Captain Picard returns to TV

Over the weekend at the Star Trek Las Vegas convention it has been announced that Patrick Stewart is return to play Captain Jean-Luc Picard in a new Star Trek TV project. There's exciting news on who's involved behind the camera too, continue below for more details on that.

The series is very early on in development at the moment, and little is known about the details of the show: Will it be an ongoing thing or a one-off miniseries, when it's going to air, or if any other 24th century characters might also return. We do know it's going to be set about twenty years after Nemesis (so getting close to the 25th century), and in the US at least it will be released on CBS All Access. Here's how Stewart summarised it at STLV:

He may not, and I stress may not, be a captain anymore. He may not be the Jean-Luc that you recognize and know so well. It may be a very different individual. Someone who has been changed by his experiences. Twenty years will have past, which is more or less exactly the time between the very last movie, Nemesis, and today.

We have no scripts as yet, we're just talking talking talking storylines. It will be, I promise you, I guarantee it, something very, very different. It will come to you with the same passion, and determination and love of the material and love of our followers and our fans, exactly as we had it before.

A whole load of new Star Trek TV projects are in the works!

Exciting times trekkies, CBS have announced they have signed up Alex Kurtzman and his fellow Discovery producers Heather Kadin and Aaron Baiers to have their production company Secret Hideout continue to work on TV projects for CBS through to 2023, including specifically expanding the production Star Trek beyond Discovery.

CBS are officially keeping things vague, noting the the deal:

...calls for him to extend the Star Trek franchise for television, developing new series, mini-series and other content opportunities, including animation

But the trade press are already abuzz with what those projects could be. Variety have identified four different projects:

• A series set at Starfleet Academy, which is being work on by Stephanie Savage and Josh Schwartz, writers and producers known for their work on The O.C., Gossip Girl, Dynasty, and Runaways.
• A miniseries based on The Wrath of Khan, which one assumes would be the Nick Meyer led project we've already had rumour of.
• Another miniseries of unspecified focus.
• And an animated series.

The Hollywood Reporter meanwhile are suggesting that Patrick Stewart might return to play Captain Picard for one of these:

The new deal comes as rumblings about another Star Trek series, featuring Patrick Stewart reprising his role as Star Trek: The Next Generation's Capt. Jean-Luc Picard, have been heating up. Sources say Kurtzman and Akiva Goldsman, who left Discovery after season one, are attached to the Stewart-led reboot. CBS TV Studios declined to confirm the Stewart project as sources say a deal is far from completed and may not happen despite the fact that the actor recently teased his potential return to the franchise.

New Star Trek TV series coming to Netflix almost everywhere in the world

The new Star Trek TV series will be available to watch via the streaming service Netflix in almost every country on the planet, and within 24 hours of the US release!

Netflix announced today they have secured international distribution rights to the series, which will through them will be available in 188 countries - Those not covered by the Netflix deal are the US and Canada, and the handful of countries Netflix is not available in for political reason (China, Syria, North Korea, and Crimea).

Here's how Netflix announced the news in a press release:

Netflix and CBS Studios International today announced a landmark international licensing agreement for the new “Star Trek” television series. Netflix will be the exclusive premiere home of “Star Trek” in 188 countries (excluding the US and Canada). Each episode of the new series will be available globally within 24 hours of its U.S. premiere.

Additionally, all 727 existing episodes of the iconic “Star Trek” television library – including “Star Trek: The Original Series,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” “Star Trek: Voyager” and “Star Trek: Enterprise” will be available on Netflix around the world by the end of 2016.

The all-new “Star Trek” will begin production in Toronto in September for its January 2017 premiere. The iconic and influential global franchise will return to television for the first time since 2005 with a new ship, new characters and new missions, while embracing the same ideology and hope for the future that inspired a generation.

