Jonathan Frakes: From Star Trek to Deathlands

Jonathan Frakes: A Beloved Star Trek Icon

Jonathan Frakes, known for his iconic role as Commander William Riker on Star Trek: The Next Generation and Captain Riker on Star Trek: Picard, has recently embarked on a new directorial journey, potentially taking him away from the Star Trek universe.

Jonathan Frakes Director-1

As a celebrated director, Frakes has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His directorial credits include numerous episodes of Star Trek, as well as other TV shows like The Librarians. Additionally, Frakes has directed feature films such as Star Trek: First Contact, Star Trek: Insurrection, Clockstoppers, and Thunderbirds, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and talented director.

Frakes Stramge New Director

The Star Trek casts have praised Frakes as their favorite director, with his influence extending to Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, and Star Trek: Picard. His impact on the franchise is undeniable, and his absence may be keenly felt.

Frakes Directing Discovery

Jonathan Frakes' New Endeavor: Deathlands

Jonathan Frakes has recently signed on as the director of Deathlands, a 10-part post-apocalyptic sci-fi series based on the acclaimed series of novels and audiobooks by James Axler. This new project, produced by NextCypher, marks an exciting departure from Frakes' previous directorial ventures.

Frakes Strange New Worlds

The series, helmed by crypto pioneer Jeff Garzik and showrunner Mark A. Altman, will commence filming in Bulgaria in Spring 2024. Frakes expressed his enthusiasm for the show, highlighting its themes of hope and the opportunity to build a better world. Deathlands is set in a post-apocalyptic world, offering a unique blend of feature-level action and compelling character drama.

Jonathan Frakes Discovery Director

The narrative unfolds 100 years after a nuclear exchange between the United States and the Soviet Union, presenting a civilization populated by mutated individuals. The protagonist, Ryan Cawdor, leads a group of survivors through the 'Deathlands' using teleportation technology, promising a gripping and immersive viewing experience for audiences.

Impact on Star Trek Franchise

Frakes' commitment to Deathlands poses an intriguing prospect for the Star Trek franchise. While he is set to direct episodes of Star Trek: Discovery season 5 and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 3, his involvement in Deathlands may limit his availability for future Star Trek projects.

The absence of Frakes' directorial expertise in potential Star Trek spinoffs, such as Star Trek: Starfleet Academy or Star Trek: Legacy, raises questions about the creative direction of these series. Moreover, the distinct tone of Deathlands, compared to the optimism of the Star Trek universe, presents an interesting contrast in Frakes' directorial endeavors.

As fans eagerly anticipate the next chapters of the Star Trek franchise, the impact of Frakes' new directing gig on the future of Star Trek remains a topic of curiosity and speculation. His influence on the sci-fi genre is poised to extend beyond the familiar realms of Star Trek, offering audiences a diverse and engaging array of storytelling experiences.