An idea teased and thrown around for decades will finally come to life as Paramount+ confirmed the next venture of Star Trek. As Picard and Discovery come to an end, we’ll see a new brand of hero come to the forefront in Starfleet Academy in the near future.
The concept of runbning a show based around Starfleet Academy has been thrown around for years. It’s not a secret that the sixth Star Trek film was based on the idea, with concept art widely available showing what a young Kirk and Spock might have looked like. The original idea was to have an old Dr McCoy tell the tale of how the infamous crew first met, all at the Academy and finding themselve sin control of an earlier iteration of the Enterprise. Of course, that was binned for a film where the crew would visibly and narratively play on their age while the 2009 revival would see alternate versions of the characters meet in a similar fashion following interference from the future.
The idea of an Academy series has always been at the forefront of popular concepts yet only lightly been touched on with that 2009 film, the odd episode such as The First Duty in Next Generation showing Wesleys classmates and DS9’s Valiant that followed a group of cadets who’s taken over their ship and went to war with the Dominion. But the closest we’ve had so far has been Prodigy, where a group of civilian youngsters find a starship and become the protoge’s of a holographic version of former Voyager Captain Janeway.
However it seems now is the time to see the idea come to life fully as Paramount offered the following announcement….
“We are excited to introduce ‘Star Trek’ fans to a whole new generation of Starfleet officers in training as they navigate the rigors of the Academy and the brink of adulthood in STAR TREK: STARFLEET ACADEMY,” said Domenic DiMeglio, Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Data, Paramount Streaming. “Introducing new characters and compelling storylines, this all-new original series will serve as a fantastic addition to the franchise and Paramount+, bringing new generations of viewers and long-term ‘Star Trek’ fans alike together to enjoy the next chapter in the iconic ‘Star Trek’ universe.”
“As we continue to explore more of the ‘Star Trek’ universe, we’re thrilled to bring STAR TREK: STARFLEET ACADEMY to fans around the world as the next chapter in this expanding franchise,” said David Stapf, president of CBS Studios. “Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau’s vision is a smart and thrilling take that celebrates the core principles of what ‘Star Trek’ has always stood for, but through the eyes of the next generation of Starfleet’s leaders.”
Set to beging production in 2024, Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau will serve as co-showrunners and will executive produce the series alongside executive producers Gaia Violo, Aaron Baiers, Jenny Lumet, Rod Roddenberry, Trevor Roth, Frank Siracusa and John Weber. The series premiere episode is written by Gaia Violo. STAR TREK: STARFLEET ACADEMY will be produced by CBS Studios in association with Secret Hideout and Roddenberry Entertainment.
Though little informastion was gfiven alongside the announcement as to the shows concept and where it fits into the overall timeline, it would be logical to safely assume the show will continue the 32nd century timeline and follow on from Discovery. Especially as the announcement noted “first time in over a hundred years” which would follow seeing as the Academy wouldn’t have been in full swing following the Burn.
During Discovery’s fourth season, Lieutenant Tilly left the ship to work alongside Kovich to help rebuild the academy withone episode focusing on her leading a group of cadets. Much like tyhe two parter that said goodbye to Georgiou the previous season, the cadet mission did also feel like ait was hinting at another spin off, even if Michelle Yeoh’s was pushed back to make room for Strange New Worlds.
The idea of pushing an Academy show focused on rebuilding as well as learning to become an officer does offer more possibilities than continuing with the 25th century, or even joining Strange New Worlds in the 23rd. Though as of yet nothings been confirmed as to when the show will take place and as of now, there are several shows all at different points of the timeline.
We’ll likely know more in the coming months ahead of the production beginning in 2024.
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