“The launch of the new ‘Star Trek’ will truly be a global television event,” said Armando Nuñez, President and CEO, CBS Studios International. “‘Star Trek’ is already a worldwide phenomenon and this international partnership will provide fans around the world, who have been craving a new series for more than a decade, the opportunity to see every episode virtually at the same time as viewers in the U.S. Thanks to our world-class partners at Netflix, the new ‘Star Trek’ will definitely be ‘hailing on all frequencies’ throughout the planet.”

“‘Star Trek’ is one of the most iconic shows in television history and we’re thrilled to partner with CBS to bring the beloved series to Trekkies around the world,” said Sean Carey, Vice President of Global Television at Netflix. “The newest chapter of the story promises to continue the rich tradition of adventure and is sure to excite fans everywhere Netflix is available.”

New details of new Star Trek TV series, a 13 episode arc

Collider have posted an interview with new Star Trek TV series showrunner Bryan Fuller, who, while carefully avoiding giving away too many specifics, gave a lot of new details about the show.

First up, speculation that this might be a shorter season than we traditionally get in Star Trek has been confirmed. The first season will be thirteen episodes long, with a season long story arc, and the writing team are already well into it:

We’ve got the arc of the first season entirely written, or arced out, and we’ve got the first six episodes entirely broken.

Interestingly the fact this is being made for a streaming service apparently also mean we might not get the usual episode lengths either. When asked if they would be hour long episodes:

I think our runtime is flexible because it’s streaming.

Fuller also spoke a little about the general shape of the series, and how the creative team was able to shape it:

When I first sat down with them, it was “Do you have a plan of what you want to do?” And they said, “No,” and I said, “I have a plan,” and we started talking. And it was wonderful to be working with Alex Kurtzman, who I have a tremendous amount of respect for, and who’s such an elegant storyteller and crafting a story with him that ties in so many elements of Star Trek that I think people will be really excited about because you can look at the original series and pick out episodes we’re using the DNA of and using the spirit of what Star Trek offers, both in terms of high-concept science fiction storytelling and really wonderful metaphors for the human condition.

UPDATE: Speaking to Moviefone as well, Fuller roundly debunked many of the rumours about the new series, while suggesting some of the reports have hit upon truths:

I mean, it's funny. I've read that we're [set] before "Next Generation," after ["Star Trek VI: The] Undiscovered Country," which is false. I've read that it's an anthology show, which is not accurate. So it's interesting to see those suggestions, and seeing the truth mixed in with them and going like, "Oh, they got that part right..." But it's sort of on the truth-o-meter on PolitiFacts. It's sort of like some truth, and a lot of like, "No -- pants on fire! That's not true."

More new Star Trek TV writers and production details

The writing room for the new Star Trek TV series is starting to fill out. Continue below for all the details.

The most recently announced came via another of the writers, Kemp Powers, who I found about thanks to TrekFM's new Stage Nine podcast. Powers himself is new to TV, but has a wide range of writing credits, including stage-plays, journalism, and his own memoirs revolving around a terrible event from his childhood.

Powers tweeted two new names to add to the the writing room. One of those is Aron Coleite, a writer and producer of several TV series, including Heroes, where he worked alongside new Star Trek showrunner Bryan Fuller who also produced season one of that series.

They are also joined by Joe Menosky, who also will have worked with Fuller, and pre-dated him in the Star Trek world, as writer and producer on many episodes of TNG, DS9, and Voyager. Some of Menosky's most notable episodes include Darmok, Year of Hell, and Timeless.

Jesse Alexander in his dangerous work uniform

Another name which appears to be in the room, as highlighted by TrekFM's Commentary Trek Stars, is Jesse Alexander another Heroes alumni, who has also worked with Fuller on Hannibal, and with another of the producers of the new Star Trek series, Alex Kurtzman, on Alias, as well as producing episodes of Lost. Alexander certainly seems happy about this role, posting some fun images from the production offices on his social media.

Kirsten Beyer to write for new Star Trek TV series!

