The executive producer behind CBS All Access’ ‘Star Trek: Discovery,’ Alex Kurtzman renewed his deal with CBS Television Studios. Kurtzman just signed a five-year extension with the studio that will keep him through 2023 wth sources saying the deal will earn him around $5 million per year. Not bad for someone whose contract was supposed to be up this year.
Moving forward, Kurtzman will serve as the only showrunner for ‘Star Trek: Discovery.’ If was reported earlier that he took over showrunner duties for Aaron Harberts and Gretchen Berg, who were recently let go from the series. Kurtzman also plans to expand the ‘Trek’ franchise by developing new series, miniseries and other content, including animation.
Rumors about another ‘Star Trek’ series, featuring Patrick Stewart reprising his role as Capt. Jean-Luc Picard, have been swirling around for some time now. Now, sources claim that Kurtzman and Akiva Goldsman (who worked on ‘Discovery’ for Season One) are involved in the rumored series. While CBS would not comment on the Stewart project, the actor recently teased a potential return to the franchise.
David Stapf, CBS Television Studios president, spoke about the new deal with Kurtzman, saying:
“There is a very short list of writer-producer-directors that every film and television studio wants to be associated with, and Alex and his Secret Hideout team are always at the top. His talent, taste and ability to shepherd a successful project is unparalleled. Alex has done remarkable work for our Studio, dating back seven years to the launch of ‘Hawaii Five-0,’ and we are thrilled that he, Heather and their team will be partnering with us for a long time to come.”
Kurtzman’s decision to remain at CBS Television Studios comes as other showrunners have started to explore other options after Netflix recently made producers Shonda Rhimes (‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ ‘Scandal’) and Ryan Murphy (‘Glee,’ ‘American Crime Story’) nine-figure overall deals.
In addition to growing the ‘Star Trek’ universe, Kurtzman and Co. will develop “new, original series across the full spectrum of broadcast, cable and streaming platforms.”
Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available!
Source: THR
