Andy Weir Criticizes Modern ‘Star Trek’ After Paramount Rejects His Pitch

Andy Weir has publicly criticized modern Star Trek after Paramount rejected his pitch. The bestselling author spoke about the matter during a recent podcast appearance. He also confirmed he tried to sell a Trek series to the studio.

Podcast appearance and pitching details

Weir appeared on the Critical Drinker podcast with host Will Jordan. He said he met on Zoom with current showrunners and spoke at length with executive producer Alex Kurtzman. He described Kurtzman as a pleasant person but added that the recent Trek shows did not work for him.

Weir said Paramount did not accept his pitch. He used blunt language to sum up his reaction to the rejection. The exchange clarified he is disinclined to re-open talks with the franchise leadership.

Which Star Trek shows he likes and dislikes

Weir identified several modern entries he enjoys. He praised Strange New Worlds and found Lower Decks entertaining. He said he did not hate Enterprise, while indicating he dislikes other recent series.

He traced his tastes to Gen X viewing habits. He cited reruns of the original Star Trek and Lost in Space. He also pointed to The Next Generation as a formative influence.

On social commentary in science fiction

Weir has long rejected heavy-handed social messaging in fiction. In a 2018 interview promoting Artemis, he said he avoids politics in his stories. He argued that fiction should aim primarily to entertain.

He told Futurism he prefers stories without a political agenda. He added that, as a fan, he resents a presumed duty for Star Trek to foreground social issues. He quipped he would rather watch Romulans and the Federation shoot at each other.

Star Trek’s legacy of allegory and conflict

Critics note that Star Trek has often combined action with commentary. Episodes like “Balance of Terror” mix space conflict with themes on prejudice and loyalty. Deep Space Nine’s Dominion War explored the limits of Starfleet’s utopian ideals.

The original series also touched on Cold War anxieties through Earth-Romulan conflict. That tradition of allegory remains visible in some modern entries. As the current era of series winds down, debate continues over franchise direction.

Project Hail Mary and Weir’s Hollywood standing

Weir’s profile rose with the success of Project Hail Mary. The film’s performance has prompted talk of more adaptations of his novels. There is also discussion of a possible sequel to his recent hit.

Despite that momentum, Paramount passed on his Star Trek proposal. Whether Weir returns to pitch again remains uncertain.

Filmogaz.com will continue to follow developments related to Weir and the evolving Star Trek landscape. Watch for updates as projects and reactions progress.