Star Trek: The Original Series, which aired on NBC from 1966 to 1969, famously promised a “five-year mission” but only lasted three seasons before its cancellation. However, the showrunners of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (SNW), the current prequel series on Paramount+, are committed to ensuring that this promise is fulfilled.
In a recent Zoom interview discussing the series’ upcoming third season, executive producers Akiva Goldsman and Henry Alonso Myers revealed that Paramount+ initially intended for the series to conclude after its fourth season, which is currently in production. The producers reminded the streaming service of its obligation to fans, which led to an agreement that would allow the series to reach a more complete narrative arc for the crew of the Enterprise, many of whom are connected to the characters in the original series led by Captain James T. Kirk.
Goldsman shared, “They said, ‘What do you need to get us there?’ and we said, ‘It’ll take about six episodes to get us right up to where we need to get.’ And they were like, ‘OK. Go do it.’” This cooperation between the producers and Paramount+ highlights the commitment to honoring the legacy of the franchise.
As the series approaches its conclusion, Goldsman hinted at the potential for more stories to be told in the interim between the crews of the Enterprise, including the early command period of Jim Kirk, played by Paul Wesley in SNW. He expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to develop the nuanced relationships between legacy characters like Spock, Uhura, and Scotty.
Meanwhile, while the future of the Star Trek franchise appears uncertain following the end of Star Trek: Discovery and Star Trek: Lower Decks, there is anticipation for Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, which is set to premiere later this year. Goldsman noted he does not have insider knowledge about the franchise’s direction, stating, “The future of Star Trek is above my pay grade. The future of this show is we’re ending after our Season 5.”
This commitment to creating a cohesive narrative that connects to the original Star Trek series is a positive sign for longtime fans, as it demonstrates an understanding of the franchise’s legacy and dedication to storytelling. As the universe of Star Trek continues to evolve, there remain many possibilities for future explorations and character developments.