Unveiling the Remarkable Legacy of Star Trek: Insights from Roddenberry Entertainment Executives at SDCC 2023

Summary

Roddenberry Entertainment persists in upholding Gene Roddenberry's mission by introducing fresh television series and movies, led by Rod Roddenberry and Trevor Roth.

Star Trek's impact on pop culture, technology, space exploration, and STEM fields is profound, inspiring countless individuals and delivering a message of optimism for a brighter future. The enduring legacy of Star Trek has surpassed the expectations of its creator, Gene Roddenberry, thanks in part to the ongoing efforts of Roddenberry Entertainment. Since its premiere on NBC in 1966, the Original Series marked the beginning of a vast Star Trek universe that now encompasses 12 series, 13 movies, novels, comics, games, magazines, and more. With its immense influence on both popular culture and the world at large, Star Trek has actively propelled advancements in technology, space exploration, and various STEM disciplines.

Roddenberry Entertainment, now helmed by Gene Roddenberry's son, Rod Roddenberry, and COO Trevor Roth, is dedicated to upholding the beloved franchise and preserving its rich legacy. Following in his father's footsteps, Rod Roddenberry immersed himself in the world of Star Trek, eventually assuming the role of CEO at Roddenberry Entertainment in 2006. With a strong focus on expanding the Star Trek universe, the company not only produces the current Star Trek series but is also involved in other exciting science fiction projects. Recently, Screen Rant had the opportunity to speak with Rod Roddenberry and Trevor Roth about the enduring popularity of Star Trek. They delved into Gene Roddenberry's influential contributions, the reasons behind Star Trek's success spanning over five decades, and the profound impact the franchise has had on countless individuals. It is important to note that this article was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, acknowledging that the existence of the show discussed here is indebted to the tireless efforts of the writers and actors in both unions.

Rod Roddenberry & Trevor Roth Talk Roddenberry Entertainment

Screen Rant: It's a unique Comic-Con experience that we're currently witnessing, but the smaller scale has created an intimate atmosphere. The presence of fans makes it even more enjoyable. Can you share with us the plans for Gene's iconic expedition in the world of sci-fi, particularly with Star Trek and the various ventures you all are engaged in?

Trevor Roth: Recently, I read an article in Time Magazine that highlighted the sixties as an incredibly impactful decade in history. When we reflect on Star Trek, it's evident that there are moments when it feels essential. We constantly believe that it should exist, that there's a purpose for it, but truly necessary. Personally, I feel that right now, in the midst of chaos and uncertainty about the future, much like the turbulent sixties, Star Trek continues to thrive and remain relevant.

Rod Rodenberry: Absolutely. My father was quick to recognize the potential of television and its ability to shape society, for both good and bad. He was an intelligent man who actively embraced this opportunity. He had a visionary perspective on the future and led an extraordinary life.

As a bomber pilot in World War II, he had the opportunity to fly around the world, immersing himself in different cultures, philosophies, and ideas. Being a curious thinker and avid reader from a young age, he recognized the potential of television to inspire and positively impact people. However, he did not anticipate the extent to which Star Trek would grow and evolve, as creative individuals often strive to express their ideas even if they challenge societal norms.

Absolutely! It's fascinating to witness the tremendous resurgence of Star Trek in the past five years. With the introduction of Discovery, Lower Decks, Picard, Prodigy, and Strange New Worlds, there is now a wealth of Star Trek content available. Did you anticipate that it would gain such immense popularity in recent times?

Trevor Roth: I'll go, start with no, but you can be in more, just the way I planned it. What happened with that?

Rod Rodenberry: Yeah, right.

Trevor Roth: Absolutely.

Rod Rodenberry: Let me tell you a story. Back in the eighties or early nineties, when Next Generation was gaining popularity, my father used to occasionally do this amazing thing on stage. Despite not being a frequent attendee at conventions, whenever he did go and took the stage, he would stand there with his arms folded, scanning the room filled with hundreds of fans. And then, with a mischievous smile, he would confidently declare, "Yep, just the way I planned it." It was his charming way of expressing his sheer disbelief and gratitude for how Star Trek had flourished. He truly cherished the fans and everything they had brought to the franchise.

