Star Trek Legend Jonathan Frakes to Direct New Sci-Fi Series
Star Trek: The Next Generation legend, Jonathan Frakes, is set to bring a new sci-fi universe to television, as it was recently announced he would direct a new show based on the works of Arthur C. Clarke.
Per Variety, Frakes will produce and direct all six episodes of the new sci-fi series, Arthur C. Clarke’s Venus Prime. The new show is based on the series of novels written by Paul Preuss, a collaborator of Clarke's, which takes inspiration from characters and places from Clarke's short stories. Preuss will also be involved as a consultant for the show. David Cormican and Dwayne Hill are set to executive produce and will serve as showrunners for the series. Production on the show is expected to begin near the end of the year.
Jonathan Frakes and Captain Michael Burnham in Star Trek Discovery
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Frakes, who is no stranger to directing science fiction, expressed his excitement for the project and his love for the series of novels. "When the materials for Arthur C. Clarke’s Venus Prime were presented to me, I couldn’t help but devour them," Frakes said. "When asked if I wanted to direct what I read —my answer was a resounding and immediate ‘Hell, yes!’ Working on such a tremendous piece of IP from the mind of another sci-fi legend (who is also a contemporary of the true #1 Gene Roddenberry), will be both an honor and a dream for me."
Jonathan Frakes Has Been Directing Sci-Fi For Decades
In addition to playing William T. Riker on Star Trek: The Next Generation, Frakes has proven himself a talent behind the camera as well. He directed two of the Next Generation movies, First Contact and Insurrection, as well as directing many episodes for current Star Trek. He directed episodes for Star Trek: Picard, Strange New Worlds, and Discovery. He recently reprised his role as Riker in the third season of Picard, which saw the emotional farewell to the Next Generation crew. He has also appeared as Riker in the animated comedy, Star Trek: Lower Decks.
Jonathan Frakes as Will Riker on Star Trek: The Next Generation.
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Star Trek: Picard's Riker and Picard (Jonathan Frakes, Patrick Stewart) stand on Enterprise bridge
Frakes directed two of the best episodes of Picard season 3, "Seventeen Seconds" and "No Win Scenario", the latter being some of his finest work in the director's chair. Frakes brought out the best from the cast, particularly from Todd Stashwick who has an incredible scene revealing why he is so antagonistic towards Picard, and captures a true sense of dread that overtook all the crew onboard the ship. Executive producer for Arthur C. Clarke’s Venus Prime, Lucas Vivo Garcia Lagos, expressed his excitement for bringing Frakes on board to direct alongside other notable collaborators. "These books, along with the incredible characters and storylines, have been with me since my adolescence; I have always believed this IP has all the necessary elements to become a major blockbuster. By uniting the collective talents of Preuss, Cormican and Hill with Jonathan Frakes at the helm, we are confident we have assembled the perfect team to realize the cinematic vision we all share for this iconic property."
There is no official release date for Arthur C. Clarke's Venus Prime yet.
Source: Variety
Star Trek Picard Poster
Star Trek: Picard
Retired Admiral Jean-Luc Picard is drawn back into action when a mysterious young woman seeks his help, triggering a journey that leads him to confront the ghosts of his past. As he assembles a new crew to uncover the truth behind a dangerous conspiracy, Picard navigates a galaxy that has changed significantly since his days aboard the Enterprise.
Release Date January 23, 2020Cast Patrick Stewart, Alison Pill, Santiago Cabrera, Michelle HurdMain Genre Sci-FiGenres Drama, Sci-Fi, Action, AdventureRating TV-MASeasons 3Franchise(s) Star Trek