Stephen Hawking Kicks Off 'Big Bang Theory' Panel at Comic-Con

When Stephen Hawking isn't playing Words With Friends against The Big Bang Theory's Sheldon Cooper, he likes to speculate about the universe.

The iconic physicist and author started a panel featuring producers of the Emmy-nominated series on Friday at Comic-Con with a pre-recorded video segment. Hawking guest-starred in season five's "The Hawking Excitation" episode of the CBS sitcom.

See also: 7 Must-Follow Twitter Feeds for Comic-Con

During the video, filmed in his University of Cambridge office, Hawking clears up how the universe was formed, speaking the lyrics to the Big Bang's opening credits, while still plugging his soon-to-be-released book and movie, Hawking.

Which Comic-Con panels are you most excited about? Tell us in the comments, below.

Image: YouTube, TheWB

1. 

   Headless Pirate

   When your costume gives you this much visibility, it's important to have a companion.

2. 

   Judge Dredd and TARDIS

   Two of our favorite British geek icons, together at last.

3. 

   Space Marine

   Sometimes the costumes are so well-put together, fans get a little excited.

4. 

   Predator and Friends

   At the Predator 3-D booth, the official movie monster mingles with fans dressed as his hunters.

5. 

   Personal Predator

   There were plenty of unofficial versions of the monster roaming the halls, too.

6. 

   All-American Heroes

   The family that cosplays together stays together. Here's an example where the costumes are complimentary ...

7. 

   Mixed-Costume

   ... and here's a family where everyone chose something different. Steampunk, zombie defense soldier, ninja mutant turtle -- whatever works for you.

8. 

   Disney Princesses

   There's relatively little Disney presence on the show floor, but that doesn't stop the company's fans dressing up.

9. 

   Disney Cast

   Poor Bambi.

10. 

    Walking Dead

    This walker was on display to the general public outside the Convention Center as a warning. Prepare for the zombie apocalypse!

11. 

    Steampunk Ensemble

    The steampunk genre may not be as popular as it once was, but you can still find plenty of fans on the show floor ...

12. 

    Steampunk Couple

    ... like these guys.

13. 

    Star Wars Ensemble

    You can always find members of the 501st Legion and the Rebel Legion -- Star Wars costume clubs -- to pose with at the Lucasfilm booth.

14. 

    Guardian of the Grail

    This guy is a mainstay of the Lucasfilm booth.

15. 

    Robin and Batman

    Male Robin, female Batman. Because why not?

16. 

    Lizard Man

    This guy was registering for the Saturday night masquerade. Best thing about this costume: the jaws open and close.

17. 

    Bane

    When all of Comic-Con is ashes, then you have his permission to take a photo.

18. 

    Jason

    The Friday the 13th villain is no less scary in daylight.

19. 

    Samurai

    If your costume is unusual enough, you're likely to get interviewed by a roving camera crew.

20. 

    What the ...

    Sometimes you see a costume and realize you're not geeky enough to recognize it -- though I'm sure a hundred readers can. [UPDATE: It's the demon Aku from Samurai Jack. Thanks, geeks!]

Image courtesy of YouTube, The WB