'Novelizers' Podcast Reimagines Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan with Comedy Twist

Artwork for the first two episodes of “The Novelizers” podcast.

JUNE 14, 2023 - A brand-new comedy podcast titled "The Novelizers" has emerged on the podcasting scene, offering a unique and hilarious take on the beloved 1982 film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Combining the talents of comedy writers and celebrity narrators, including some Star Trek veterans, this innovative podcast series presents a novelization of the iconic sci-fi movie in a captivating audio play format.

As reported by TrekMovie.com, "The Novelizers" podcast is hosted by comedian Andy Richter and features a lineup of talented comedy writers who craft "chapters" in the novelization of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Each episode of the ten-part first season highlights two key scenes from the film, with each chapter written by a different writer. The writers bring their unique styles and humor to the table, resulting in a diverse and entertaining experience for the listeners.

One of the creators of the podcast is the Emmy-winning comedy writer Rob Kutner, known for his work on Conan. Richter, in his statement, expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the show, praising the talent involved and teasing his ability to get whatever he wanted by "physically intimidating" Kutner if necessary.

"The Novelizers" celebrates the enduring legacy of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan while embracing the power of storytelling and imagination. Richter explains that the film's perfect balance of being well-loved and ripe for comedy makes it an ideal subject for the first season. With its fusion of comedy and literature, the podcast promises to captivate both Star Trek enthusiasts and comedy aficionados alike.

Adding to the podcast's variety and appeal, each chapter is narrated by a different celebrity. The first episode features Christina Chong, known for her role as a descendant of Khan Noonien Singh on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, and H. Jon Benjamin, famous for his work on Bob's Burgers and Archer. The star-studded lineup of narrators also includes Felicia Day, Wayne Brady, and Patton Oswalt, who voiced Spot 73 in Star Trek: Picard.

Listeners can also enjoy behind-the-scenes interviews conducted by Kevin Carter, where he humorously interacts with various fictional figures related to the film, such as the "slug consultant" and William Shatner's body double.

The first three episodes of the ten-episode inaugural season of "The Novelizers" have already been released, with subsequent episodes being unveiled every Sunday. The podcast is available on popular platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify, offering fans a delightful blend of comedy and Star Trek nostalgia.

Stephen J. Levinson, the creator of the podcast and a former writer for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon told Dayton.com that he developed the concept during the COVID-19 pandemic. Collaborating with his comedy writing friends remotely, Levinson devised the idea of a collaborative virtual project that would reimagine classic movies through novelization. By splitting the film into scenes and allowing each writer to contribute a chapter, "The Novelizers" became a platform for comedy writers to showcase their skills and entertain audiences.

“I’m excited but because it’s a new idea, it’s hard for some people to understand,” Levinson said. “For a while we were trying to pitch it to a podcast network, and they were like, ‘Well, this isn’t exactly what we do.’ It’s not two guys just sitting around talking. In the end we’re just doing it on our own, which is fine with me.”