Special Issue of Variety Covers STAR TREK Past, Present, and Future

Images: Courtesy of Variety.

In the dynamic realm of science fiction television, Star Trek continues to chart a course for the future, blending its rich legacy with fresh narratives to captivate the next generation of fans. With its roots stretching back over 58 years, the franchise remains a beacon of optimism and exploration in the vast expanse of the genre. The recent insights from a Variety article shed light on how Star Trek is evolving to meet the tastes of both its steadfast audience and newcomers alike.

Anson Mount, who stars as Capt. Christopher Pike in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, expressed his awe at being part of such an iconic series, recalling how it felt like a childhood dream come to life the first time he took his place in the captain's chair on the bridge of the Enterprise. This series, alongside others like Discovery, Lower Decks, and Prodigy, signifies the franchise's ambition to keep expanding its universe, introducing new layers to its complex mythology while staying true to the spirit of exploration and optimism that has always been its hallmark.

Mount’s co-star Ethan Peck is also amazed that he gets to be a part of the Star Trek universe, not just as an actor, but also as a brand ambassador to fans.

“When I’m meeting fans, sometimes they’re coming to be confirmed, like I’m kind of a priest,” he said. “I remember being on the playground in second or third grade and doing the Vulcan salute, not really knowing where it came from. When I thought of Star Trek, I thought of Spock. And now I’m him. It’s crazy.” 

According to Variety, Alex Kurtzman, who oversees Star Trek TV production, describes the franchise as an institution, emphasizing the delicate balance of offering something both familiar and fresh to maintain its relevance. This challenge is particularly crucial as Paramount Global seeks to ensure the franchise's success in a competitive streaming landscape.

“Doing Star Trek means that you have to deliver something that’s entirely familiar and entirely fresh at the same time...I like being able to paint on a really big canvas,” he said. “The biggest challenge is always making sure that no matter how big something gets, you’re never losing focus on that tiny little emotional story.”

"Star Trek's" dedication to inclusivity and its hopeful vision of the future continue to be central themes across all its series and movies. For instance, the upcoming Star Trek TV movie, Section 31, starring Michelle Yeoh, promises a thrilling adventure that still embodies the franchise's core values, aiming to attract both long-time fans and those new to the Star Trek universe.

“We’d never let go of her,” Yeoh said. “I was just blown away by all the different things I could do with her. Honestly, it was like, ‘Let’s just get it done, because I believe in this.’”

The anticipation for Starfleet Academy, a young adult series set to start production this summer, further exemplifies the franchise's effort to appeal to a younger audience. It will explore the lives of students in the futuristic academy, aiming to strike a chord with viewers who may be less familiar with the Star Trek lore.

The venture into new storytelling formats and the integration of cutting-edge production technologies like virtual production illustrate Star Trek's commitment to innovation. This approach not only enriches the visual experience but also allows the series to explore diverse genres, from horror and comedy to drama and musicals, making each episode a unique adventure.

Despite the challenges of keeping a long-running franchise fresh and engaging, the creators and producers behind Star Trek remain committed to its foundational principles. They recognize the importance of balancing the expectations of die-hard fans with the need to attract new audiences. As the franchise continues to evolve, its journey reflects a broader narrative about the power of storytelling to inspire hope, foster community, and imagine a better future for humanity.

“You cannot create new fans to the exclusion of old fans,” Kurtzman said. “You must serve your primary fan base first and you must keep them happy. That is one of the most important steps to building new fans.”