Alex Kurtzman, the mastermind behind Star Trek TV, revealed why the upcoming series Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is set in the Discovery era. In a recent LA Times interview, he shed light on the show’s direction and personal motivations.
Kurtzman, a father of a 17-year-old, sees the uncertainties today’s youth face. He noted, “Kids today inherit a mess. Setting the show in the halcyon days wouldn’t be authentic. The Post-Burn era, with its struggles, speaks to their reality.”
This new series places the Academy’s first class back after over a century, in a recovering world post-Burn. Kurtzman emphasized, “They’re inheriting the task of exploration, a goal sidelined during the Burn. This show is optimistic, fun, funny, and emotional, reflecting what kids feel now.”
The Burn, a catastrophic event where most dilithium became inert, crippled warp travel and nearly destroyed the Federation. Discovery’s third season depicted the crew helping to end this crisis, setting the stage for Starfleet Academy.
Kurtzman also discussed the show’s setting. “The Academy returns to its roots on Earth in San Francisco, but it will also venture into space. Our primary set is the biggest we’ve ever built,” he shared.
Excitement peaks with the casting of Oscar-winning actress Holly Hunter. “We wrote the role for Holly, thinking she’d never do it. To our shock, she loved the scripts and signed on immediately,” Kurtzman revealed.
Looking ahead, Kurtzman teased more Star Trek developments. “There’s always more. The challenge is delivering what’s familiar in fresh ways. Star Trek can go on forever, opening new doors and exploring new territories.”
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy begins filming this summer and is expected to hit Paramount+ by 2026. Fans can look forward to a series that mirrors today’s youth’s challenges and aspirations, set against the backdrop of a recovering Federation.
