Terry Matalas Reflects On STAR TREK: PICARD While Also Considering STAR TREK's Possible LEGACY

Terry Matalas has lots to say about STAR TREK’s past and its future.

In the ever-expanding universe of Star Trek, the future holds an array of untold stories and unexplored territories, especially with the tantalizing prospect of a new series titled Star Trek: Legacy. At the heart of this anticipation stands Terry Matalas, a name synonymous with the acclaimed series Star Trek: Picard, which recently swept the Saturn Awards. In a revealing Q&A with TrekMovie.com, Matalas shared his insights on the legacy of Star Trek, the final season of Picard, and the potential direction of Star Trek: Legacy.

Reflecting on the achievements of Star Trek: Picard, Matalas emphasized the series' homage to Gene Roddenberry's original vision—a diverse family of brilliant minds, bound together by sacrifice and mutual respect. 

"What Gene did is he created a family... So I think that really what we wanted to do here was a season about a family coming together: the Next Gen family, the Titan family, the Picard family. And I think true Star Trek for me, it’s characters," Matalas explained, dismissing any notion of being confined by the so-called "Roddenberry Box" of character conflict.

As for Star Trek: Legacy, Matalas expressed both hope and realism. While discussions about the project have not yet commenced with Paramount, owing to current commitments and resource allocations within the Star Trek universe, Matalas's enthusiasm for the series' potential was palpable. He envisioned Legacy as a rich canvas for storytelling, possibly set in the 25th century, exploring new narratives while honoring the legacy of past characters and relationships, such as the complicated dynamic between Seven of Nine and Raffi Musiker.

The possibility of a Legacy series or even a backdoor pilot TV movie involving the Section 31 concept with Michelle Yeoh was entertained with cautious optimism. Matalas stressed the importance of having the right crew and cast to bring any future project to life, underscoring his commitment to the Star Trek ethos of exploration and character-driven storytelling.

Star Trek: Legacy represents more than just a continuation of a storied franchise; it embodies the evergreen potential of the Star Trek universe to tell new stories, explore complex relationships, and venture into uncharted territories. As Matalas aptly noted, the 25th century in Star Trek is "such a rich thing," teeming with narratives waiting to be told and legacies waiting to be explored. With the creative minds like Matalas at the helm, the future of Star Trek appears as boundless as the universe it depicts, promising fans a continuation of the adventure, discovery, and familial bonds that have defined the series for generations.

As we look to the horizon, filled with anticipation for Star Trek: Legacy and beyond, we're reminded of the enduring impact of Gene Roddenberry's vision—a universe where diversity, intellect, and compassion unite to forge a path towards understanding and exploration. In the words of Matalas and the spirit of Star Trek, the journey is far from over; indeed, "there's so many stories to tell."