Great news for the new Star Trek TV series, Voyager novelist Kirsten Beyer has joined the writing team! The Shore Leave convention website announced the news, after Beyer had to pull out of appearing there due to her new commitments:

One of our author guests, Kirsten Beyer, has to cancel her attendance at Shore Leave 38 for an admittedly very cool reason. Kirsten is one of the writers for the new Star Trek series. Her work load and commitment to the new series make it impossible to attend Shore Leave this year. She is looking forward to coming back to Shore Leave next year to share the excitement of her new job. Shore Leave extends congratulations to Kirsten for this amazing achievement and opportunity.

Beyer should be well known to Star Trek books fans, as the author of all the post-Destiny Voyager novels, starting with Full Circle (which followed a couple of earlier Voyager works in her bibliography). I think it's safe to say that she is considered the savour of the Voyager series, bringing it back to life with some inspired stories, cleverly weaving together threads of continuity, and perhaps most importantly bringing Voyager's cast of characters (and several new additions in the Full Circle fleet) vividly to life.

If you've not read her books I highly recommend them, her run of Voyager stories is one of the best series of Star Trek novels, ever. So it certainly exciting that her huge talents are being utilised in the new TV series!

I wonder if any of the other current crop of Star Trek novelists have been called in too? Several have screen writing experience already...

In one other little nugget of news from the series, Variety report the new series will indeed be gaining a sub-title at some point, and will not just be called Star Trek.

First teaser for the new Star Trek TV series

CBS have released the first teaser for the new Star Trek television series. It doesn't reveal a lot (the series wont start filming for months still), but does give us a first logo, and a some little teases, with the promise of "New crews, new villains, new heroes, new worlds".

Check it out, complete with everyone's favourite music cue.

Trek TV updates: Roddenberry to produce, and CBS plans

A few more titbits about the new Star Trek TV series have been revealed recently. The latest announcement, via StarTrek.com, is that Roddenberry Entertainment will be joining the production, with Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry and Trevor Roth signing on as the latest producers. Rod is of course of the son of Star Trek's creator Gene Roddenberry, as well as being president of Roddenberry Entertainment, and is perhaps best known as the producer and star of the Star Trek fandom documentary Trek Nation. He also has a writing credit to his name, for an episode of Earth: Final Conflict. Trevor Roth meanwhile is the COO of Roddenberry Entertainment, and also produced Trek Nation. Roddenberry had this to say on his new role:

Moral dilemmas, human issues, complex characters, and a genuine sense of optimism: These are the cornerstones of Star Trek and are what have made it such an influential and beloved franchise for the last 50 years. While I will always be humbled by its legacy and the legions of fans who are its guardians, it’s a genuine honor to be joining a team of imaginative and incredibly capable individuals whose endeavor it is to uphold the tenets of Star Trek’s legacy while bringing it to audiences in a new era and on a contemporary platform. 

While showrunner Bryan Fuller seems pleased to have a Roddenberry on board:

Gene Roddenberry, the Great Bird of the Galaxy, left a finely feathered nest for all who love Star Trek to enjoy,” Bryan Fuller said in a statement. “And it is only fitting that Rod Roddenberry and Roddenberry Entertainment join our new Trek adventure to ensure that his father’s legacy of hope for the future and infinite diversity in infinite combinations runs through our tales as Gene Roddenberry intended.”

First tiny hints about the new Star Trek TV series

A few days ago TOS movie era writer and director Nicholas Meyer was announced as having joined the new Star Trek TV series as a writer and producer. Den of Geek have now posted an interview with him, giving the first tiny hints at the influences on the new Star Trek series, with perhaps the most interesting note that The Undiscovered Country (the best TOS movie, sorry Khan fans) has been picked out as particularly influential:

The one thing I can relate to you is that The Undiscovered Country—according to Bryan [Fuller]—is a real sort of taking off point, or touchstone for how I guess he’s thinking about the direction of the new show. I don’t want to be misquoted and I don’t want to misquote him, but he’s fond of that film. Let’s put it that way.

That answer came off of being asked about the politics of Trek, in reference to both The Voyage Home and The Undiscovered Country. So while there are many different things you could take a direction from The Undiscovered Country, I certainly wouldn't mind a sharp commentary on the current state of global politics (or environmental issues for that matter).

