“Star Trek” is marking its 60th anniversary in Rome this week, but the milestone celebrations are unfolding as the franchise confronts major decisions about its future.
Speaking at the 12th edition of Rome’s MIA Market, Trevor Roth, COO and president of development at Roddenberry Entertainment, described the property as being at a turning point. He cited the approaching end of current television series, the length of time since the last movie and unresolved questions about what form the franchise should take next.
“Right now, ‘Star Trek’ is at a bit of a crossroads,” Roth said during a Wednesday conversation with MIA head of documentary content Marco Spagnoli, who identified himself as a Trekkie.
The corporate upheaval surrounding the franchise has added another layer of uncertainty. Roth pointed to Skydance’s purchase of Paramount and Warner Bros., saying the studio changes have raised questions about what the next era of “Star Trek” will look like. The anniversary year has consequently played out against the backdrop of the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger and its potential impact on properties held by the studios.
A Landmark Year Meets a Television Transition
The crossroads arrives during a year packed with worldwide fan events, screenings and partnerships. Among the anniversary initiatives was a limited U.S. theatrical release featuring 4K restorations of classic “Star Trek” movies paired with episodes from the original series. Gene Roddenberry, the show’s creator, was also honored on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The celebrations peaked on Sept. 8, marking the date “Star Trek” first premiered on television in 1966. At a London event, 934 fans set a Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous Vulcan salute.
At the same time, the franchise’s television lineup has been moving toward a transition. Paramount Skydance announced earlier this year that “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy,” which Paramount+ originally picked up in 2023, will end after its upcoming second season.
“Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” is also approaching its conclusion. Its fifth and final season is scheduled to reach Paramount+ next year.
Despite those endings, Roddenberry Entertainment is already working on additional “Star Trek” projects. Those plans include a forthcoming feature film that Paramount Skydance executives confirmed at CinemaCon this year.
Roddenberry Entertainment Looks Beyond the Enterprise
Roth said the company has clear ideas about the franchise’s next incarnations, pointing to its history of changing across successive television chapters. He referenced the progression from the original series through “The Next Generation,” “Deep Space Nine,” “Voyager” and “Enterprise” as evidence that “Star Trek” can continue to evolve.
That push is not limited to the franchise itself. Roddenberry Entertainment, founded by Gene Roddenberry and now led by his son, CEO Rod Roddenberry, is developing new science-fiction, fantasy and other genre projects outside the “Star Trek” universe.
The company’s appearance at MIA is also intended to build potential international working relationships. “One of the reasons we are here at MIA is to introduce ourselves to people around the world who we might want to work with,” Roth said.
One possibility Roth would not address was Spagnoli’s suggestion that a future installment could put an Italian captain in command of the Starship Enterprise. While declining to comment on that idea, he said Roddenberry’s leadership remains confident that the franchise has a strong future.
“I think that it is a franchise that has been around for 60 years and will be around for 60 more,” Roth said.
ShowBiz Take
The contrast between the anniversary celebrations and the uncertainty surrounding the franchise is what makes this moment significant. “Star Trek” is commemorating six decades with restored films, global events and a record-setting fan gathering, even as two current series move toward their endings and studio ownership changes reshape the business around it.
Roddenberry Entertainment’s response is twofold: help guide future “Star Trek” projects while developing genre entertainment beyond the franchise. That approach reflects Roth’s central argument that longevity depends on evolution rather than simply repeating earlier versions of the property.
What Happens Next?
The confirmed slate includes the second and final season of “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy,” followed by the fifth and final season of “Strange New Worlds” on Paramount+ next year. A new feature film is also in development, although the supplied details do not establish its story or release date.
Beyond those projects, the precise shape of the franchise remains undecided. Roth said its next phase will have to respond to changes in the economy, consumer behavior and viewing habits while continuing to embody what audiences expect from “Star Trek.” Meanwhile, the MIA Market continues in Rome through Oct. 23.