New Star Trek Live-Action Series With Lower Decks Star Announced
This year’s San Diego Comic-Con has certainly been one for the books for fandoms like Marvel, Dexter, and The Boys, but another beloved franchise is also delivering the goods for its incredibly dedicated following. Just when you thought the world of Star Trek couldn’t expand any further, those in attendance at the franchise’s Saturday panel learned that a new series is on the way. The live-action production will hail from a team-up between Dear White People writer and director Justin Simien and Tawny Newsome, who is already well-versed in all things the Gene Roddenberry-created universe thanks to her voice acting role in Star Trek: Lower Decks.
Taking A Page From The Parks And Recreation Playbook?
Set to land on Paramount+ at a yet-to-be-announced date, the new Star Trek series was described as an action comedy that would be in a similar vein as beloved shows like NBC’s Parks and Recreation. Steering the cameras away from those members of the Federation who are off discovering Strange New Worlds and learning about different alien races, our heroes in the new project find themselves toiling away on a resort planet. The synopsis adds that their daily tasks are “being broadcast to the entire quadrant,” which leads us to believe that the series will harness the mockumentary style of storytelling like the aforementioned Parks and Recreation and The Office.
Alex Kurtzman Is In On The Action
Those seated in Hall H for the Star Trek Universe panel on Sunday were treated to the news by Justin Simien, who was already there as a moderator, and Tawny Newsome, who was appearing as a guest panelist for Lower Decks. Longtime Star Trek scribe Alex Kurtzman will also join the pair on the new series, an idea that was first presented to him by Newsome as they’re currently both working in the writers’ room for the developing Starfleet Academy series.
Kurtzman’s Past Work
Kurtzman had nothing but great things to say about the untitled Star Trek series as well as the vision and heart that Simien and Newsome have already poured into the project. For those who may not recognize his name, Kurtzman has been the scribe behind both Star Trek (2009) and its follow-up, Star Trek Into Darkness. On the small screen, the writer has been with the franchise for years, holding credits for his scripts on Star Trek: Picard, Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Short Treks, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
Justin Simien’s Past Work
Of course, both Simien and Newsome were beyond elated to unveil the series to the roaring crowd at one of the biggest industry and fan events of the year. Along with backing Dear White People, which he says could have only been done because of what he learned from watching The Next Generation, Simien was also the director behind last year’s Haunted Mansion film.
Outside of Lower Decks, Newsome held down a main role in the comedy Space Force and has also appeared in features including Quiz Lady, Vacation Friends, Spies in Disguise, and more.
More Updates On The Way
Right now, no further details have been revealed about the plot, call sheet, or possible directors who will work together to bring the new Star Trek series to screens around the world. However, with the universe growing by light years, we’re excited to see what the trio of famed writers and self-proclaimed Star Trek fans come up with for the latest live-action production.
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