Star Trek: Picard showrunner Terry Matalas has launched an update of the classic Enemy Table for 20th century studios.
After last season’s farewell to Picard, Terry Matalas has his next big science fiction project. According to The Hollywood Reporter, 20th Century Studios tapped Matalas for Maine, the 1985 classic starring Dennis Quaid and the late Louis Gossett Jr. The first film was directed by Wolfgang Petersen, known for his work on ‘Das Boot’ and ‘The NeverEnding Story’. Interestingly, this will be Matalas’ first work as a film screenwriter.
A strong voice in science fiction
Enemy of My Enemy takes place in the distant past amid a civil war between humans and the drake reptilian species. When human pilot Willis David (Quaid) and alien fighter Jeriba Sheegan (Gossett Jr.) crash land on a desolate and treacherous planet, they must put aside their prejudices in order to survive. Despite their differences, the planet and its inhabitants form an unlikely friendship that helps them overcome the challenges they face. Eventually, when Davidge can no longer continue, he is given the responsibility of taking care of Djerba’s son.
Peterson’s original film overcame a troubled production cycle and initial box office failure to eventually become a sci-fi hit, currently holding a 68% viewership rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Among other things, it is praised for its themes of tolerance and respect through its main characters learning to recognize and respect one’s ancestry. Longyear’s source material was also critically acclaimed upon release, winning a Nebula Award for Best Novella and spawning two sequels.
Looking for the team
Although there is no director attached to the remake of 20th Century Enemy Me yet, the addition of Matalas is a promising start. Emerging voices in science fiction are just as relevant as his.After capturing the world’s attention for his work on the third season of Star Trek: Picard, he earned seven Saturn Award nominations, winning four, including best television series on Rotten Tomatoes and a 98 percent rating.
In the WGA-nominated series starring Patrick Stewart, Matalas proved himself to be a capable and steady hand as the creator and showrunner of the 2015 series ’12 Monkeys’ on Syfy. Now, his schedule is filling up fast, and Marvel has signed him on for the Vision Solo series, which will feature a returning Paul Bettany.
The legacy of my enemy
The first issue of ‘Enemy Mine’ was praised for its innovative approach and ability to tackle complex themes such as prejudice and reconciliation through a science fiction narrative. The chemistry between Quaid and Gossett Jr. was essential to conveying their characters’ evolution from bitter enemies to inseparable allies. The film is not only focused on action and adventure, but also offers a deep reflection on humanity and cross-cultural understanding.
With Matalas at the helm, expectations are high that the festival will not only pay homage to the original but bring a fresh and contemporary vision that resonates with modern audiences. His success with Picard suggests he has the right touch to balance nostalgia with innovation.
My Enemy is still in the early stages of development, but interest and anticipation is already growing. Fans of original and new science fiction will pay close attention to every update on this exciting project. Matalas’ ability to create compelling stories and memorable characters will be key to reviving the magic of the cult film and introducing it to a new generation of viewers.