The resurgence of Star Trek has been remarkable, with significant growth in recent years. This transition from Discovery to the multitude of shows has been an incredible journey. It is truly exhilarating for us, as Star Trek has found its place to thrive and remain relevant in this ever-changing world. Moreover, it is gratifying to witness how the world is shifting its perception of science fiction, embracing it as a respected form of entertainment that offers incredible realism.

You understand what I mean, all those various things. The fact that large numbers of individuals are still attending these conventions to explore the vast realm of science fiction, encompassing fantasy and all other genres, reflects a growing interest. What science fiction can offer and provide to them is expanding. Moreover, it is fortunate that there is an increasing prevalence of optimistic science fiction in the industry. People are seeking hope and inspiration, similar to what Star Trek offers. This is truly satisfying for us as it signifies that our values and aspirations align with the direction humanity is heading.

Rod Rodenberry: I couldn't agree more. Well said. I want to clarify that I don't claim to be the sole representative of Star Trek. I acknowledge that I am Gene Rodenberry's son, which also plays a significant role...

Trevor Roth: You are the sole individual among them.

Rod Rodenberry: Yes, I am the only one belonging to that category. However, I am certain that there are numerous others who share my sentiments, as well as those who do not. Nonetheless, my intention here is not to represent the Star Trek brand, but rather to advocate for the principles and beliefs behind Star Trek. For the fans who comprehend this, it is wonderful, and for those who do not, that is perfectly fine. As Trevor just mentioned, the enduring presence of Star Trek for over 56 years is due to its concept of a superior future.

Trevor Roth: Seven, 57 years.

Rod Rodenberry: It has been 57 years now. I believe the popularity of Star Trek stems not only from its exceptional sci-fi content but also from its powerful message. The show serves as an inspiration and a source of hope. Over the years, I have encountered numerous fans who have shared their personal stories with me. Many have expressed how they started their lives in difficult circumstances, lacking belief in their own potential. But through the influence of Star Trek, they were able to overcome these challenges and achieve great things. We have heard countless stories like these, and I am not aware of many other shows that have such a profound impact on individuals. This is precisely why I am passionate about Star Trek and its messages. I firmly believe that Star Trek carries the responsibility of promoting critical thinking and empowering people.

In situations, it's important to consider multiple perspectives, as both sides may have valid viewpoints. This is exemplified in some of the best Star Trek episodes, where your initial opinion is challenged by the presentation of the opposing side. It makes you question your own stance and think critically.

Trevor Roth: Speaking of which, the Kobayashi Maru test is a perfect example, isn't it?

Rod Rodenberry: There you go.

My friend introduced me to Deep Space Nine, and there was this episode where Sisco almost time travels and experiences a racially charged situation. It made me think about how Star Trek can serve as a cautionary tale at times. Can you elaborate on that?

Trevor Roth: Devil in the Dark, one of our most beloved episodes, is frequently discussed. This original series episode revolves around an alien creature that poses a threat to Star Fleet, leading them to seek ways to capture it.

Rod Rodenberry: It's worth noting that the creature is actually a rock monster. What resonates with me in this episode is when, amidst efforts to eliminate it for harming humans, Spock suggests, "Has anyone attempted to communicate with this entity?" Eventually, they engage in a mind meld and establish a means of communication...

Trevor Roth: Yes. It turns out that the monstrous creature we encountered was actually a mother fiercely defending her offspring, and we were unknowingly invading their habitat and causing harm to their young.

Rod Rodenberry: We were essentially responsible for the death of her offspring.

Trevor Roth: Killing its children, yeah.

Rod Rodenberry: Because its crystals were its children, but we were mining.

Trevor Roth: As a cautionary tale, what I would like to emphasize is the importance of avoiding complacency and considering multiple perspectives. We should not assume we possess all the knowledge and must actively acknowledge different vantage points, especially when making decisions or forming opinions. In today's world, it is evident that many individuals can benefit from learning from this cautionary tale and its implications of what happens when we fail to do so.

Rod Rodenberry: This advice applies to everyone, including myself.

Trevor Roth: Especially.

The Star Trek universe is vast, spanning an impressive 57 years of captivating storytelling. With this resurgence of new content, where would you recommend a new fan start to delve into the older material?

Trevor Roth noticed Rod raising his hand and prompted him to speak.

Rod confidently stated that there are currently five shows, with some still in production. He clarified that Prodigy, in particular, was originally intended for kids but has proven to be enjoyable for a wide age range, from three to 93. Rod personally appreciates the series as an adult, having first watched it with his son and now continuing to watch it on his own, expressing his genuine love for it.

