A new frontier for ‘Star Trek’: Comedy in the 25th century

A fresh take on a classic universe

Star Trek is set to explore new horizons with a unique twist—comedy. Actor-writer Tawny Newsome and writer-director Justin Simien are collaborating on a new live-action comedy series within the iconic sci-fi universe. This innovative project promises to blend the rich lore of Star Trek with a fresh, humorous perspective.

Setting the stage: The 25th century

The upcoming series will be set in the 25th century, a time of advanced technology and interstellar exploration. According to the official synopsis, the show will follow “Federation outsiders serving a gleaming resort planet” who discover that their daily lives are being broadcast across the entire quadrant. This intriguing premise sets the stage for a blend of sci-fi adventure and comedic misadventures.

Announcements and insights from Comic-Con

The project was unveiled during the Star Trek Universe panel at San Diego Comic-Con, moderated by Simien. Newsome joined the panel alongside the cast of Star Trek: Lower Decks to discuss the fifth and final season of the animated series, where she voices Beckett Mariner, a junior officer on the USS Cerritos.

Creative minds behind the scenes

Simien, Newsome, and Alex Kurtzman will serve as writers and executive producers for the new series. They will be joined by Aaron Baiers, Rod Roddenberry, and Trevor Roth in executive production roles. This powerhouse team brings a wealth of experience and creativity to the project, promising a series that will resonate with both long-time fans and newcomers.

Newsome’s multifaceted role

While Newsome did not confirm whether she would act in the new series, her involvement in the Star Trek universe is already extensive. She has contributed as a writer to the upcoming live-action series Starfleet Academy and portrayed Mariner in a live-action crossover episode with Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Her other acting credits include roles in Physical, Space Force, and Brockmire.

Simien’s journey in television and film

This new Star Trek comedy marks Simien’s second foray into television, following the success of Dear White People on Netflix, which was based on his 2014 feature film. Simien has also made a name for himself in the film industry with projects like the satirical horror film Bad Hair and the horror comedy Haunted Mansion for Disney.

A new chapter for Star Trek

The announcement of this new series adds another exciting chapter to the ever-expanding Star Trek universe. By infusing comedy into the 25th-century setting, the show promises to offer a fresh and entertaining perspective on the beloved franchise. Fans can look forward to a series that not only honors the legacy of Star Trek but also pushes its boundaries in new and unexpected ways.

For those eager to dive deeper into the world of Star Trek, check out the trailer for Star Trek: Lower Decks here and stay tuned for more updates on this exciting new comedy series.