Andy Weir Critiques Modern Star Trek Amidst Failed Pitch to Paramount

Andy Weir, the author of the bestselling novel *Project Hail Mary*, has publicly criticized the current slate of Star Trek shows produced by Paramount+. During an appearance on the Critical Drinker podcast, Weir expressed disappointment with modern Star Trek, stating, “those shows are shit.” He lamented the lack of engaging science fiction content that resonates with audiences who grew up on the original series. Weir noted that while many contemporary sci-fi productions draw inspiration from the original *Star Trek*, the current offerings do not reflect that legacy.

Star Trek Trashed by "Project Hail Mary" Author Who Had Pitch Rejected

Weir revealed that he had pitched a Star Trek series to Paramount, engaging in discussions with showrunners and executive producer Alex Kurtzman. Despite his enthusiasm, the pitch was ultimately rejected. He remarked on the experience, saying, “He [Kurtzman] is a nice guy. But they didn’t accept my pitch so, you know, fuck ’em.” This sentiment underscores Weir's frustration with the direction of the franchise under the current leadership.

Star Trek Trashed by "Project Hail Mary" Author Who Had Pitch Rejected

While Weir criticized much of the recent content, he did express some appreciation for select series. He mentioned *Star Trek: Strange New Worlds* as a positive example, stating, “I think it’s pretty good.” He also found *Lower Decks* to be entertaining, although he described *Star Trek: Enterprise* as “kind of weird.” However, he agreed with podcast host Matthew Marsden's suggestion to de-canonize all Star Trek projects from *Enterprise* onward, indicating a desire for a fresh start for the franchise.

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As of now, Paramount+ has no new Star Trek projects in production, marking a significant pause in the franchise's development. The cancellation of *Star Trek: Starfleet Academy* has further fueled speculation about the future of the franchise and Kurtzman's role within it. His contract with CBS Studios extends through 2026, and discussions about renewing his deal are ongoing.

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In response to the criticism surrounding *Starfleet Academy*, Kurtzman and his team released an open letter emphasizing the core values of Star Trek, which include optimism and a vision for a better future. They highlighted the franchise's legacy of exploring complex human issues and the importance of maintaining its foundational ideals.

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While Weir's comments reflect a strong dissatisfaction with modern Star Trek, there is a lack of consensus among fans and critics regarding the quality of the current shows. Some viewers appreciate the new directions taken by the franchise, while others share Weir's sentiments of disappointment. The future of Star Trek remains uncertain as Paramount navigates these criticisms and the potential for new projects.

Star Trek Trashed by "Project Hail Mary" Author Who Had Pitch Rejected

• “I think we can probably safely never talk about it again,” — Matthew Marsden, Podcast Host

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• “Star Trek places its bet on the best in human nature.” — Alex Kurtzman, Executive Producer

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