Monty Brinton/CBS The Big Bang Theory knows how to do Comic-Con!
Though no stars were slated to appear on the CBS hit sitcom's 2013 panel at the Con in San Diego this year, as it was billed as a special "Writers' Room" conversation, several familiar faces still popped up to geek out with the series' (many, many) fans!
Not only did star Melissa Rauch end up moderating the panel, but Johnny Galecki made a surprise appearance as a fan waiting in line to ask a question...in costume! Yes, Galecki was dressed up in Princess Leia's bounty hunter disguise from the Star Wars sequel Return of the Jedi. "I just couldn't stay away," he told the crowd after revealing himself. Coolest. Surprise. Ever.
"This show has the best fans in the world," Galecki also said. "The fact that we gather here in July before the show goes back into full swing production in August gives us the shot in the arm we need."
But The Big Bang Theory, which is TV's highest-rated comedy, had one more epic surprise for fans: World-renowned author/physicist Stephen Hawking, who has guest-starred on the show, recorded a special video message to introduce the panel.
Co-creator Bill Prady and showrunner Steve Molaro also dished out some scoop on what fans can expect to see in season seven, including more of Sheldon (Jim Parsons) and Amy's (Mayim Bialik) hilariously strange dynamic. When asked if they will finally consummate their relationship, Molaro teased, ""It's a possibility...Amy will continue trying to get her way." Fans will also see Amy and Bernadette (Rauch) go on a trip together and will see Leonard on the research ship with Hawking when the series returns on Sept. 26.