The Star Trek franchise is changing direction. Following the creation of Paramount Skydance — the new powerhouse formed after the Skydance and Paramount Global merger — the studio has begun a strategic overhaul of both the big-screen and streaming sides of the franchise.
1️⃣ Television: Alex Kurtzman enters transition phase
Showrunner Alex Kurtzman and his Secret Hideout production company currently lead the Star Trek television universe. Their slate includes the hugely popular Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and the upcoming Starfleet Academy series.
However, the studio has opted for a more streamlined approach. The fifth season of Strange New Worlds — now confirmed as the show’s final chapter — is in production and will be shorter than previous seasons. Meanwhile, Starfleet Academy is expected to arrive within the next year, though industry chatter suggests the series may only run for two seasons, depending on performance and the new strategic priorities.
Paramount Skydance plans to align television and film storytelling more effectively, focusing on fewer projects but with higher narrative impact and consistent franchise identity.
2️⃣ Cinema: A fresh film reboot takes flight
The Kelvin Timeline era — launched in 2009 with Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto — has officially reached its end. Despite numerous attempts to develop a fourth film, the studio has closed the book on that continuity. The Kelvin universe is now regarded as complete.
Taking its place is an entirely new cinematic reboot. A fresh creative team is building a Star Trek film from the ground up — with a brand-new cast, new timeline, and none of the previous narrative baggage. The objective: make Star Trek more accessible to global audiences while reigniting blockbuster momentum.
3️⃣ The goal: unify the future of Star Trek
With this reset, Paramount Skydance intends to coordinate story direction across film and television — placing the franchise under tighter creative guidance and establishing a long-term roadmap that feels cohesive.
What this could bring:
- New characters designed to lead the brand through the next decade
- Bigger cinematic stakes with modern spectacle
- More focused TV storytelling in harmony with film
- Broader international appeal and a clearer entry point for newcomers
What fans might worry about:
- The Kelvin cast not receiving an on-screen farewell
- Shorter TV lifespans and fewer ongoing seasons
- The risk of action outweighing the traditional philosophy of exploration and optimism
4️⃣ What to watch next
Over the next year, Star Trek fans should look out for:
- Announcements of the new film’s cast and story direction
- How Strange New Worlds concludes its celebrated run
- Whether Starfleet Academy secures long-term investment from the studio
- Hints of crossover coherence between film and upcoming streaming titles
Final Word
Star Trek is entering a defining chapter. With the Kelvin timeline officially retired, Paramount Skydance now holds a clear runway to steer the franchise into a bold and modernised future. If the right balance is struck — between spectacle and soul — the next generation of Starfleet storytelling could truly go where no Trek has gone before.
Engage. And boldly go.