Star Trek: Discovery EP Likens Show To Game Of Thrones

Star Trek: Discovery made a splash earlier today when its first teaser trailer debuted at CBS‘ Upfronts presentation. The next installment in the world-renound Trek series – set ten years before the events of Star Trek: The Original Series – is set to debut later this year. And with an ever-growing television landscape – as well as the risk of premiering on CBS‘ All Access digital platform – many are wondering how Discovery will stack up.

But according to one of the show’s executive producers, Alex Kurtzman, the series will be worthy competition amongst some of the best prestige television currently available – including a certain HBO series.

Kurtzman has established himself as a prolific producer, writer and director, working on shows such as Alias, Fringe, and Sleepy Hollow, as well as films such as Watchmen, Transformers, and this summer’s upcoming The Mummy. In addition, Kurtzman has worked on the first two installments of the current Star Trek film franchise, and he believes that Discovery is getting a chance to take the Trek universe to a whole other level.

“I’m not involved in the movies anymore, but I’ve been involved in the show,” Kurtzman explained to Fandango. “One of the things that I do really love about television now is that the line between TV and film is so blurred. It used to be such a specific line, and now with things like Game of Thrones, it’s a movie; it’s just on television in your living room. We’re endeavoring to bring that level of scope, scale, and emotional experience to the new Trek.”

As to whether or not he will collaborate on a future Trek film, Kurtzman is currently unsure. While a fourth film in the “New Trek” series – which promises to unite James Kirk (Chris Pine) with his father, George Kirk (Chris Hemsworth) – has been greenlit, little progress has been made since the release of last year’s Star Trek Beyond.

“Look, personally, I would love to see another Trek movie,” Kurtzman revealed. “And I’d love to be involved, but I haven’t been working on that stuff lately.”

Star Trek: Discovery takes place roughly a decade prior to the five-year mission of Star Trek: The Original Series. In breaking with franchise tradition, the show’s main protagonist will not be a captain. Instead, it will be First Officer Michael Burnham, played by The Walking Dead alum Sonequa Martin-Green.

Star Trek: Discovery‘s cast also includes Jason Isaacs as Captain Lorca, Rainn Wilson as Star Trek: The Original Series character Harry Mudd, James Frain as Sarek, Spock’s father, and Michelle Yeoh as Captain Georgiou, the captain of another Starfleet ship, the Shenzhou, which will be important to the plot of Star Trek: Discovery. Doug Jones and Anthony Rapp both play science officers. Mary Wiseman will play a final year Starfleet Academy cadet.

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