Now that the U.S.S. Cerritos is up and running on Star Trek: Lower Decks, the lingering question of who is going to direct the next animated Star Trek series has finally been answered. Nickelodeon announced yesterday that award-winning animator Ben Hibon will direct, co-executive produce and serve as the creative lead for the 2021 animated series, Star Trek: Prodigy from CBS Television Studios Eye Animation Productions. Hibon is known for his animation work on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1. His work in Harry Potter earned him the British Animation Award alongside David Yates for the “Tale of Three Brothers” sequence in the film.

Hibon is very excited to be joining the Star Trek family. “Getting the chance to work on...Star Trek has been an incredible opportunity,“ Hibon said, “particularly when partnered with the talented teams at Nickelodeon, CBS and Secret Hideout – who have been pushing the boundaries of what animation and serialized storytelling for younger audiences can deliver.”

Nickelodeon’s Executive Vice President of Animation Production and Development, Ramsey Naito, welcomed Hibon into the fold with some kind words. “Ben’s contributions to the world of animation are immeasurable,” Naito said. “We are so lucky to have his vision and creative genius on Star Trek: Prodigy.” Naito went on to credit Hibon’s storytelling and worldbuilding skills, saying that “his original approach paired with this beloved property will bring the characters to life in a whole new way.”

With Hibon joining Star Trek: Prodigy and the directorial mystery finally laid to rest, you can pass the time waiting for the new Nickelodeon series by joining in on the 23 straight weeks of new Star Trek currently streaming on CBS All Access.