Ronny Sianturi
Andy Weir, the acclaimed author behind the blockbuster science fiction novel Project Hail Mary, has publicly voiced his critiques of the current direction of Star Trek television programming on Paramount+, going as far as to reveal that he pitched a Star Trek series to the network that was ultimately rejected. His candid remarks, made during an appearance on The Critical Drinker podcast last week, have ignited a conversation among fans and industry observers about the future of the beloved franchise.
A Beloved Author’s Discontent with Modern Trek
The discussion began organically, with podcast host Will Jordan remarking on the refreshing impact of Project Hail Mary, particularly for audiences who grew up with the original Star Trek series and, in their view, have experienced a drought of similar quality science fiction content in recent years. Jordan’s sentiment resonated with Weir, who readily agreed with an observation previously made by an unnamed analyst. This analyst reportedly stated that while most modern science fiction has been significantly influenced by the original Star Trek, the current Star Trek shows themselves seem to stand apart from that lineage.
Weir, identifying himself as a member of Generation X, explained that his formative science fiction experiences were rooted in reruns of the original Star Trek and Lost in Space. He noted a perceived lull in new, innovative space-faring science fiction until the advent of Star Trek: The Next Generation. This nostalgic perspective appears to inform his current assessment of the franchise’s trajectory.
The Starfleet Academy Controversy and Weir’s Candid Assessment
The conversation took a more pointed turn when co-host Colin Marsden brought up the recent news regarding Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. Paramount+ confirmed that the series, which had already completed filming its second season, would be concluding its run. Marsden’s quip, “I think we can probably safely never talk about it again,” was met with cheerful agreement from Weir, who declared, “It’s gone baby! It’s all gone.” This exchange underscores a sentiment shared by some within the fandom and among critics that certain recent Star Trek iterations have strayed significantly from the franchise’s core tenets.
Marsden then proposed a rather drastic solution: that Paramount should "de-canonize everything Star Trek from Enterprise onward." Weir, while acknowledging the severity of Marsden’s suggestion, offered his own more nuanced perspective. He expressed appreciation for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, deeming it "pretty good." He also stated that he "didn’t hate Enterprise" and found Star Trek: Lower Decks to be "entertaining and fun." However, he was less charitable towards other recent series, implying they were expendable: "All the others, they can go."
It was in this context that Weir revealed his personal experience with the franchise’s development. "I pitched a Star Trek show to Paramount," he disclosed. He described being involved in Zooms with showrunners of various Trek series and spending considerable time conversing with executive producer Alex Kurtzman. Despite his interactions with Kurtzman, whom he described as "a really nice guy," Weir was blunt in his assessment of the shows: "those shows are shit." He added, with a touch of playful defiance, "They didn’t accept my pitch so, you know, fuck ‘em."
Paramount’s Star Trek Landscape: A Moment of Transition
Weir’s outspoken criticism arrives at a pivotal moment for Paramount+’s Star Trek universe. For the first time in many years, there are no new Star Trek projects actively in production. While Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has been renewed for two additional seasons, and Star Trek: Starfleet Academy has a season yet to air, the absence of ongoing production signals a potential recalibration for the franchise.
The future of Alex Kurtzman, who has been the central architect of Paramount’s Star Trek television revival, is also a subject of ongoing discussion. Kurtzman’s current deal with CBS Studios extends through the end of 2026. Paramount+ is reportedly engaged in negotiations with Kurtzman and his production company, Secret Hideout, regarding the potential renewal or extension of his involvement. The success and critical reception of his tenure have been varied, with some series garnering significant praise while others have faced considerable backlash.
A Fandom Divided: The Legacy of Gene Roddenberry
The criticism leveled by Weir and Marsden echoes a broader debate within the Star Trek fandom regarding the franchise’s thematic evolution. The departure of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy prompted an open letter from executive producers Alex Kurtzman, Noga Landau, and Gaia Violo. This letter sought to address some of the criticisms and reaffirm the core values of Star Trek, drawing heavily on the vision of its creator, Gene Roddenberry.
The producers emphasized Roddenberry’s "transformative vision of the future," characterized by "inexhaustible optimism." They highlighted his aspiration for a society of "infinite diversity in infinite combinations," free from war, hate, poverty, disease, and repression, and dedicated to scientific inquiry and respect for all life. The letter underscored that Roddenberry’s vision was not merely a utopian dream but also a cautionary tale, born from his experiences as a decorated World War II pilot.
"Gene Roddenberry wasn’t some starry-eyed dreamer," the letter stated. "He had seen first-hand the grim consequences of the worst of human nature. And his vision of the future wasn’t just a promise of hope. It was also a warning." The producers argued that Star Trek served as a testament to humanity’s ability to overcome its baser instincts, but cautioned that this achievement was precarious. "First, we had to put all those ancient scourges behind us," they wrote. This dual message of hope and warning, they asserted, is not just a "pretty dream but a call to action, to think about who we are in a different way."
Implications and the Path Forward
Andy Weir’s critique, coupled with the strategic pause in production and ongoing discussions about Kurtzman’s future, suggests a period of introspection for Paramount’s Star Trek franchise. The success of Project Hail Mary at the box office, a testament to Weir’s ability to craft compelling, scientifically grounded space adventures, serves as a potent benchmark for what audiences may be seeking.
The franchise’s ability to balance its legacy with innovation will be crucial. While shows like Strange New Worlds have found favor by leaning into a more classic Trek ethos, the broader reception to other recent series indicates a challenge in consistently capturing the spirit that has endeared Star Trek to generations. Whether Paramount+ will heed the criticisms, re-evaluate its creative direction, or continue on its current path remains to be seen. However, the outspokenness of a figure as respected as Andy Weir ensures that the conversation about the soul of Star Trek will continue to resonate throughout the science fiction community. The studio’s response to these critiques, and the subsequent creative decisions, will undoubtedly shape the future of this iconic franchise for years to come.
The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to Paramount for an official comment regarding Andy Weir’s statements and the current production status of the Star Trek franchise. As of this report, no further statements have been released.
