at Comic-Con. “He’s the most likable character maybe in TV history,” Bowie told Deadline. He then reassured fans that Raj exists across multiple universes. “I only do it once,” Bowie added. Brian Posehn’s Bert immediately delivers an extended beatdown as payback for the killing.
This alternate universe version of Raj also carries a tragic backstory. He rode an elephant to his dream wedding before a giant moth devoured his bride. Co-creator Zak Penn offered perspective to TVLine. “He did get his dream,” Penn said. “It just ended quickly.” Lorre then paraphrased Raj’s situation with a laugh. “We got him to the wedding,” he said.