Big Bang Theory to bring back iconic characters with major twist for new spin-off

Writers are said to be putting a "completely fresh twist" on the Big Bang Theory for a spin-off. Details about the show have been announced this week, including its title and whether fans can expect to see their favourite characters.

It was previously reported that a spin-off of the CBS sitcom, which ran for twelve seasons from 2007 to 2019, was in the works. HBO Max has now announced that it has given a series order to the show, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe.

The show will see Kevin Sussman reprise his role as comic book store owner Stuart Bloom. The character was first introduced in the second season of the Big Bang Theory and made numerous appearances prior to its final episode.

Stuart won't be the only returning character. He will be joined on a "quest" by his partner Denise (played by Lauren Lapkus), geologist Bert Kibbler (Brian Posehn) and quantum physicist Barry Kripke (John Ross Bowie) in the new show.

It's yet to be revealed whether any other former cast members will reprise their roles in the upcoming spin-off. It's been confirmed that "alternate-universe versions" of some characters from the Big Bang Theory will feature in it though.

A synopsis for Stuart Fails to Save the Universe teases that the title character is tasked with restoring reality after he breaks a device built by Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) and Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki). He's said to accidentally bring about a multiverse Armageddon as a result.

He's aided by Denise, Bert and Barry in his quest. According to HBO Max, along the way, the group meet "alternate-universe versions of characters we've come to know and love" from the original show. It adds: "As the title implies, things don't go well."

The comedy series is being executive produced by Chuck Lorre, Zak Penn, and Bill Prady. Chuck said in a statement: "I wanted to do something radical that would take me out of my comfort zone. Something the characters on The Big Bang Theory would have loved, hated, and argued about."

Bill added: "The process of writing this show with Chuck and Zak has been damn fun, and I’m certain that joy will come through the screen. Putting characters we loved from The Big Bang Theory into a complex science fiction story with the kind of mythology that those characters love while maintaining the comedic elements is incredibly satisfying."

Zak said: "I was on a vision quest in the most remote parts of the Amazon Rainforest when a carrier pigeon arrived with a note from Chuck Lorre asking if I wanted to help make a show that the characters from Big Bang Theory would watch. I couldn't resist that idea, so I packed up my yurt and hailed the next dirigible out.

"At the same time, Chuck sent an expedition to locate Bill Prady, who had been frozen with his shield across his chest in a block of arctic ice. The team assembled, we set out to make this insane show, which lives in a universe created by Chuck and Bill. I couldn't be more honored to be working with these amazing people."

Channing Dungey, Chairman and CEO, Warner Bros. Television Group and WBD US Networks, said: "Chuck and Bill have given us one of the most enduring comedies of our time with The Big Bang Theory, and we can't wait to see the universe continue with this new series. With the help of Zak - a masterful storyteller - this next iteration promises to capture the essence of what fans loved about the original series, but with a completely fresh twist. We thank our partners HBO Max for joining us on this next adventure."

Alongside Sheldon and Leonard, the Big Bang Theory focused on Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg), Rajesh Koothrappali (Kunal Nayyar) and Penny Hofstadter (Kaley Cuoco) among other characters. It has already been followed by prequel series Young Sheldon, which launched back in 2017.

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