Deadline is reporting that Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Chabon is taking charge of Jean-Luc Picard’s next adventure, as he has been made the showrunner of Picard. I will admit that the announcement concerns me given that filming is already well underway. However, I am intrigued by what the author of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay will bring to the latest iteration of Gene Roddenberry’s 56-year-old creation. In addition to his Pulitzer accolade, the new showrunner also has an extensive genre film history, with work on the iconic Spider-Man 2 and the underrated Edgar Rice Burroughs adaptation John Carter. While the latter was not well-received, it’s fair to say that the film did not live and die by Chabon’s involvement.
It’ll be interesting to see what Chabon brings to the table on his own, something that Neil Gaiman is similarly experiencing with Good Omens. Chabon being involved is a clean slate for the franchise, particularly since the writer has no prior experience with Star Trek. As such, he should be able to bring a fresh perspective that will hopefully result in the rumored three-season run that the producers have been hoping for. In many ways, this is a full-circle moment for the franchise when you consider that several noted sci-fi authors were involved with both the original Star Trek and The Next Generation. From Theodore Sturgeon to DC Fontana and Melinda Snodgrass, each has left their mark on this transcendent saga. I can’t wait to see what this latest literary influence will bring to Jean-Luc Picard’s next chapter.
Are you excited for Chabon to go where he hasn’t gone before, or do you think Picard is a lost cause? Let us know in the comments and stay tuned to Geeks + Gamers for more Star Trek news!