Legacy – And Could It Really Happen?

Writer and showrunner Terry Matalas included a backdoor pilot in the final season of “Star Trek: Picard.” At the end of the series, after the great Borg threat has been dealt with, the action is fast-forwarded a year for a tearful epilogue. It seems the previously rogue Jack Crusher (Ed Speleer) was rushed through Starfleet Academy and was now ready for his first starship assignment. His father (Patrick Stewart) and mother (Gate McFadden) accompanied him to his first ship, the USS Titan-A, where most of “Picard” season 3 took place. But in a fit of nostalgia, the Titan-A was rechristened the Enterprise-G.

The Enterprise-G was commanded for seven of the nine by a captain (Jeri Ryan), recently recommended for captaincy by her deceased commander. Seven's first officer was her ex-girlfriend Rafi (Michelle Heard), and her team included many Picard supporters, including Sidney La Forge (Ashley Sharpe Chestnut), daughter of Jord La Forge (LeVar Burton). Jack Crusher was to be her special advisor. Indeed, the post-credits cookie even featured Q (John de Lancey) returning from the dead to tease Jack Crusher. A new company had been formed with a new team, a new story had begun, and everything was set for a whole new Star Trek series.

Terry Matalas made it very clear on social media that he wants to call his potential new series “Star Trek: Legacy” and that it will indeed follow the adventures of the Enterprise-G. All he needed was a green light from Paramount, and contracts could be signed in earnest.

But the green light has not come. There have been some teases along the way that some changes have been made to Legacy, but they're all inconclusive at this point. At least we know Matalas has applied to be Host of Marvel's series on the Vision show … which means his attention is elsewhere.

In February 2024, Matala was interviewed by TrekMovie, and he confirmed that there has been no word on the future of Legacy. He knew the idea might be revisited in the future, but right now no one was willing to put money into a brand new Star Trek show. It's worth noting that those responsible for “Star Trek” were overly enthusiastic between 2017 and 2023, producing six separate “Star Trek” shows. However, all but one of those six shows have been canceled in recent years. Also, the proposed TV series “Chapter 31” was shortened into one TV movie.

This doesn't seem to be the time for Legacy to drop a pile of cash, even if the fans are clamoring for it. The general shrinking of the “Star Trek” media empire was confirmed by CBS CEO George Weick Vulture interview from next March. He spoke of a “long-distance beat” for new “Star Trek” projects, suggesting the company is more sensible about the abundance of Trek.

In July 2024, Matal had to say it again, this time in an interview with the D-Con Chamber podcast. He left the door open by saying “Never say never” and admitted he had written scenes for “Legacy,” but that hardly indicates any interest from producers. It said he would still be interested if “Star Trek: Legacy” was indeed greenlit. It is cruel for him to remain diplomatic; Matalas can't express annoyance or impatience with Paramount, otherwise “Legacy” would surely be dead.

In extensive 2024 Variety article“Section 31” star Michelle Yeoh has pushed back on claims that “Star Trek” executive producer Alex Kurtzman has considered making a “Star Trek: Picard” TV movie, with some believing Kurtzman is eyeing “Legacy.” future project. However, this is not the case, and Yeoh's comments may indicate this Patrick Stewart's expressed desire to return to the franchise.

/The movie will keep readers informed, but the likelihood of a “Star Trek: Legacy” movie is diminishing by the day.