From animation to live action, the creator of Star Trek: Lower Decks reveals his plans for the saga
The journey continues.
Imagine a universe where the limits are set by creativity and the big screen becomes the canvas for stellar stories with a human touch. Mike McMahan, the mastermind behind ‘Star Trek: Lower Decks’, has set his sights on that cinematic cosmos. And this visionary contemplates not only bringing the animated USS Cerritos to cinema, but turning it into reality and giving life to completely unpublished stories from the vast Star Trek franchise.
In an interview with ComicBook.com, McMahan revealed his desire to not only continue the series’ journey on television, but to expand into movies as well. Blended with nostalgia and modernity, it evokes the concept of the modest budgets of Star Trek films, where the main thing is not a big threat to fight, but rather powerful and personal moments, refreshing for the franchise.
Small screens, big dreams
McMahan’s commitment is clear: explore new genres and narratives within the Star Trek universe, regardless of the superhero formula that dominates current cinema. Can you imagine a scenario where the Star Trek movies could be as diverse as the stars, where every visit to the cinema was a cosmic surprise, drama, comedy, comedy? The benchmark: Captain America: The Winter Soldier, a work that knows how to be a genre film in another genre.
The series Star Trek: Downstairs, which had mixed reviews over four seasons but an acclaimed season finale, laid the groundwork for these expansions. The voices of Jack Quaid and Tawny Newsome give life to characters that easily transition from series format to film, enriching the Star Trek mythology with each new episode.
USS Cerritos Spirit
Aboard the USS Cerritos, we meet characters such as Beckett Marin who defy the status quo narrated by Tawny Newsome. The Mariner is the antithesis of the traditional Starfleet officer: violent, sarcastic, yet deeply competent and dedicated. Through their eyes, Downstairs offers a new and unusual view of life in the barracks that can be interpreted differently on the big screen.
While action and diplomacy are at the heart of Star Trek, the underdogs dare to explore the less glamorous but equally important corners of the Federation. This attention to mundane details and character development created a solid foundation for future narratives, allowing the likes of Marin and Brad Boiler’s stories and images to resonate with audiences, setting the stage for creative cinematic adventures.
Cinematographic future without star day
Still without a release date for the fifth season, ‘Lower Decks’ is in production, promising fans more space adventures. And while the series can be enjoyed on Paramount+, the ability to expand horizons beyond digital platforms makes the future as bright as Kussar’s.
McMahan pointed to Paramount+’s upcoming project, Star Trek: Episode 31, as an important precursor to such a venture. Starring Michelle Yeoh, the film promises to take us into the darkest corners of the Federation, where Unit 31 operates in the shadows, protecting the future outside of Starfleet’s traditional control with methods bordering on secrecy.
What’s next for Starfleet?
Expectations are high. The possibilities are as wide as the galaxy. From a fan perspective, the wish is clear: more Star Trek in every form. McMahan, with his own vision and passion, could be the architect of a new era of saga where each film, like each planet in the universe, offers something unique to explore. The challenge is great, but the future is, without a doubt, stellar.