Star Trek: Discovery, the much-anticipated addition to the Star Trek franchise, had a notably different conception compared to its final product, as revealed by the series’ creator Bryan Fuller. Appointed as executive producer in early 2016, Fuller took the helm of the franchise’s first TV series since the cancellation of Star Trek: Enterprise in 2005. Moreover, Discovery marked the first Star Trek show developed specifically for streaming on CBS All-Access, which later rebranded as Paramount+.
By late 2016, however, Bryan Fuller departed from the project due to “creative differences.”Subsequently, Gretchen J. Berg and Aaron Harberts assumed the role of showrunners for the first season, although they were also replaced before the season concluded. Alex Kurtzman and his production company Secret Hideout would go on to oversee all Star Trek-related projects developed for Paramount+.Despite its controversial beginnings, Star Trek: Discovery achieved considerable success, running for five seasons and leading to additional spin-offs and even a Star Trek movie for streaming.
CBS Studios “Didn’t Want To Wait” For Sonequa Martin-Green
Sonequa Martin-Green: The Heart of Star Trek: Discovery
In a conversation with The D-Con Chamber, Bryan Fuller discussed his casting choices, highlighting his selection of Michelle Yeoh as Captain Philippa Georgiou. However, he faced resistance over his preference for Sonequa Martin-Green as the lead, Michael Burnham. Fuller stated: “I was fighting for Sonequa. They didn’t want to wait for Sonequa, and I was like, ‘Push the production. She’s great.’”
Ultimately, Martin-Green was cast as Burnham, a character who began as a disgraced First Officer seeking redemption. By the conclusion of season five, Burnham had transformed into the Captain of the USS Discovery, recognized as an intergalactic hero who safeguarded the United Federation of Planets across two eras.Martin-Green’s dynamic performance was a pivotal element of the series’ success.
Anthony Rapp Initially Considered for Andorian Doctor Role
Anthony Rapp: Creator of the Spore Drive
Initially, Anthony Rapp was cast as an Andorian doctor—a role that portrayed the blue-skinned aliens known for their unique antennae. However, he ultimately became known for his role as Lieutenant Paul Stamets, a key character in Discovery, highly regarded for developing the Spore Drive technology.
Interestingly, both Rapp and Wilson Cruz are not just co-stars in Star Trek: Discovery, but they also both starred in the Broadway production of Rent.
Wilson Cruz: An Unexpected Turn in Casting
Wilson Cruz as Dr. Hugh Culber
Wilson Cruz, who portrayed Dr. Hugh Culber, originally auditioned for the role of Lieutenant Paul Stamets. Bryan Fuller recognized Cruz’s potential when he remarked that he would “look awesome in a Starfleet uniform.” In the series, Culber and Stamets went on to become the first openly gay married couple in Star Trek history, further solidifying their importance within the franchise.
Richard Armitage Considered for Sarek Role
James Frain and Sarek
Notably known for his role as Thorin Oakenshield in The Hobbit, Richard Armitage was in discussions to play Sarek, the father of Spock. The character ultimately went to James Frain, who portrayed Sarek across the first two seasons of Star Trek: Discovery.
Gillian Anderson: A Starfleet Captain That Never Was
Gillian Anderson’s Role: A Missed Opportunity
Bryan Fuller disclosed that Gillian Anderson was meant to embody a Starfleet Captain in Star Trek: Discovery. While specific details regarding her character remain undisclosed, Anderson is widely celebrated for her role as Agent Dana Scully on The X-Files and her Emmy-winning performance in The Crown.
Hugh Dancy: An Unrevealed Role in Star Trek: Discovery
Hugh Dancy’s Connection to Hannibal
Hugh Dancy, perhaps best known for his portrayal of Will Graham in Bryan Fuller’s Hannibal, was also eyed for an undisclosed role in Star Trek: Discovery. Presently, Dancy stars as Senior Assistant District Attorney Nolan Price in the revival of NBC’s Law & Order.
Laurence Fishburne Considered for Klingon Role
Fishburne: A Powerful Casting Choice
Laurence Fishburne was briefly considered for a role as a Klingon in Star Trek: Discovery. While it remains uncertain whether he would have portrayed T’Kuvma, the pivotal Klingon character, or a different figure entirely, Fishburne’s involvement would certainly have added significant weight to the series.
Star Trek: Discovery’s Starfleet Uniforms & Klingon Designs: A Departure from Fuller’s Vision
The Notorious Klingon Designs
Bryan Fuller expressed that the show’s blue Starfleet uniforms and the redesigned Klingons were inconsistent with his original ideas for Star Trek: Discovery. He remarked: “My last week there, I had approved the Starfleet uniforms, which they tossed out. And I had rejected the Klingons, which they kept.” Fuller’s early concepts for Klingons remain unchanged, highlighting a significant divergence from the final product that some fans still debate today.
Interestingly, Klingons made an appearance in the finale of Star Trek: Lower Decks season 5, while Discovery’s Starfleet uniforms transitioned to colorful tunics in season 4. The radical reimagining of the Klingon race has sparked considerable fan discourse, with many expressing discontent over their portrayal compared to their classic representations.
Star Trek: Discovery’s Initial Budget: A Crucial Misstep
Budget Comparison: A Missed Opportunity
During his conversation with The D-Con Chamber, Bryan Fuller revealed that the initial budget set by CBS Studios for Star Trek: Discovery was inadequate. He drew a comparison to the budget of CBS’s Hawaii Five-O, asserting that a Star Trek series requires a level of production that extends beyond mere conveniences. He emphasized the necessity for fully designed and crafted components in a Star Trek universe, indicating the challenges he faced in realizing his intended vision for the series.
Overall, Fuller’s insights paint a vivid picture of what Star Trek: Discovery might have been under his leadership and illustrate the challenges often faced in the creative processes within established franchises.
Source: The D-Con Chamber
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