Nicholas Meyer's STAR TREK II Prequel Series Is Still Happening - As a Radio Drama

Nicholas Meyer.

NOVEMBER 29, 2023 - Nicholas Meyer, the acclaimed writer and director known for his transformative work on Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, is steering the Star Trek universe into a new frontier with his latest project, the Ceti Alpha V series. This revelation was made during Meyer's recent appearance on the Portal 47 podcast, hosted by Larry Nemecek, to celebrate the eighth anniversary of the show.

Meyer's vision for the Ceti Alpha V project initially aimed to be a cinematic mini-series focusing on one of the franchise's most iconic antagonists, Khan Noonien Singh. However, the project has now evolved into a podcast series, with plans to span nine or ten half-hour episodes. 

“It’s now being worked as a radio play: nine or ten half-hour episodes,” he said. “I guess the thinking is, if it is successful, then we go back to making it something on film.”

Meyer's enthusiasm for radio plays, as he prefers to call them, harkens back to his earlier experiences in directing and his love for the imaginative contributions of the audience in such mediums. Unfortunately, due to the dual writer and actor strike, there isn’t a set date for production of the Ceti Alpha V show.

“Whatever timeline we had went out the window some months ago,” he said.

During the Portal 47 podcast, Meyer delved into various aspects of his illustrious career, including his unique approach to writing and directing Star Trek films. He emphasized the importance of leaving things out in artistic media, allowing the audience's imagination to complete the picture. This philosophy is evident in his approach to the Ceti Alpha V project, where he seeks to engage the listener's imagination fully.

Meyer also recounted fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from his time on Star Trek, offering insights into the creative and financial challenges he faced. His candid recollections included his initial reluctance to work on Star Trek III, the budgetary constraints on Star Trek VI, and his innovative solutions to scriptwriting challenges.

The Ceti Alpha V project promises to be a unique addition to the Star Trek canon, blending Meyer's seasoned storytelling with the evocative power of audio drama. While details about the project's content and release are still under wraps, Meyer's involvement assures that it will be a noteworthy venture in the Star Trek saga.

As the Star Trek franchise continues to expand and evolve, Nicholas Meyer's Ceti Alpha V stands as a testament to the enduring appeal and adaptability of this beloved universe. Fans eagerly await the release of this radio play, ready to embark on a new journey with one of Star Trek's most influential figures at the helm.