HBO Max to debut Big Bang spinoff, Wil Wheaton returns

A new spinoff in the popular television franchise will premiere this summer, featuring the return of a familiar face. The series, set to debut on HBO Max in July, will see actor Wil Wheaton reprise a version of his recurring character from the original show.

Wheaton’s appearance was confirmed in a promotional video released by the streaming service, where he is seen firing an energy blast at the main characters inside a comic book store. The actor previously appeared in 17 episodes of the parent series, portraying a heightened version of himself often at odds with the character Sheldon Cooper.

The spinoff centers on comic book store owner Stuart Bloom, played by Kevin Sussman. The story begins when Bloom accidentally breaks a mysterious device built by the original series' characters Sheldon and Leonard, triggering a multiverse crisis. Tasked with restoring reality, Bloom is joined by his girlfriend Denise, geologist friend Bert, and quantum physicist Barry Kripke.

The premise involves the group encountering alternate-universe versions of characters from the original series throughout their mission. The show's title indicates that Stuart's efforts to save reality will not be...