CBS Television Productions have announced a new overall deal with executive producer Alex Kurtzman, extending his agreement with the studio to five years. As part of the new production deal, Kurtzman will supervise the expansion of CBS’ Star Trek franchise for television, developing new series, mini-series and other content opportunities, including animation.
The Hollywood Reporter has learned that one of the new Star Trek shows that could happen with Kurtzman is a project lead by Patrick Stewart, reprising his famous role as Captain Picard from Star Trek: The Next Generation. The outlet notes that Kurtzman and Avika Goldsman are currently attached to the Star Trek TV reboot led by Stewart, though a deal has not yet been reached meaning the project may not happen.
In addition to growing CBS’ Star Trek universe, Kurtzman and his company Secret Hideout will develop new, original series across the full spectrum of broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. As part of this process, Secret Hideout will expand its production operation, adding diverse voices and cultivating new creative talent to align with the company.
David Stapf, the president of CBS Television Studios, commented on the deal extension: “There is a very short list of writer-producer-directors that every film and television studio wants to be associated with, and Alex and his Secret Hideout team are always at the top. His talent, taste and ability to shepherd a successful project is unparalleled. Alex has done remarkable work for our Studio, dating back seven years to the launch of Hawaii Five-0, and we are thrilled that he, Heather and their team will be partnering with us for a long time to come.”
“Heather, Aaron and I are thrilled to continue Secret Hideout’s amazing partnership with CBS Television Studios. Since our first collaboration with Hawaii Five-0 almost a decade ago, Les [Moonves], David and the full team at CBS Studios have been our foremost collaborators and champions, treating each project with integrity, supporting the creative visions and working breathlessly to make each episode of every show the best it can be. CBS has also allowed us the great pleasure of reintroducing the world of Star Trek audiences new and old, and we are very excited to keep working alongside them to expand that world.”
Kurtzman is currently working alongside Jenny Lumet in developing The Man Who Fell to Earth for Hulu. Production on the second season of Star Trek: Discovery began in April with the series expected to return to CBS All Access in early 2019.
