Andy Weir, best known for his blockbuster novels The Martian and Project Hail Mary, recently found himself at the center of controversy after making blunt remarks about the modern Star Trek series. The comments came during an appearance on the Critical Drinker podcast, where Andy Weir openly criticized several newer entries in the long-running sci-fi franchise.

During the conversation with host Will Jordan, Andy Weir did not hold back, at one point dismissing the recent shows with a harsh remark and linking his frustration to a rejected pitch he had previously presented to Star Trek executive producer Alex Kurtzman. While he acknowledged enjoying select titles like Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Star Trek: Lower Decks, his broader criticism quickly sparked backlash online.

And now, the bestselling author issued a public apology to Alex Kurtzman, even if they were originally intended as humor.

On Monday, following backlash over his harsh criticism of modern Star Trek shows, Andy Weir delivered an apology via an open letter to Alex Kurtzman shared on Facebook, acknowledging that his attempt at humor did not land the way he intended. He admitted that his remarks came across as “disrespectful and mean,” even if that was not his goal at the time.

"Hey, Alex. Andy Weir here. I'm posting to apologize about stuff I said on the Critical Drinker's podcast. I feel like my quotes were taken out of context as salacious sound bytes. I hope you saw the other parts where I said how much I like you as a person and what a nice guy you are. Also how I like SNW and LD," he wrote in the letter. 

Weir further explained that he was trying to be humorous, especially when referencing his rejected pitch, but conceded that the comments did not translate well outside the full context of the discussion. He also admitted that being back in the spotlight after a long time made him less mindful of how sharply his words might land.

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A closer look at the man behind the controversy reveals why his words carry such weight in the sci-fi world.

Andy Weir had already cemented himself as one of the most influential voices in contemporary hard science fiction. A former software engineer, he built his reputation on deeply researched, science-driven storytelling that blends humor, realism, and high-stakes survival scenarios. His work consistently highlights the triumph of logic and ingenuity, often turning complex scientific challenges into gripping, character-driven narratives.

His breakout novel, The Martian, became a global phenomenon and was later adapted into an Oscar-nominated film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Matt Damon. He followed it up with Artemis, and now successful Project Hail Mary, which is widely considered his most ambitious work and has recently seen massive success with its film adaptation starring Ryan Gosling.

Weir’s stories are often praised for their focus on problem-solving, scientific accuracy, and optimism, earning him a loyal fanbase and a lasting impact on the genre. Even as he navigates public missteps, his contributions to modern sci-fi storytelling remain significant.

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What do you think, was Andy Weir’s criticism of modern Star Trek fair, or did it cross the line? Let us know in the comments!