Akiva Goldsman reflects on Star Trek's 60-year legacy and its uncertain future, emphasizing the need for fresh creative vision within the franchise.
As Star Trek reaches its 60th anniversary, the franchise finds itself at a pivotal juncture, grappling with an uncertain future and limited active projects. After decades of storytelling, fans are left questioning what's next for the beloved series that first graced television screens in 1966.
To shed light on this situation, Radio Times spoke with Akiva Goldsman, a notable figure in the Star Trek universe. Goldsman, who boasts an impressive portfolio including acclaimed films like A Beautiful Mind and The Da Vinci Code, has made significant contributions to recent Trek shows. He has served as a writer on Picard, an executive producer for Discovery, and the showrunner for the fan-favorite spin-off Strange New Worlds.
Reflecting on his personal connection to the franchise, Goldsman says, “My very first experience with the franchise was when I was a boy. Star Trek was a refuge for kids like me during a tumultuous time in America. It promised a welcoming future filled with optimism.” His nostalgia is rooted in the limited episodes of the original series, creating a special camaraderie among fans who relived the show at conventions and through syndication.
The Mixed Reception of Modern Trek
Goldsman acknowledges that perceptions of modern Star Trek have been polarizing. While some shows resonate deeply with audiences, others have sparked controversy, making it challenging to chart a consistent course. As the showrunner of Strange New Worlds, which focuses on Captain Pike and his crew's adventures prior to the original series, he notes the importance of blending nostalgia with fresh storytelling. The series is particularly known for its creative episodes that venture into different genres—like murder mysteries, musicals, and even a puppet episode.
“It’s fascinating to observe how varied the audience responses are,” Goldsman comments. "If there isn’t an even split between fans hailing it as their favorite episode and others declaring it the end of Star Trek, I’m disappointed.” This split among fans raises questions about how to navigate future storytelling within the franchise.
Lessons from a Decade of Star Trek
Goldsman reflects on the valuable lessons learned during his tenure in the modern Star Trek era. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to the heart of Star Trek rather than trying to reshape it into something else. “On Picard, we had to navigate a lot of creative opinions, particularly from Patrick Stewart,” he explains. “There was an urgent desire to return to the essence of *Next Generation*, but we learned it was essential to pursue what we genuinely loved about Star Trek.”
His collaboration with Terry Matalas, the showrunner for Season 2 of Picard, illustrated this point. Goldsman recounts a poignant meeting with Stewart where emotions ran high, ultimately leading to a more authentic representation of the beloved legacy. “What really landed was the third season because we pursued our passions,” he reflects.
Looking Forward to a New Era
As Season 5 of Strange New Worlds approaches, Goldsman knows it may be one of the last installments of this era. He expresses a longing for the series to continue, recalling, “Henry Alonso Myers and I were doing everything we could to push for more episodes. We had so many story cards on the board that never got made.”
Although there are several proposed Star Trek series that haven't been developed at Paramount, including Goldsman’s envisioned Year One which would’ve chronicled Captain Kirk’s early days, he understands the cyclical nature of the franchise. “I feel a strong connection to my fellow creators and would jump at the chance to revive our collaboration. However, I recognize my journey with Star Trek might be concluding,” he admits.
With the potential end of Alex Kurtzman's contract this year, the franchise may seek a new visionary leader. When asked if he would take on such a role, Goldsman is hesitant but remains open: “Never say never. I love Star Trek deeply, but taking on that big job would confine me to only telling Trek stories, and I still have many tales to tell beyond that realm.”
Star Trek's Enduring Legacy
Despite current uncertainties, Goldsman remains optimistic about Star Trek's legacy. He recognizes that the franchise has endured through various economic landscapes and audience preferences, sometimes thriving, other times experiencing significant pauses in production. "Star Trek has a finite but loyal audience. It’s not as large as others, but the community is dedicated,” he points out, adding with a chuckle, “It doesn’t reach the scope of Taylor Sheridan's audience!"
However, Goldsman ultimately believes that Star Trek will continue. “The experience of the imagined future it offers is irresistible. While I’d love to keep storytelling, I understand the importance of renewal. Whether the next generation unfolds perfectly at first or after several attempts, it will find its way to thrive once again. History shows us it always does.”
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