According to a THR article, there are unconfirmed rumours that CBS TV Studios is developing a Star Trek reboot starring Patrick Stewart, in which he would reprise his 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.
The rumours of the Picard-based 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 a potential Picard-centric series.
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 how you feel about Alex Kurtzman. That’s a whole lotta Kurtzman, right there.
More news on the expanded Star Trek TV universe as we hear it.