Across multiple series, the “Star Trek” franchise stretches to around 800-850 episodes. That means not only is there a LOT of continuity to keep track of, but those running the shows are bound to make the odd error that eagle-eyed fans will catch.
It’s something that sits in the minds of those crafting new stories for this universe. It’s especially true for “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” as it’s sandwiched into a particular period in “Star Trek” – around five years prior to the events of the original 1966 series.
This has led to some creative attempts to get elements to match – such as Captain Pike (Anson Mount) insisting holographic communication be removed in favor of screens.
Akiva Goldsman and Henry Alonso Myers serve as showrunners on the series and, speaking in the latest issue of SFX Magazine (via Slashfilm), Goldsman offered his take on continuity with the series and said he sees it as a good thing as it puts some boundaries in place:
“[W]e will body-check canon when we need to, and we have. We’ve moved some folks around in terms of timelines, we put some folks together who aren’t necessarily canonically together at the same time, we pull some things forward because, ultimately story wins. But trying to stay within canon is an awfully fun exercise and leads to solutions that you might not come up with if you didn’t have those boundaries.
We don’t really worry about it. […] But we’re thoughtful in the same way that we’re thoughtful of Pike’s journey and where he has to go and how that works. I don’t mean his death, because God knows we’ve talked about that until we’re blue in the face, just where he is canonically in terms of location, who is or isn’t on the Enterprise.”
He adds that they’re well aware they are “a little bit already in violation” in regards to having some personnel on the ship that probably weren’t there – notably Uhura. He adds: “We are thoughtful, but not slavish.”
One thing you won’t be seeing anytime soon is “Rogue One” style deepfakes. Not because Goldsman opposes it, but rather he says there’s just no need for it right now:
“We just don’t have plans for it. There are a few things that I would retcon if I could, and digital performers could help that. I think in theory, yes. Sadly, just practically speaking, we have no plans for it.”
Goldsman also confirms both Number One/Una Chin-Riley and Nurse Chapel are set to have their backstories further explored in upcoming episodes.
The second season of “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” will debut on Paramount+ on June 15th.
