The Star Trek franchise might be going through another transitional phase as multiple live-action and animated series come to an end. As of now, only Strange New Worlds and the upcoming Starfleet Academy have a future in the franchise, with many of its other shows, animated or live-action, already ending.
However, rumors of a new kids-focused series have risen, with a source claiming that the studio has registered a YouTube shorts-focused animated series named Starfleet Scouts. While there have been no official announcements, like Prodigy, this show might be another avenue for Kate Mulgrew to reprise her role as Captain Janeway.
A rumored new animated Star Trek series gives hope for Kate Mulgrew’s return
The Star Trek franchise had previously taken a sabbatical after the premature cancellation of Enterprise. While J.J. Abrams rebooted the franchise for the big screen, the franchise was only revived on the small screen with Discovery and later other shows like Picard, Lower Decks, Prodigy, and Strange New Worlds.
However, the franchise seems to be in another transitional phase, as most of the live-action and animated shows, barring Strange New Worlds and the upcoming Starfleet Academy, have ended. Even Prodigy, which was the first and only kids-focused show in the franchise, was reportedly dropped by Netflix after two seasons.
Now, a rumored new animated series has been speculated to be in production. According to Trek Central, the studio has registered for an animated series named Starfleet Scouts. While it is not a full-fledged series like Prodigy, the children-focused show is reportedly set to release on YouTube Shorts.
Kate Mulgrew, who played Captain Janeway in Star Trek: Voyager, has briefly appeared in Prodigy as a voice actor. The actress’s return to the forefront of the franchise has long been overdue. While a return in Starfleet Scouts is not exactly ideal, she could make a Prodigy-esque cameo in the rumored show.
Kate Mulgrew claimed that a Picard-like revival of Captain Janeway rests in the audience’s hands
Despite headlining one of the most highly rated shows in the franchise, Kate Mulgrew’s Captain Janeway does not frequent Star Trek’s ‘who is the better Captain’ debate. Her style has been different from Picard and Kirk’s leadership, and she rarely gets the mainstream recognition, apart from the fact that she is the first female captain to lead a show.
Fans have been waiting for a proper return for the actress in the franchise as she has not reprised her role in live-action since Voyager. While a Picard-esque revival of Kathryn Janeway is due, Mulgrew said that it was up to the fans, and there have been discussions (via Trek Movie),
I would say simply, that’s up to you. There are talks. There are conversations. Have I been offered anything directly? No. I think they are looking at Picard and looking at the reaction to Picard… I don’t know, but I think Janeway was one of a kind. Right? But I do think it is up to you as much as it is up to me.
With live-action series in the Star Trek franchise being reduced to two now, a Janeway-focused show might be a great way to go and would bring back the old fans again.
Star Trek: Voyager is currently available for buying on Apple TV.
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