Alex Kurtzman On Why He's So Proud of STAR TREK

Alex Kurtzman.

In an era where franchises dominate the entertainment landscape, few have stood the test of time quite like Star Trek. From its humble beginnings in the 1960s to its current expansive universe spanning multiple series and mediums, Star Trek continues to captivate audiences with its exploration of the human condition, its optimistic vision of the future, and its ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of television.

Alex Kurtzman, is considered by many to be the mastermind behind the modern Star Trek revival. From the groundbreaking Star Trek: Discovery to the whimsical "Lower Decks" and the upcoming Starfleet Academy, Kurtzman's vision for the franchise is as diverse as the stars themselves.

In a candid conversation with Los Angeles Times television critic Robert Lloyd, Kurtzman spoke about the intricacies of running a multifaceted universe like Star Trek. He discussed the importance of catering to different segments of the fanbase, likening each series to a different color in the rainbow.

"It makes no sense to me to make one show that’s for everybody," Kurtzman said. "Let’s make an adult drama, an animated comedy, a kids’ comedy, an adventure show and on and on. There’s something quite beautiful about that; it allows each of the stories to bloom in its own unique way."

However, with diversity comes criticism, and Kurtzman is no stranger to pushback from the passionate Star Trek fanbase. Reflecting on the darker tone of Discovery's first season, Kurtzman acknowledges the divide among fans but emphasizes the importance of staying true to the essence of "Star Trek" while also reflecting the times in which it's created.

"The show is a mirror that holds itself up to the times," Kurtzman said, referring to the socio-political themes woven into the fabric of "Discovery." "We were interpreting that through science fiction. There were people who appreciated that and others for whom it was just not 'Star Trek.'"

Despite the challenges, Kurtzman remains dedicated to delivering fresh and innovative storytelling while honoring the legacy of Star Trek. With projects like Strange New Worlds exploring the untold adventures of Captain Pike and the upcoming Starfleet Academy set in a post-Burn era, Kurtzman continues to push the boundaries of what Star Trek can be.

And at the heart of it all is a deep reverence for the source material and an unwavering commitment to Gene Roddenberry's vision of a better future. 

As Kurtzman puts it, "Star Trek really only belongs to Gene Roddenberry and the fans. We don’t own it. We carry it, we try to evolve it and then we hand it off to the next people."