New Star Trek Series on Paramount+: Statement offers hope
With the end of Strange New Worlds and Starfleet Academy approaching, the franchise is at a crossroads
The future of "Star Trek" has looked brighter in the past. However, there's now an update – and that should give fans of the science fiction franchise reason for hope.
Jane Wiseman, EVP & Head of Originals for Paramount+, spoke about the current state of "Star Trek" in an interview with Deadline. The website asked her about the impending conclusion of the last two remaining live-action series, "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" and "Star Trek: Starfleet Academy." In response, she hinted that the team is already thinking about new projects behind the scenes – and has reached out to writers. Specifically, Wiseman said:
"It is our goal and it is our job to figure out what the next bounce of 'Star Trek' is. We're talking to a lot of writers, we are leaning on CBS Studios, and it is imperative that we figure out what the next iteration is in this franchise because it's just too important. We also are in touch with Paramount Pictures, they have a 'Star Trek' movie that's in development."
Apparently, Paramount+ is very interested in keeping the "Star Trek" universe alive in the future. However, it remains to be seen whether and to what extent this will lead to the development of new series. With the "Star Trek" movie mentioned, Wiseman is likely referring to the planned big-screen adventure by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley. The duo has, among other projects, directed the fantasy film "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves" and has long been in talks to helm a new "Star Trek" film.
What's next for Star Trek?
It's still too early to say what the new big-screen adventure will be about. Recently, however, a rumor about the story has been circulating. According to Hollywood insider Jeff Sneider, we might be in for a sort of "Training Day" set in space. The 2001 thriller starring Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke is about a police officer's first day on the job. Accordingly, there's speculation that the "Star Trek" version could also feature a young protagonist who still has a lot to learn. However, as already mentioned, the alleged "Training Day" approach is just a rumor and should therefore be taken with a grain of salt.
Overall, "Star Trek" is in a phase of transformation. In 2017, the launch of "Star Trek: Discovery" ushered in a renaissance for the franchise, which led to additional live-action series over the following years, such as "Star Trek: Picard," "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds," and "Star Trek: Starfleet Academy." Of these, only the latter two remain – though their endings have already been decided. "Strange New Worlds" will come to a close with its fifth season. "Starfleet Academy" will be canceled after its second season. A new live-action series to follow has not yet been in the works.
Idea for an Archer comeback
Last year, a proposal emerged that toyed with the idea of bringing back a former Enterprise captain. Producer Michael Sussman and actor Scott Bakula had the idea for a project called "Star Trek: United," which was to tell the story of an aging Jonathan Archer. He would now have four adult children and be the first president of the United Federation of Planets. However, the whole thing ultimately seems destined to remain nothing more than an intriguing thought experiment. Especially since, a few weeks ago, Bakula – who once played Archer – shared an update indicating that the project isn't moving forward. In an interview with TV Insider, he said:
"I'm not actively involved. A lot of fans would like to see more 'Star Trek' and perhaps see Archer be involved. But there are new people in charge of the franchise, new owners of the studio. The franchise benefitted from a rest after 'Enterprise'. There had been some fatigue with the number of shows and movies, and that may be what's happening. Nothing is on my radar right now."
Bakula played Captain Archer in "Star Trek: Enterprise." The series ran from 2001 to 2005 and spanned four seasons with a total of 98 episodes. The story was set before the original series featuring Kirk and Spock and chronicled the adventures of Captain Archer's starship crew. As appealing as a return of the space hero might be, it might actually be good for the franchise to develop entirely new characters – ones that rely less on nostalgia and more on the unknown. After all, "Star Trek" has always been about looking toward the future.