Bob Newhart returns to The Big Bang Theory for Star Wars-themed episode

Bob Newhart won an Emmy for his guest-starring role on The Big Bang Theory as Professor Proton. The character passed away on the show, but that's not stopping him from making a comeback, Obi-Wan style.

The Hollywood Reporter reports Newhart will return in the May 1 episode entitled "The Proton Transmogrification," in which the gang celebrates Star Wars Day (in actuality, this event takes place on May 4 each year). Newhart returns in the episode as Proton, who appears to Sheldon as his own Jedi master.

The show recently featured James Earl Jones and Carrie Fisher as themselves. The two played Darth Vader and Princess Leia, respectively, in the Star Wars films.

In other Big Bang news, the "Spoiler Chat" column at E! Online reveals that Dr. Cooper will cross paths with a psychic in the Season 7 finale, which will send him into a frenzy:

"Patrick: I need you to tell me some Big Bang Theory scoop. It'll make my day so much better!
We're all about making you smile! (And pizza. We adore pizza.) In the season finale of our beloved geeky comedy, Sheldon will be having a very mystical interaction with a never-before-seen character. We all know that Dr. Cooper is a many that firmly believes that science has an answer for everything, so how do you think he'll react when he comes face-to-face with a psychic? Yup, we think he'll freak out too..."

Are you glad to see Newhart return? Why do you think he's appearing to Sheldon? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.