Update from Star Trek Lower Decks Star on Upcoming Trek Project

Highlights

Tawny Newsome is at the helm of a new live-action Star Trek comedy series, distinct from Lower Decks.
The series will spotlight the quirky staff of a 25th-century resort, focusing on their intergalactic reality show escapades.
Currently in early stages of production, the show hints at possible ties to the broader Star Trek universe.

Tawny Newsome, known for her role in Star Trek: Lower Decks, is set to embark on an exciting new venture within the Star Trek universe. Recently, she provided an update about her latest project—a live-action comedy centered around the Star Trek lore.

This intriguing concept was first revealed during the San Diego Comic-Con in July. In collaboration with Justin Simien, who gained fame through his work on Dear White People, Newsome aims to create a unique series that diverges from the traditional focus on Starfleet. Instead, it will offer a comedic perspective on the lives of civilians navigating life on a resort planet in the 25th century. Imagine a humorous twist on The Truman Show—but set against a cosmic backdrop.

In a recent conversation with Collider, Newsome elaborated on the show’s developmental process.

Continuing the Creative Journey

Star Trek LD Cast SDCC 2024 — Source: Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Paramount+

Although the series is officially in the pipeline, Newsome confirmed its status as still being in the nascent stages. Currently, she and Simien are diligently crafting the narrative and script.

“All I can share is that we continue to write, and they keep encouraging us—saying, ‘Please keep writing’… As long as they’re not asking me to ‘shut my laptop and throw it into the sea,’ I will keep pushing forward. This process has been a true joy,”Newsome shared with Collider.

It’s important to note that the upcoming series will not serve as a spinoff of Lower Decks. However, Newsome did express her desire to sprinkle in some Easter eggs from the animated series, suggesting a playful connection between the different facets of the Star Trek universe.

Possible Familiar Faces?

Star Trek Picard on Risa — Source: Screen grab from the Trek episode “Captain’s Holiday”

Given that the sitcom will explore the daily dilemmas of resort employees living on a pleasure planet, it’s unlikely that staple Star Trek characters will appear regularly. However, since the storyline unfolds in the early 25th century—shortly after the events of both Lower Decks and Star Trek: Picard—there remains a chance for cameo appearances of beloved figures from the franchise. This potential has not escaped Newsome’s consideration, as conveyed in a prior discussion with CinemaBlend.

“I always want to work with my friends,”Newsome confessed. “That’s why we decided on the 25th century setting—so we can include characters from the Picard era and those we love from Lower Decks without needing to de-age Jonathan Frakes,”she added.

The fresh perspective of viewing Starfleet crew members during their downtime on a pleasure planet is a captivating angle for storytelling. While the franchise has touched on locations like Risa, it has never explored them from the viewpoint of the staff catering to these high-profile visitors. Fans will relish the opportunity to witness how it feels to serve iconic characters like Admiral Picard or Captain Riker during their leisure time.

The marriage of workplace humor and science fiction promises to bring an exhilarating twist to the Star Trek universe. While Lower Decks has brilliantly showcased the amusing side of Starfleet operations, this new venture should provide an even lighter and more humorous lens on life outside the Starfleet context. Achieving this while maintaining the beloved essence of Star Trek will be an exciting yet challenging endeavor.

However, if anyone is poised to take on such a challenge, it is Newsome, a passionate Trekkie whose deep-rooted enthusiasm for the franchise shines through her performances. With her extensive background in comedy—ranging from improv to stand-up—she is well-equipped to steer this new series to success, making it a standout addition to the Star Trek legacy.

Sources: Collider, CinemaBlend

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