‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Loses Bryan Fuller as Showrunner
Star Trek fans eager for a look at CBS’ new Discovery were forgiving of the move from January to May 2017, but is the franchise’s TV return already in trouble? Star attraction Bryan Fuller has apparently stepped down as showrunner, while Akiva Goldsman has joined in a significant role.
Per Variety, Fuller will “step back” from his role as Discovery showrunner, remaining an executive producer who will “still be involved in breaking stories,” as the show will continue to follow his vision. Fellow executive producers Gretchen Berg and Aaron Harberts will take over as day-to-day showrunners before production begins next month, while writer-director Akiva Goldsman joins in a “top creative role” to support Berg and Harberts.
As to Fuller’s exit, the ex-showrunner is understandably burdened by involvement in two other series, including Starz’s American Gods.
Shooting in Toronto, the new 13-episode Star Trek: Discovery is officially said to take place 10 years before Kirk’s original Enterprise mission, as well to be “heavily serialized,” akin to a novel, more-so than an episodic nature. The new series will also feature a non-captain female lead, and explore the fallout of an event referenced, but never seen in the original series.
Wrath of Khan director Nicholas Meyer has also joined alongside Gene Roddenberry’s son Rod, fan-favorite Voyager novel alum Kirsten Beyer, franchise vet Joe Menosky and Heroes writer Aron Coleite. So reads the initial synopsis for the series, which debuts on CBS in May 2017 before moving to All-Access:
The brand-new “Star Trek” will introduce new characters seeking imaginative new worlds and new civilizations, while exploring the dramatic contemporary themes that have been a signature of the franchise since its inception in 1966.
Additional details will emerge within the next few weeks, including an updated ship design and casting, but what should we make of Star Trek: Discovery losing Bryan Fuller’s active role?
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