Showrunner Mike McMahan gives an update on Star Trek: Lower Decks season 2 production, and international distribution for season 1

YouTuber Ketwolski interviewed Mike McMahan last week

DECEMBER 7, 2020 - Star Trek: Lower Decks creator Mike McMahan has given fans an update on the progress of the show’s second season. A report from TrekCore.com broke down McMahan’s recent interview with YouTuber Ketwolksi, highlighting the news fans need to know going forward.

The first bit of news is that the international distribution for Lower Decks still hasn’t been announced, but McMahan assured audiences saying they are “desperately working on it” and that “there should be news about it very soon.”

Regarding season two, McMahan said, “I can tell you right now, we are so deep in production.” McMahan said that the entire second season has been written and the first four episodes have been turned over to the coloring departments, a sure sign that progress on the series is well under way.

In the second season, you can expect to see greater character development with Ensigns Tendi and Rutherford. In the interview, McMahan’s reasoning was clear, saying “there are four [lead characters], instead of two leads - and two sidekicks.” They won’t be the only characters getting some extra attention, though: upcoming episodes will also focus on characters like Dr. T’Ana, voiced by Gillian Vigman, and Lieutenant Commander Billups, voiced by Paul Scheer.

Jonathan Frakes will again be lending his voice to the role of Captain William Riker, though McMahan did not comment on whether or not the series would see the return of Marina Sirtis as the voice of Deanna Troi.

McMahan finished his update on the next season praising the Lower Decks animators, promising season two will be “even more beautiful and rich with new lighting and color.” Add to that a new score from composer Chris Westlake. “When that all comes together,” McMahan said, “everything is going to be such a party. I cannot wait for you guys to see it.”

Season one of Star Trek: Lower Decks is available to stream now on CBS All Access, and be sure to check out the whole interview with McMahan for yourself, on Ketwolski’s YouTube channel.