Star Trek: The Next Generation Reboot With Patrick Stewart Reportedly in Development
Rumors of the Picard-centric reboot come amid Alex Kurtzman extending his CBS contract for a planned expansion of the Star Trek TV universe.
According to a THR article, there are unconfirmed rumors that CBS TV Studios is developing a Star Trek reboot starring Patrick Stewart in which he would reprise his The Next Generation role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard. According to THR's sources, Alex Kurtzman and Akiva Goldsman are attached to the potential reboot. Not only is this an unconfirmed project, but THR's sources also say that the deal is far from complete and might not happen. Still, this would be huge news for Star Trek fandom—however you might feel about a Picard-centric reboot.
The rumors of the Picard reboot come amidst Kurtzman renewing his overall deal with CBS Television Studios, extending his contract by five years. This will keep him in partnership with the studio through 2023, for a reported $5 million per year.
Kurtzman was recently made sole showrunner of Star Trek: Discovery following the dismissal of previous co-showrunners Aaron Harberts and Gretchen Berg who left amidst reports of bullying behavior in the writers room. Goldsman, who served as an executive producer on Season 1 of Discovery, also left the show, reportedly due to a clash with the writing staff in terms of management style and personality, so it's interesting that he is still attached to the potential Picard-centric reboot.
In addition to his work on Star Trek: Discovery, Kurtzman's extended deal with CBS Television Studios will include an expansion of the Star Trek franchise on the small screen, including the development of new series, miniseries, and other content, including animation.
While this generally seems like good news for the Star Trek universe, it may also be disappointing, depending on what kind of Star Trek fan you are. While the move represents a reinvestment in the Star Trek TV universe, Kurtzman is not known for critical success. Previously, he has co-written the scripts for Transformers, Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness, and The Amazing Spider-Man 2. More recently, he directed and co-wrote The Mummy. Not exactly the kind of nuanced science fiction writing Star Trek has, at its best, historically represented.
More news on the expanded Star Trek TV universe as we hear it. [Reply]
Loved Patrick Stewart and Capt. Picard back in the day. That being said, I can't take any character he does seriously since he's been playing Dept. Director Bullock on "American Dad". [Reply]
Patrick Stewart is a helluva actor. I’m sure he has all the money he ever needs already. The residual checks from next generation still would be substantial. If he comes back, it has to be some quality work to attract him. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Frazod:
While this generally seems like good news for the Star Trek universe, it may also be disappointing, depending on what kind of Star Trek fan you are. While the move represents a reinvestment in the Star Trek TV universe, Kurtzman is not known for critical success. Previously, he has co-written the scripts for Transformers, Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness, and The Amazing Spider-Man 2. More recently, he directed and co-wrote The Mummy. Not exactly the kind of nuanced science fiction writing Star Trek has, at its best, historically represented.
I'm not sure I'd agree with the clickbait sentence "(he) is not known for critical success". Kurtzman is the executive producer of some very solid TV shows ("Hawaii Five-O", "Scorpion", "ST: Discovery", "Sleepy Hollow", "Limitless") and had a hand in "Fringe" and "Alias". The first "Transformers" wasn't bad, and he also had a hand in other stuff like "Mission Impossible 3". [Reply]
Originally Posted by Hammock Parties:
I actually think Wil Wheaton has matured enough to the point where bringing back Wesley wouldn't be a bad idea.
That's asking for a total disaster.
Frankly The Orville ticks off all the boxes for me. I don't need a Star Trek show. Tried watching an episode of Discovery on Netflix while in Europe, and it just wasn't good enough to even make an effort to see any more. [Reply]
