HBO Max has ordered a new spinoff from the Big Bang Theory universe, though this one won’t feature Sheldon Cooper or Leonard Hofstadter in leading roles.
The streaming service greenlit “Stuart Fails to Save the Universe,” a project that puts the comic book store owner at the center of his own adventure. Kevin Sussman, who played Stuart Bloom throughout the original series, will reprise his role.
Stuart ran the comic book shop that served as a regular hangout for the main characters.
The new series follows Stuart as he attempts to prevent an apocalyptic scenario, though details about the plot remain limited. HBO Max hasn’t revealed whether other original cast members will make appearances.
Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady are executive producing the project. Both created the original Big Bang Theory, which ran for 12 seasons on CBS.
This marks the second spinoff from the franchise, following Young Sheldon’s success on CBS. That prequel series focuses on Sheldon’s childhood in Texas and has been renewed through its seventh season.
The Big Bang Theory ended in 2019 as one of television’s most-watched sitcoms. The show’s popularity in syndication and streaming has kept interest high in the characters and universe.
Jim Parsons and Johnny Galecki, who played Sheldon and Leonard respectively, aren’t currently attached to the Stuart project. However, the show’s format could allow for guest appearances from familiar faces.
Stuart’s character often provided comic relief as the struggling comic book store owner who dealt with financial problems and romantic mishaps. His store served as a central gathering place for the group’s weekly comic book shopping trips.
HBO Max hasn’t announced a premiere date for the series. Production details and additional casting information are expected in the coming months.