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]
Originally Posted by listopencil:
I watched the first episode. It was better than I thought it would be. It was still goofy and cartoonish but it has potential.
Keep watching! This show, for me, graduated to full on Trek in episode 4. Absolutely love it. [Reply]
I remember the TNG episode entitled "Lower Decks." It was one of the better episodes, and I really enjoyed the fresh perspective of seeing the principal characters through the eyes of the red shirts. [Reply]
I've watch through the third episode of Lower Decks, and my feelings are mixed. It's kind of too goofy for Trek and too Trek to be really funny.
I did laugh pretty hard at the bit in the opening credits, when they come upon the Romulans fighting a Borg cube and just turn around and leave. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Jamie:
I've watch through the third episode of Lower Decks, and my feelings are mixed. It's kind of too goofy for Trek and too Trek to be really funny.
I did laugh pretty hard at the bit in the opening credits, when they come upon the Romulans fighting a Borg cube and just turn around and leave.
Pretty much agree with this take. I do think it has slowly improved. Episode 4 has been the best so far IMO. [Reply]
I went ahead and watched the first four episodes of Lower Decks last night.
It's decent. Not great, not bad. There's a bit of an Archer dynamic between Mariner and her mom. Too bad the animation isn't Archer level. That would have really been cool.
It's infinitely better than Discovery, though. Hopefully they won't get attacked by the alphabet people in a later episode. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Frazod:
I went ahead and watched the first four episodes of Lower Decks last night.
It's decent. Not great, not bad. There's a bit of an Archer dynamic between Mariner and her mom. Too bad the animation isn't Archer level. That would have really been cool.
It's infinitely better than Discovery, though. Hopefully they won't get attacked by the alphabet people in a later episode.
I enjoyed that show. I can't wait for the new season. But then, I tend to like those animated adult cartoons like Rick and Morty, Archer, etc.
And I agree, it's better than Discovery. I couldn't even continue with Discovery. It is.....just.....too different (weird, boring, lame) than the other series in the Star Trek Universe. [Reply]
The new Picard teaser piques my interest. But man, Sir Patrick is looking really, really old and worn out. And a Q sighting. Wonder how they explain his aging. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Lzen:
The new Picard teaser piques my interest. But man, Sir Patrick is looking really, really old and worn out. And a Q sighting. Wonder how they explain his aging.
He seems much livelier in the commercials he does with Mark Hamill. It's weird. [Reply]
