Summary
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, set to begin production in 2024, will introduce a young group of cadets pursuing their dreams of becoming Starfleet officers.
Executive producer Alex Kurtzman highlighted the significance of the series establishing a unique identity, while also delving into themes of hope and optimism. The precise era in which Starfleet Academy takes place has not yet been officially announced, but it is highly probable that it will be a spinoff of Star Trek: Discovery set in the 32nd century. This offers exciting prospects for exploring the furthest reaches of the Star Trek timeline.
Star Trek executive producer, Alex Kurtzman, provided in-depth details about Star Trek: Starfleet Academy during his appearance at New York Comic Con. Kurtzman, who co-showruns the series alongside Noga Landau, shared insights into the themes explored in the show. He also took the opportunity to commend the work of Tawny Newsome, a writer for Starfleet Academy and an actress on Star Trek: Lower Decks. Here is a quote from his discussion:
We are now back in the writers room and officially starting shooting next year. Noga Landau, who is absolutely amazing, and I are leading the team. For those who are Nancy Drew fans, she is truly incredible. Our writing staff is truly the best, and we found so much joy in supporting each other during the strike, staying connected, and returning to work. In fact, we just returned this week. I'm thrilled to share that one of our writers, Tawny Newsome, is a genius and it's exciting to have her on board.
What excites me the most about Starfleet Academy is the importance of each show having its own unique identity. Otherwise, what sets it apart from the others? After waiting over 60 years, fans can finally explore the chocolate factory-like experience inside. At Starfleet Academy, you are not yet on an actual ship, which allows for mistakes and personal growth. This concept aligns with the generation inheriting enormous challenges. The question becomes how to maintain hope and rebuild. Our show centers around this idea, with elements of fun, humor, and a focus on the current generation. It addresses the emergence of our better angels and how they will guide us forward. Ultimately, it is up to the next generation to lead us in that direction.
What Star Trek Era Is Starfleet Academy Set In?
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy's era has not been officially confirmed by Star Trek. However, it is highly likely that the show is a spinoff of Star Trek: Discovery and carries on the timeline of the 32nd century. The announcement for the Starfleet Academy series included a statement that mentioned the reopening of the campus after a century-long closure, accepting individuals who are at least 16 years old (or the equivalent for other species). This implies that the setting of Starfleet Academy aligns with the time period of Star Trek: Discovery season 4, where the school reopened following The Burn, a catastrophic event that had caused its closure for a century.
Although many fans would prefer Starfleet Academy to be placed in and explore the early 25th century established by Star Trek: Picard, there is still hope for Paramount+ to approve the proposed Picard spinoff, Star Trek: Legacy, in order to continue that era. Setting Starfleet Academy in the 32nd century would allow the franchise to further delve into the farthest point in the Star Trek timeline that was not fully explored in Star Trek: Discovery. With Tawny Newsome as one of the writers for Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, the show is expected to feature vibrant, humorous, and likable characters experiencing their first adventures in the vast expanse of space.
Source: TrekMovie.com