It serves as an introduction to the essence of Star Trek, showcasing a diverse cast of characters from different corners of the universe. Without delving into the plot, they find themselves on a ship and begin questioning the meaning of Star Fleet and their own purpose. Through their discovery of Star Fleet, the audience gains an understanding of what Star Trek represents. Personally, I consider it to be one of the finest examples of Star Trek, embodying all the qualities that make it great.

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As consumers, we are accustomed to experiencing stories through various mediums such as television, film, and streaming. Do you have any plans to expand this immersive storytelling approach, perhaps through video games?

Trevor Roth: Absolutely. It's not just a question for us, but I believe it's important to ensure that when engaging with a franchise like Star Trek, we explore all avenues of storytelling in a fresh and authentic manner, rather than simply repeating what is already known. Our ultimate objective is to achieve genuine and compelling storytelling in its purest form.

I believe the best approach is to ensure that we are telling stories within this expansive realm of possibilities. It is something that we highly encourage and are enthusiastic about. Moreover, the concept of immersion in the Star Trek universe is crucial.

Being able to tell a story that seamlessly integrates with and exists within the universe is something Star Trek has consistently excelled at, more often than not.

With Star Trek's impressive 57-year legacy, you have consistently showcased remarkable storytelling, never failing to provide fresh and captivating narratives. Considering the abundance of existing Star Trek content, are there any uncharted territories within the Star Trek universe that you would be interested in exploring?

Rod Rodenberry: Yeah, yep.

Trevor Roth: Let me get my list.

Rod Rodenberry praised Trevor's impressive work on creating a nine-foot poster of the Star Trek timeline in the lobby. The timeline showcases the airing of each show and the release of movies, including crossover events. Trevor meticulously filled in the gaps and highlighted significant moments like the establishment of Star Fleet. Observing the timeline allows one to easily identify areas of interest and contemplate the events that occurred. Rod Rodenberry mentions the immense span of time covered, initially suggesting millions of years before being corrected by Trevor to thousands of years.

Rod Rodenberry: There's still a long way to go, even though the poster depicts events from millions of years ago, mainly due to a Voyager episode.

Trevor Roth: Absolutely. And going off on a different tangent, when I think about Star Wars and Rogue One, it serves as a perfect illustration.

Rod Rodenberry agreed, recalling a specific line from the Star Wars movie he watched in his childhood: "And, just to add, a considerable number of individuals sacrificed their lives to obtain this valuable information." It wasn't precisely phrased like that, but it carried a similar meaning.

Rod Rodenberry: Almost a throwaway line.

Trevor Roth: It was almost nothing.

Rod Rodenberry and Trevor Roth are excited about the potential of recognizing those one-liners and exploring them as storytelling opportunities within the vast universe of Star Trek. They believe that there are countless possibilities for stories set in various time periods, spanning from 10 years to 100 years to even 1,000 years.

Rod Rodenberry: The characters, both unique and unexplored, require constant exploration. While it is important to learn from the past, we must also focus on the future. Star Trek's strength lies in its ability to look forward while acknowledging its roots.

I prefer to follow a chronological timeline when watching something new. It allows me to fully immerse myself in the experience. I would be thrilled to have access to that timeline.

Rod Rodenberry expressed admiration for the visually appealing and artistically executed poster, highlighting that it serves a purpose beyond providing information. Trevor Roth emphasized the usefulness of the poster as a tool to comprehensively view and mentally organize the 57 years of content, allowing for a clearer understanding of the overall picture.

The last season of Picard was an exceptional example of storytelling, not only within the realm of science fiction, but also in the realm of television and streaming platforms. It was truly remarkable. On that note, as a devoted fan of Jonathan Archer, I must ask if there is any possibility of a show like Picard centered around him? And, just for curiosity's sake, can you share if there would be a theme song for it?

I have complete faith in the heart. I absolutely adore that theme song.

Trevor Roth: Yes, I believe we should never rule anything out. Everything is certainly open to consideration. Jonathan Archer was an exceptional captain who, in our view, had his time cut short in the four seasons.

Rod Rodenberry: Agreed.

Trevor Roth: So is there a possibility of his return? Of course. No promises.

Rod Rodenberry: We're not dropping hints, but anything's possible.