Plenty was revealed at the Star Trek 50th anniversary panel today about Bryan Fuller’s upcoming Star Trek reboot series, including the new series’ title and format.
Deadline reports that the CBS All Access reboot will be titled Star Trek Discovery and, according to showrunner Bryan Fuller, “won’t be episodic”. The series is set to premiere in January 2017, with the first episode airing on CBS and the rest of the episodes available exclusively on CBS All Access. David Semel will executive produce and direct the first episode.
A teaser for Star Trek Discovery was revealed at the panel, which showed a ship labeled as the USS Discovery launching out to space. The teaser doesn’t offer a lot, but the prospect of adventure and possible danger to come for the USS Discovery‘s voyages is very exciting.
Along with Fuller at the SDCC panel were William Shatner, Scott Bakula, Michael Dorn, Jeri Ryan, and Brent Spiner.
Much of the panel’s discussion focused on the diversity of Star Trek, with panelists making connections between the series and the complex issues that are currently going on in the world. Fuller said, “Individuality should be celebrated. Star Trek celebrates diversity. It seems like a great statement from [Star Trek creator] Gene Roddenberry, who felt the human race just has to get along.”
Speaking along similar lines, Bakula said, “Science fiction has always fascinated me not just because of the science but also the optimism. Even when it’s dark, I feel human beings will work it out.”
Spiner added, “We’re in a time now where identity is under attack. It’s disturbing. Politicians could learn from Star Trek.”
Talk at the panel also involved what fans could expect from the new series. On this, Fuller said, “The new series has to remind audiences the message of Star Trek — continuing to push boundaries. We do have to celebrate a progression of our species because right now we need a little help.”