Writers Guild and AMPTP Reach Agreement on a New Contract
Image: WGA / Unsplash
Today the Writers Guild votes on a new contract that will officially end the 146 day strike. If you want to learn more about the nitty gritty of the deal you can read this Variety article. However, we’re not here to talk about contracts, we’re here to start about Star Trek, so let’s get into it.
The deal could result in the resumption of some of the projects, however no production can officially begin again until AMPTP and SAG-AFTRA reach a deal. The impact of the end of the WGA strike will differ based on the project.
Once the WGA strike officially ends we can probably expect Strange New Worlds season 3 pre-production to pick back up again. Season 3 was supposed to begin production back in May but due to the strike that was postponed. With the strike over and showrunners Akiva Goldsman and Henry Alonso Myers back on site we can expect to see production pick up again.
Star Trek: Discovery finished filming in early 2023 however since the strike began showrunners Michelle Paradise and Alex Kurtzman have been unable to oversee any post-production. Once the strike ends they can begin that process. Paramount has yet to release a date for the premiere of Discovery season 5 other than “early 2024.” I’m under the impression that Paramount will probably wait to release season 5 until the SAG-AFTRA strike ends so that actors can promote the final season.
The Section 31 movie can also continue pre-production. The script has been finished so only minimal pre-production can commence. The movie was originally supposed to begin filming this fall, but due to the SAG AFTRA strike that is postponed indefinitely. However, we can probably expect them to start filming soon after the end of the SAG AFTRA strike.
Another project we can expect to see starting up again is Star Trek : Starfleet Academy. When the writers strike began they were still working on crafting scripts for the first season, and once it ends they can pick up that work again. Also, with showrunners Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau back at work other pre-production (excluding casting) could start.
With the end of the writers strike, writers could also begin new products. This means that in the near future we could see discussions about a Star Trek: Legacy show that Picard showrunner Terry Matalas spoke about or maybe some entirely new and amazing shows we haven’t even imagined.
Though all this news is very exciting, it’s important that we as fans focus our attention on supporting SAG AFTRA in their strike, as without actors nothing can be produced.
Aster is a fresh face to Daily Star Trek News, joining the ranks as a contributing writer. Though he may be young, he self-describes as a hardcore nerd, lover of cheese sticks and niche internet discourse. Outside of his long-time obsession with Star Trek, Aster is an avid cosplayer, crocheter, and Catan enthusiast who is attending school for technical theater and design. He's very excited to debut in his "professional nerd career" and finally put all his obscure nerd facts to good use.
