‘Project Hail Mary’ Author Andy Weir Slams ‘Star Trek’ Shows After Paramount Rejects His Pitch

Published 03/28/2026, 9:54 PM EDT

Andy Weir has built a reputation for delivering smart, science-driven storytelling that resonates with both hardcore sci-fi fans and mainstream audiences. From survival tales set on Mars to interstellar missions filled with humor and ingenuity, his work stands out for blending technical accuracy with deeply human stakes.

With Project Hail Mary continuing to dominate conversations, especially amid its high-profile film adaptation, Andy Weir remains one of the most influential voices in modern science fiction. But beyond his own creations, the author has also been quietly observing the evolution of one of the genre’s most iconic franchises, Star Trek, and he has plenty to say about it.

That perspective recently came to the forefront as a missed possibility that fans could not have expected.

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Andy Weir's candid take on modern day Star Trek

During a recent appearance on the Critical Drinker podcast, bestselling author Andy Weir did not hold back when discussing the current state of Star Trek shows, especially after revealing that his own pitch to the franchise was rejected. Andy Weir shared that he had extensive discussions with the creative team behind the franchise, including executive producer Alex Kurtzman, before his idea was ultimately turned down. 

“I don’t like a lot of the new Trek. He [executive producer Alex Kurtzman], as a person, is a really nice guy. But at the same time, those shows are s***. He is a nice guy. But they didn’t accept my pitch so, you know, f*** ’em.” He said, reflecting on his experience.

Weir's comments, made during his podcast appearance last week, underline a broader frustration he expressed about modern entries in the franchise, despite acknowledging that he enjoys select titles like Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. His critique reflects a sentiment shared by some longtime fans who feel the newer shows have drifted from the spirit of earlier iterations.

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That blunt criticism also comes at a time when the franchise itself appears to be in transition.

The mind behind Project Hail Mary and beyond

Andrew Taylor Weir, better known as Andy Weir, is the author of the 2021 book behind the first weekend champion, Project Hail Mary, a standalone novel centered on an astronaut with amnesia racing against time to save Earth. The book became a massive success, praised for its inventive problem-solving, humor, and strong scientific grounding, hallmarks of Weir’s writing style.

Before that, Andy Weir broke into the mainstream with The Martian, originally self-published before becoming a global phenomenon and later adapted into a film of the same name, starring Matt Damon. He followed it up with Artemis, a lunar-set thriller that explored crime and survival in a futuristic Moon colony. Beyond sci-fi, his portfolio includes works like Cheshire Crossing and the widely shared short story The Egg, showcasing his range from philosophical concepts to adventurous storytelling.

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Across all his work, Andy Weir’s signature lies in combining hard science with relatable, often humorous narration, making complex ideas accessible without losing their depth. It is that same deep-rooted love for classic sci-fi storytelling that likely informs his strong opinions on where the genre, and Star Trek in particular, is heading.

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Do you agree with Andy Weir’s take on modern Star Trek? Let us know in the comments! 

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Karishma Dasgupta

185 articles

Karishma is an entertainment journalist at Netflix Junkie. She enjoys digging deep into stories and bringing clarity to the often fast-moving world of entertainment. She holds a double Master’s degree in Fashion Business Management and Digital Marketing.

Edited By: Adiba Nizami

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