Star Trek is traversing uncharted waters, facing an uncertain future as beloved series transition out of the spotlight and Paramount gears up for management changes. The streaming success birthed by the franchise is now at a crossroads, with only Strange New Worlds and Starfleet Academy confirmed for the next two and a half seasons. With no clear roadmap ahead, one prominent Trek writer sees a pathway for a major revival.
Michael Sussman, a former writer and producer on Star Trek: Voyager and Star Trek: Enterprise, reveals exciting developments. At the recent STLV: Trek to Vegas convention, Sussman discussed his collaboration with Enterprise star Scott Bakula on a concept for a new series that harkens back to the seeds planted in the last episode Sussman wrote: “In a Mirror, Darkly, Part II.”
Revisiting the Mirror Universe
This two-part episode introduced viewers to a darker alternate reality where Bakula portrayed both the heroic Prime Captain Archer and his nefarious Mirror counterpart. It is in this unique setting that audiences first learned that Mirror Archer was destined to become the president of the United Federation of Planets. Sussman noted, “It occurred to me that someone on the writing staff needed to write a graphic illustrating Archer’s future after Enterprise. This was going to be a pivotal graphic for the character’s legacy.”
A Vision for the Future: Star Trek: United
Inspired by Bakula’s interest in reprising his role, Sussman worked on a pitch for a new show titled Star Trek: United. This potential series would focus on an older Jonathan Archer navigating the complexities of leading the nascent Federation, exploring themes of diplomacy and politics. “Think of it as a political thriller and family drama set during the formative years of the Federation,” he elaborated. “It aims to emulate the grounded storytelling style of shows like Andor.”
Challenges and Hope for Development
Unfortunately, Sussman’s pitch for United didn’t progress far. After a positive initial meeting with Secret Hideout, the production company behind Paramount’s current Trek offerings, he was informed the project wouldn’t advance. The decision stemmed partly from broader budget cuts on streaming projects and the perceived overlap with Starfleet Academy.
The Landscape at Paramount
A major shift is underway at Paramount with the recent $8 billion acquisition by Skydance. The new CEO, David Ellison, has expressed a commitment to enhancing premium streaming content. This development gives Sussman hope for a reassessment of the United pitch, now with adjustments aimed at mitigating previous concerns.
What Does the Future Hold for Star Trek?
While Strange New Worlds and Starfleet Academy are the only two productions currently in progress, murmurs of potential film projects like a new Picard movie and a fourth entry in the “Kelvin Timeline” series continue to circulate. Additionally, fans are intrigued by the notion of a film exploring the early days of Starfleet—ground that Star Trek: Enterprise partially covered.
It remains to be seen how this evolving landscape will shape Star Trek’s future. Will Captain— or President—Archer return to lead us into this fresh narrative frontier?
How can fans stay updated on the latest Star Trek developments? Following expert analyses, news outlets, and fan sites dedicated to the franchise is essential to keep in the loop.
Are there any new Star Trek movies in development? Yes, various projects are being discussed, including potential films centered around familiar characters and themes.
What is Star Trek: United? It’s an envisioned series focused on Jonathan Archer navigating the complexities of Federation leadership during its early years.
How can viewers watch the latest Star Trek series? Fans can tune into Paramount+ for all current and past Star Trek shows.
In conclusion, staying connected with the ever-evolving world of Star Trek is key. While uncertainties abound, passionate fans can explore the lore and engage with new stories. Check out Moyens I/O for the latest updates on the franchise and beyond.