Lucasfilm, Bob Newhart confirmed for ‘The Big Bang Theory’ ‘Star Wars’ episode
May will prove to be a fun time for Star Wars fans and fans of the popular sitcom The Big Bang Theory.
The new THR Apr. 2 article previews the crossover which will include Bob Newhart returning as Professor Proton and Sheldon’s lightsaber wielding mentor.
Additionally, Industrial Light + Magic joined with the netowork to bring realism to the Dagobah inspired crossover.
“They’re excited about everything we’re doing and they’re going to help us with the special effects,” Executive Producer Steve Molaro said about ILM’s assistance.
“Bob is going to be swinging a light saber around and they sent us a real one to use. They’re going to help make it look and sound right. It’s an amazing crossover for us.”
Here’s the official synopsis offered by THR:
In “The Proton Transmogrification” — the episode set to air May 1 and timed to the annual May 4 Star Wars Day — the gang gets together to celebrate the annual geek holiday, while Sheldon (Jim Parsons) is guided by visions of his childhood idol and mentor, Professor Proton (Emmy winner Bob Newhart), who appears to the socially challenged genius as his own Jedi master.
Newhart tells THR that he had to “do some research” into Star Wars, leaning on producers as well as his family members for its cultural significance.
“I talked to Chuck, Steve and [co-creator/EP] Bill [Prady] about it and they gave me the Phantom Menace so I knew what [Dagobah] would look like. They explained to me what the light saber was and what it could do — and not to point it at Jim because it would kill him!”
The Big Bang Theory airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. on CBS. The Star Wars episode airs May 1.