Meyer was also clear to point out this will be a new sort of Star Trek:

Nicholas Meyer joins the new Star Trek TV series writing team

Were you happy when just a couple of weeks ago we learnt that Star Trek alumni and Pushing Daisies creator Bryan Fuller had signed up as the showrunner of the new Star Trek TV series? Well be happy some more, as it seems he has also signed up no less than Nicholas Meyer as  a writer and consulting producer for the series.

Meyer is one of the biggest names in Star Trek production history, having essentially relaunched the series, along with writer/producer Harve Bennett, when he directed The Wrath of Khan (which uncredited he largely rewrote too). He later wrote both The Voyage Home and The Undiscovered Country, the latter he directed too. So basically he made all the good TOS movies!

Bryan Fuller had this to say in a statement posted by StarTrek.com:

Nicholas Meyer chased Kirk and Khan 'round the Mutara Nebula and 'round Genesis' flames, he saved the whales with the Enterprise and its crew, and waged war and peace between Klingons and the Federation. We are thrilled to announce that one of Star Trek's greatest storytellers will be boldly returning as Nicholas Meyer beams aboard the new Trek writing staff.

Bryan Fuller to be showrunner of the new Star Trek TV series

Coming early next year is a brand new Star Trek TV series, which Variety have now revealed will be brought to life under the guiding hand of an old Star Trek talent: Bryan Fuller has been appointed showrunner.

Fuller started out his career working on Star Trek, after getting scripts accepted under the old open door submission policy. He wrote DS9's Empok Nor and The Darkness and the Light, before becoming a staff writer from season five on Voyager onwards, and by the end of the series also co-producing. His numerous writing credits on Voyager included Living Witness, Drone, Bride of Chaotica!, Course: Oblivion, and Relativity - His episodes often stood out for their unique concepts and not being afraid to experiment in some quirkier aspects of Trek, something that definitely followed through into his later work, including one of my all time favourite TV series, Pushing Daisies. He also worked on Dead Like Me, Wonderfalls, the first season of Heroes, and Hannibal.

Variety recounted these words from Fuller on the news of his appointment:

It is without exaggeration a dream come true to be crafting a brand new iteration of ‘Star Trek’ with fellow franchise alum Alex Kurtzman and boldly going where no ‘Star Trek’ series has gone before.

Alex Kurtzman, who has his own history in the franchise as writer and producer of the first two nuTrek movies, will executive produce along with Fuller, and previous TV collaborator Heather Kadin. Kurtzman had this to say about Fuller:

New Star Trek series coming in 2017!

Star Trek is returning to the small-screen in January 2017! NuTrek writer and producer (for the first two films) Alex Kurtzman will executive produce, along with Heather Kadin - The pair have worked on several TV series together previously, including Scorpion, Limetless, and Sleepy Hollow.

Aside from an interesting distribution arrangement, little is known about the series at this point. The press release does specify that "The new television series is not related to the upcoming feature film Star Trek Beyond", although given Kurtzman's involvement, and the obvious marketing advantages of tying the two ventures together, I feel inclined to not take that statement too literally (are we talking "not related" in so much as nuTrek is distant to the prime timeline, or more like TNG's relationship to TOS, or DS9 to TNG...). The press release does offer a general Star Trek premise for the series:

The brand-new “Star Trek” will introduce new characters seeking imaginative new worlds and new civilizations, while exploring the dramatic contemporary themes that have been a signature of the franchise since its inception in 1966.

Aside from Star Trek returning to TV after what will by then almost twelve years (!), the most interesting thing is the way CBS is going to distribute it. The first episode will air on the CBS Television Network, but subsequent episodes will be available exclusively via CBS's streaming service, CBS All Access, the first original production for the service. CBS are obviously hoping to give their streaming service a bit of a jump-start, to compete with the likes of Netflix, by matching the model of creating original content, and it seems it is down to us trekkies to make that happen for them! Internationally the series will be distributed for TV and other services.

You can read the full press release after the jump: