'Star Trek: Discovery' showrunner Alex Kurtzman inks deal to expand TV universe with four new shows
Alex Kurtzman, the newly-promoted showrunner of 'Star Trek: Discovery', has inked a five-year deal with CBS television studios to supervise the expansion of the Star Trek universe.
Under the new plan, Kurtzman will be coming aboard to develop at least four new shows - including a new show, mini-series, and animated series - as part of the new content deal for the studio. As for the shows and their center of focus, Variety shed some light.
According to the website, there will be a series centered on the Starfleet Academy, which will see Stephanie Savage and Josh Schwartz working behind the scenes. The duo is already recognized for their work on the ongoing Hulu-Marvel series 'Runaways', and their previous creations like the long-running 'Gossip Girl' and the latest reboot of 'Dynasty' on Netflix.
In addition, a 'Wrath of Khan' oriented limited series is also believed to be in the making. Previously, the character has been portrayed by Ricardo Montalbán as well as by Benedict Cumberbatch. Out of the remaining two series, one is going to be an animated iteration and not much information is available at the moment about the fourth limited series.
If news of these new reboots is not exciting enough, The Hollywood Reporter has a brand new addition to the slew of rumors which is sure to excite the Star Trek fans. Apparently, Patrick Stewart, known as Captain Jean-Luc Picard, will be making a comeback to the franchise as part of a show created by Kurtzman and Akiva Goldsman, the former Discovery executive producer.
Considering a formal word is still pending from CBS, fans should consume this news with a pinch of salt. Asides from the Star Trek franchise, the studio is also chalking out plans to work with Kurtzman and Secret Hideout production on a host of other TV shows and content.
“There is a very short list of writer-producer-directors that every film and television studio wants to be associated with, and Alex and his Secret Hideout team are always at the top,” David Stapf, president of CBS Television Studios, was quoted as saying.
“His talent, taste and ability to shepherd a successful project is unparalleled. Alex has done remarkable work for our Studio, dating back seven years to the launch of ‘Hawaii Five-O,’ and we are thrilled that he, Heather and their team will be partnering with us for a long time to come," added Stapf.
CBS shows like 'Hawaii Five-O', 'Salvation', and 'Instinct' are also a result of Kurtzman and Secret Hideout collaborations.