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Andy Weir, author of the hit sci-fi novel Project Hail Mary, didn’t hold back in a recent podcast when discussing the state of modern Star Trek shows. On the “Critical Drinker After Hours” podcast, Weir bluntly described the current batch of Star Trek series as “s—,” while also revealing that he once pitched his own Star Trek series idea to Paramount, though it was ultimately rejected.
Weir, who gained widespread acclaim after Project Hail Mary was adapted into a successful film, praised the original Star Trek and The Next Generation series as favorites. He was also candid about his feelings on newer installments, welcoming the cancellation of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy with humor: “It’s gone, baby. It’s all gone.”
Though he found some entertainment value in shows like Strange New Worlds, Lower Decks, and Enterprise, Weir largely agreed with the podcast host Will Jordan that much of the newer Star Trek content hasn’t lived up to expectations and could be done away with.
When discussing his pitch to Paramount, Weir described his interactions with Star Trek producer Alex Kurtzman as positive on a personal level, despite his disappointment with the creative direction of recent shows. “I spent a lot of time talking to Alex Kurtzman… I feel kind of bad for him, but at the same time, those shows are s—,” Weir said.
Weir also touched on the success of Project Hail Mary, which opened to critical and audience praise in March, grossing over $140 million worldwide during its first weekend-the highest for any film this year so far. The film has drawn praise from conservative critics who see it as a return to straightforward, uplifting entertainment without heavy political messaging.
He credited Amazon MGM Studios, the film’s distributor, for allowing creative freedom during production. “The studio just let the artistic people do their job,” Weir noted, contrasting this with what he perceives as more controlling studio environments in other franchises like Star Wars.
As for the Star Trek franchise, Paramount has yet to comment on Weir’s remarks.