The visionary filmmaker behind the groundbreaking 'Dear White People' and the charismatic voice star of the hilarious 'Star Trek: Lower Decks,' Justin Simien and Tawny Newsome, respectively, have embarked on an exhilarating collaboration with Alex Kurtzman to breathe life into a live-action comedy that's set to shake up the vast 'Star Trek' Universe.
The boundaries of the storied franchise continue to expand at lightning speed, and this latest venture promises to be no exception. Simien, the mastermind behind both 'Dear White People' and the chilling 'The Haunted Mansion,' joins forces with Newsome, a standout in the voice cast of 'Star Trek: Lower Decks,' to develop a fresh, live-action 'Star Trek' series exclusively for Paramount+.
The exciting announcement reverberated through Hall H at San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday, as Simien, moderating the panel, and Newsome, gracing the stage, unveiled their ambitious project. This upcoming series, a blend of action and comedy, revolves around a motley crew of Federation outsiders stationed on a dazzling resort planet. Their daily antics, filled with humor and intrigue, are broadcast live to the entire quadrant, adding a unique twist to the traditional 'Star Trek' narrative.
Whispers suggest the show echoes the witty workplace comedies of 'The Office' and 'Parks and Recreation,' promising to bring a fresh perspective to the genre-blending formula. Simien, who credits 'The Next Generation' as a formative influence on his writing, acknowledges the iconic series' impact, stating, "Dear White People wouldn't exist without 'Next Generation.' It taught me the art of ensemble storytelling and the importance of diverse character perspectives."
Kurtzman, speaking highly of Newsome's talent, reveals that her work as a writer on the upcoming 'Starfleet Academy' series left a profound impression, leading him to enthusiastically embrace this new collaboration. "She's a writing assassin, cold and deadly efficient," he proclaims.
Together, Simien, Newsome, and franchise visionary Alex Kurtzman will pen and executive produce this innovative series, with Aaron Baiers, Rod Roddenberry, and Trevor Roth also serving as executive producers. CBS Studios stands at the helm, producing this highly anticipated addition to the 'Star Trek' canon.
Should the series make its triumphant debut, it will seamlessly integrate into the vibrant tapestry of live-action and animated 'Star Trek' offerings, including the critically acclaimed 'Strange New Worlds,' the hilarious 'Lower Decks,' and the upcoming 'Starfleet Academy.'
Simien, known for his thought-provoking racial satire 'Dear White People' and its successful Netflix adaptation, as well as his directorial prowess in 'Bad Hair' and 'The Haunted Mansion,' brings a unique voice to the table. Newsome, an accomplished actor-comedian with credits in 'Brockmire' and Netflix's 'Space Force,' brings her charisma and comedic timing to the role of Ensign Beckett Mariner in 'Lower Decks,' further solidifying her status as a rising star.
This dynamic duo's union promises to propel the 'Star Trek' Universe into uncharted comedic territories, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the launch of this groundbreaking new series.
