Phil Roberts 
The final frontier could be coming to a whole new generation of fans…
The Star Trek universe is alive and well.
Despite the chaos surrounding the big screen outings of the USS Enterprise and her beloved crew, the franchise’s return to the small screen has been somewhat of a triumph. Following the launch of Star Trek: Discovery on CBS All Access (Netflix in the UK) the franchise had found a new lease of life and has enticed a whole new set of fans to the adventures beyond the final frontier. Despite a mixed reaction from the hardcore fan base, Discovery appears to have won the hearts of the majority and with the inclusion of Captain Christopher Pike and the USS Enterprise into the events of season two the series is riding high on a tidal wave of success.
If that wasn’t enough to excite fans everywhere, CBS has moved quickly to commission a Discovery spin-off series focussing on the adventures of former emperor Phillipa Georgiou and her mysterious Section 31 black-ops taskforce. Building on those foundations and CBS has also authorised an adult themed animated series called Star Trek: Lower Decks. The two-season show is being created by “Rick & Morty” writer Mike McMahan and will focus on the adventures of a support crew serving on one of Starfleet’s least important ships.
However, despite these exciting projects heading our way the biggest announcement to date has been the all-new Star Trek series which will see Patrick Stewart return to the iconic role of Jean Luc Picard. The franchise legend vacated the role in 2002 after completing work on Star Trek: Nemesis and his return has been celebrated by the fans. The series will focus on a very different incarnation of the former Captain of the USS Enterprise and will deal with the aftermath of his career in Starfleet and the destruction of Romulus.
With so many exciting Star Trek projects coming to fruition one would be forgiven for thinking this abundance of content would be enough for us to digest for some time, however, a recent report from Variety has revealed negotiations have taken place between CBS and Nickelodeon regarding a collaboration on an all-new Star Trek animated series aimed at younger viewers. Plot details on the new series are being kept under wraps, but it hails from writers Kevin and Dan Hageman who are known for their work on animated shows like “Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu” and “Trollhunters.” They also worked on the story for “Hotel Transylvania,” “The Lego Movie,” and “The Lego Ninjago Movie.”
The series would represent a major coup for new Nickelodeon president Brian Robbins, who was brought in in October to lead the kid-centric Viacom brand amid declining ratings and shifting viewing habits. Should these series come to fruition, Star Trek will be launching an all-out assault to attract viewers of all ages. The original Star Trek animated series was heralded by the fans for its thrilling legacy enhancing storylines and the employment of the original cast from its live-action counterpart.
Should this new series opt to follow the tried and tested path of its predecessor, CBS could cement the future of the franchise for years to come and that is an exciting prospect. Star Trek has achieved its greatest success on the small screen and many fans believe the franchise should return to the formula that brought it to the dance.
Their wishes may have just been granted.
The Future of the Force. The future of pop culture writing.
Want up-to-the-minute entertainment news and featured articles? Just hit “Like” on our Facebook page and “Follow” us on our Future of the Force Instagram and Twitter accounts.
Source: Variety
Phil Roberts is the Owner, Daily Content Manager, and Editor-In-Chief of The Future of the Force. He is passionate about Star Wars, Batman, DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies. Follow him on Twitter where he uses the force and babbles frequently!
