Among The Big Bang Theory’s many memorable guest stars, Wil Wheaton stands out as one of the most iconic. Known for his role as Wesley Crusher on Star Trek: The Next Generation, Wheaton appeared on The Big Bang Theory as a fictionalized version of himself, first showing up in Season 3 as a nemesis to Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons). While his character later evolved into a friend of the group, Wheaton’s inclusion almost didn’t happen—and his journey to joining the show is as fascinating as his character’s arc.
Skepticism About The Big Bang Theory
When The Big Bang Theory debuted, Wheaton wasn’t an immediate fan. In Jessica Radloff’s book, The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series, Wheaton revealed he initially rejected the idea of the show and declined offers to appear. “I thought it was going to be making fun of people like me—lifelong nerds,” he admitted.
Expecting the show to mock nerd culture, Wheaton avoided it entirely. But as the series gained popularity, he decided to give it a fair chance. To his surprise, he fell in love with it, even tweeting his admiration. Executive producer Steve Molaro noticed the tweet and invited Wheaton to visit the set, sparking a collaboration that would leave a lasting impact on both Wheaton’s career and the show itself.
Hesitation to Play Himself
When co-creator Bill Prady approached Wheaton about appearing on the show, he envisioned Wheaton playing a version of himself. This, however, was a sticking point. “I felt playing myself was cheating,” Wheaton explained. “Or it was going to be a one-off where someone says, ‘Hey, look, it’s the kid from Star Trek,’ and then it’s over.”
Wheaton even offered to audition for a non-Wheaton character, but Prady stood firm, explaining, “No actor likes to play themselves, but you are the only actor who can play Wil Wheaton.”
Unconvinced, Wheaton hesitated until a conversation with his friend, writer John Rogers (Leverage, The Librarians), tipped the scales. Rogers strongly encouraged him, saying, “Get on the phone to Bill Prady and tell him you’ll do whatever he wants, or we’re not friends.” Wheaton followed his advice, and the rest is sitcom history.
From “Evil Wil Wheaton” to Fan Favorite
Prady and the creative team crafted a unique spin on Wheaton’s character: “Evil Wil Wheaton.” In his debut episode, Wheaton uses his supposed fanboy status to manipulate Sheldon, igniting a long-running feud. Wheaton loved the twist, saying, “It gave me a character to play.”
Over time, Evil Wil transformed into a friend of the group while retaining his cheeky edge, frequently sparring with Sheldon for comedic effect. This evolution allowed Wheaton to balance playing himself with embracing the creative freedom of a sitcom role.
How The Big Bang Theory Saved Wil Wheaton’s Career
Wheaton credits The Big Bang Theory with reviving his acting career. By the time the show ended in 2019, he’d appeared in nearly every season (save for the first two and Season 10), becoming a beloved recurring character. Reflecting on his time on the show, Wheaton said, “If I built a tripod out of my career, the main legs would be Stand By Me, Star Trek, and The Big Bang Theory. It blows me away that I get to say that.”
For Wheaton, the series provided stability and opportunity during a challenging period in his career. “I probably have an on-camera acting career today because of Big Bang Theory,” he admitted. “Anything I do on camera for the rest of my career will stand on the shoulders of the work I’ve had the privilege to perform over the last decade.”
