Following its merger with Skydance, Paramount is reorganizing and investing in its streaming strategy with Star Trek remaining a key priority. One of the most notable moves is the hiring of longtime television executive Chris Parnell as Executive Vice President for Paramount+ Originals.
Parnell brings experience from Sony TV and Apple TV+, where he helped develop high-profile genre series including For All Mankind alongside Star Trek alum Ron Moore. As reported by TrekMovie.com, Parnell is “known for his passion for everything comic book/genre/geek stuff-related,” and that energy is expected to be applied to Paramount IP like Star Trek.
At present, the Star Trek franchise on Paramount+ consists of Strange New Worlds, which is set to end with its fifth season, and the upcoming Starfleet Academy, which is expected to premiere in 2026. With Parnell’s arrival, TrekMovie.com notes that he could be involved in reviewing new pitches for future projects tied to the franchise.
Writer and producer Mark A. Altman, cohost of the Inglorious Treksperts podcast, shared his endorsement of the hire on social media, describing Parnell as someone who “gets and loves Star Trek.”
Simon Kinberg Discusses Ongoing Star Trek Film Development
While Paramount+ builds on the television side, efforts on the Star Trek film front continue. Producer Simon Kinberg, known for his work on the X-Men franchise and Apple TV+’s Invasion, recently spoke with Bleeding Cool about his involvement in an upcoming Star Trek feature. Though few details were shared, Kinberg described it as “an extraordinary honor” and reflected on the personal connection he has to the franchise through his late father.
The untitled project, sometimes referred to as a Star Trek “origin” film, remains in development with director Toby Haynes attached. While a release date has not been confirmed, Kinberg’s comments indicate the film is still active.
Kinberg also praised the work done on the television side by Alex Kurtzman, whose Secret Hideout banner oversees Star Trek series production. According to the report, Paramount leadership has expressed interest in aligning the franchise’s film and television arms more cohesively moving forward.
A Strategic Future for Star Trek
With Chris Parnell now leading Paramount+ originals and Simon Kinberg speaking publicly about his involvement in the franchise, Star Trek appears to be a continued point of focus for the studio. As noted by TrekMovie.com, the newly merged Paramount is pursuing high-profile talent and working to recalibrate its content strategy for streaming and theatrical releases alike.
Fans can expect Strange New Worlds and Starfleet Academy to anchor the franchise in the near term, with further developments likely as the studio refines its post-merger direction.