Big Bang Theory devotees may be reunited with one of their beloved characters sooner than they anticipated, reports the Mirror.

HBO has confirmed that The Big Bang Theory spin-off series Stuart Fails to Save the Universe is heading to screens in the near future.

The streaming giant announced that the new series will make its debut this summer, even revealing the precise month the spin-off is set to arrive.

Stuart Fails to Save the Universe will centre on The Big Bang Theory's comic book store owner Stuart Bloom (played by Kevin Sussman), who must restore reality after accidentally breaking a device created by scientists Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons) and Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki).

Having destroyed the machine, Stuart risks triggering a multiverse catastrophe and must do everything in his power to prevent it.

Stuart won't be tackling this alone, with his girlfriend Denise (Lauren Lapkus), geologist pal Bert (Brian Posehn), and quantum physicist Barry Kripke (John Ross Bowie) all joining forces to assist him.

Throughout their bizarre and extraordinary journey across time and space, the unlikely band of misfits will come face to face with alternate-universe versions of much-loved characters from The Big Bang Theory.

However, it is worth bearing in mind that, judging by the title alone, things are unlikely to end particularly well.

Stuart Fails to Save the Universe has been written and produced by Big Bang Theory co-creators Chuck Lorre, Bill Prady and Zak Penn. HBO has released a selection of first-look images, one of which depicts Stuart clutching a device that could well be the crucial piece of equipment he inadvertently breaks, as he stands alongside his companions wearing expressions of disbelief.

A further image captures Stuart and Denise in a lush, jungle-like setting, positioned beside a body of water.

Yet another photograph places Stuart and his cohorts in what appears to be an active war zone, as soldiers discharge their weapons around them.

There is currently no confirmation as to whether key cast members from The Big Bang Theory will be returning to reprise their roles, despite both Sheldon and Leonard receiving a mention in the official synopsis.

Stuart Fails to Save the Universe represents the second spin-off from the beloved, long-running and multi-award-winning sitcom.

Young Sheldon was the franchise's first spin-off, a coming-of-age comedy centring on a younger incarnation of the titular character (Iain Armitage) as he navigated life as a child genius growing up in Texas.

The prequel was set between the late 1980s and early 1990s, and ran for seven series between 2017 and 2024.

Stuart Fails to Save the Universe will premiere on HBO Max in July