CBS Potentially Expanding ‘Star Trek’ TV Universe With Star Patrick Stewart Returning

Just a few days ago, it felt like maybe there was some trouble behind the scenes at “Star Trek: Discovery.” After parting ways with the previous showrunner, CBS promoted Alex Kurtzman to take over the ‘Discovery’ duties. However, from the news today, it appears that CBS is really excited about Kurtzman’s direction for the series and might just let him expand the TV ‘Trek’ universe.

According to a report from THR, CBS has signed Alex Kurtzman to a new 5-year extension on his overall TV deal with the company. This includes the duties of being showrunner on ‘Discovery’ and includes the option for a new spin-off that could see two ‘Star Trek’ series on the CBS All Access streaming service.

READ MORE: ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Changes Showrunners Again With Alex Kurtzman Taking Over

The report claims there are rumblings around CBS that “Star Trek: The Next Generation” star Patrick Stewart might be coming back to his role as Captain Pickard in a new ‘Trek’ series. That would obviously be huge news for ‘Star Trek’ fans, as Stewart is basically royalty to the fanbase. However, the deal is not imminent and is going to require a bit more time before anything is officially announced.

“There is a very short list of writer-producer-directors that every film and television studio wants to be associated with, and Alex and his Secret Hideout team are always at the top,” said David Stapf, CBS Television Studios president. “His talent, taste and ability to shepherd a successful project is unparalleled. Alex has done remarkable work for our Studio, dating back seven years to the launch of ‘Hawaii Five-0,’ and we are thrilled that he, Heather and their team will be partnering with us for a long time to come.”

“Heather, Aaron and I are thrilled to continue Secret Hideout’s amazing partnership with CBS Television Studios,” Kurtzman said. “Since our first collaboration with ‘Hawaii Five-0’ almost a decade ago, Les [Moonves], David and the full team at CBS Studios have been our foremost collaborators and champions, treating each project with integrity, supporting the creative visions and working breathlessly to make each episode of every show the best it can be. CBS has also allowed us the great pleasure of reintroducing the world of ‘Star Trek’ audiences new and old, and we are very excited to keep working alongside them to expand that world.”

Despite the behind-the-scenes shakeups, “Star Trek: Discovery” has been a hit for CBS and their All Access streaming service. The series is deep into production of season 2, and as the statements allude to, it appears that CBS is also very interested in expanding the universe.

Who know? Maybe there’s a ‘Next Generation’ reboot around the corner?