William Shatner's TekWar set to be developed into mixed-reality adult animated series with Pure Imagination Studios

Greg Evigan as Jake Cardigan and William Shatner as Walter H. Bascom in TekWar

SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 - Former detective Jim Cardigan is once again making the jump to television screens. This week, Deadline reported a new TekWar series is in development, blending science fiction and science fact in the latest installment of the franchise.

Based on the 1989 novel of the same name written by Star Trek's own William Shatner, TekWar led to numerous sequels, a comic book series, video game, movie, and live-action series. Set during the mid-21st century, TekWar follows the life of Jake Cardigan, a detective who was later exonerated after being framed, convicted and sentenced for selling mind-altering technology called "tek". Containing a microchip, the drug creates a simulated reality for the user and presents a very real threat to society at large.

The new series is being written and developed by Matt Michnovetz (Star Wars: The Clone wars, 24). Pure Imagination Studios and Shatner's own company Shatner Universe will produce the series. Billed as a "mixed-reality, adult animated series", the new installment of TekWar will allow audiences to get in on the action. According to Deadline, the "level of immersion into the show, its characters and technology is enhanced by the ability to become part of the narrative through audience use of mobile/wearable devices or tablet computers.

Pure Imagination Chief content officer John P. Roberts commented on the partnership with Shatner Universe, saying, " we are very excited to work with the legendary William Shatner to reimagine the world of TekWar at a post-pandemic time. TekWar was ahead of its time [...] a future filled with A.I. and the world of simulated reality. It's becoming our reality now, and we're excited to build a story verse around it."

Shatner also shared his excitement about the partnership in a statement which read, "My association with Pure Imagination is beyond my sheer imagination. Imagine bringing to life this wonderful character in a variety of ways, so technologically advanced. This is the future, and I am looking forward to it."

There’s no indication yet when the new series might be expected to be released.