Now that Paramount and other properties have merged, fans are hoping someone truly passionate will take the helm of the Star Trek universe. But the best Star Trek movie out of the fourteen made so far actually shows why that’s not necessary – great stories don’t require the storyteller to be a fan themselves.
It’s easy to see why fans are upset, but they’re mixing up being a fan with having respect for, and talent in, the world of Star Trek. Alex Kurtzman, who’s led Star Trek for the last ten years, claims to be a fan himself. While we can’t know what anyone truly feels, whether or not Kurtzman is a fan is irrelevant. After all, the creators of five fantastic Star Trek films weren’t necessarily fans of the series to begin with.
Some of Star Trek’s Most Important Artists Weren’t Fans
The first Star Trek movie cost Paramount a hefty $45 million and was nearly delayed. Initial reviews weren’t very enthusiastic, but dedicated fans still went to see it, allowing the film to ultimately become profitable. For the sequel, Paramount approached Harve Bennett, known for his hit 1969 show Mod Squad, despite some considering him responsible for the original series’ cancellation. Bennett then hired writer and director Nicholas Meyer, who playfully described Star Trek as being “about the guy with the pointy ears,” and viewed making Star Trek II as a straightforward opportunity to create a movie.
Though Bennett and Meyer weren’t necessarily devoted fans, they held Gene Roddenberry’s vision for Star Trek in high regard, even when they disagreed with his suggestions. Roddenberry wasn’t hesitant to show vulnerabilities in established characters – like aging Captain Kirk or revealing a previously unknown son. Meyer often recalls being surprised by the crew’s emotional reactions, even shedding tears. Despite lacking the strong personal connection that fans had with the series, he always treated the characters with respect. They experienced setbacks and displayed flaws, which ultimately made them more relatable. The main distinction between Meyer and fellow Star Trek director Matalas is that Meyer never felt constrained by the need to protect the established image of iconic characters.
The actors from The Next Generation had varying levels of familiarity with Star Trek. While LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, and others were fans of the original series, as revealed in interviews from the complete TNG boxed set, some like Gates McFadden and Jonathan Frakes weren’t familiar with it at all. Even Patrick Stewart, who played Captain Picard, initially didn’t fully grasp the show’s iconic status in America, though he remembered watching it. Despite their different backgrounds, each actor was perfectly cast for their role.
Why Some Franchise Fans Confuse Fandom for Respect
The creators of Star Trek: Picard, Michael Chabon and Akiva Goldsman, are both longtime Star Trek fans. However, some of their storytelling choices didn’t please all viewers, especially those with a strong attachment to the original characters. Terry Matalas, the showrunner for Picard Season 3, had an even deeper connection: he worked on the Star Trek sets at Paramount, assisting veterans like Brannon Braga and remaining with the show until it finished. His firsthand experience with the show’s history proved more valuable than simply being a fan, though his passion for the characters is clearly evident throughout the series.
Today’s popular entertainment is largely controlled by a few huge companies focused on making money. This is a major reason why actors and writers went on strike in 2023, demanding fair pay. It often looks like fans are simply loyal to a brand and its products, but many fans actually feel negatively about the companies that own their favorite franchises. Whether people enjoy watching Star Trek on TV or seeing Marvel or Star Wars films in theaters, what truly matters is the creative work itself and the experience it provides.
For many years, fans of modern American stories – like those found in science fiction, fantasy, and animation – were often mocked, even as they passionately debated the details within those worlds. This criticism feels especially personal when the stories hold nostalgic value, remind people of their childhood, or connect to their personal beliefs, regardless of the stories’ quality or intelligence. It’s not surprising that the actors from The Next Generation who openly identified as fans came from groups that were frequently overlooked by other shows at the time.
Even simple stories about heroes exploring space can resonate with viewers and make them feel understood. Just because someone creating a film or show isn’t a longtime fan doesn’t mean they can’t deliver something truly special. Filmmakers don’t intentionally set out to make bad movies or TV shows. For example, Nicholas Meyer, while watching the original Star Trek, didn’t initially understand its appeal. However, that didn’t stop him from creating a film that honored the show’s history and envisioned a believable future for the characters. It’s important for fans to appreciate that effort.
You can buy Star Trek movies and TV shows on DVD, Blu-ray, and digitally, and most of them are available to stream on Paramount+.
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2026-05-29 19:09