Galaxy Quest, the fan-favorite sci-fi parody of Star Trek, may be getting a TV series at Paramount+.
Variety and THR jointly broke the news, and IGN confirmed with a source close to the project that it’s in very early stages of development at Paramount Television Studios – so early that there isn’t even an idea for the plot yet. Mark Johnson, who served as a producer on the 1999 film, is attached as an executive producer.
Paramount Television Studios declined to comment to IGN.
Though details are still being kept light, a TV series would likely focus on the original film’s meta-commentary on sci-fi fandom and stardom, while also being a legitimate sci-fi adventure story in its own right.
The original Galaxy Quest, starring Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, and Sam Rockwell became a cult favorite among sci-fi fans since its release. Focusing on a cast of actors who portrayed a starship crew on a canceled television series, they’re whisked away by an alien species known as the Thermians who misunderstood their show as legitimate chronicles of heroic adventures and sought their help with a conflict against a ruthless space warlord and his army.
While the original film wasn’t a massive box office success during its theatrical run, it found a second life on its home video release and subsequent television airings. Somewhat mirroring the original Star Trek’s rise from cult favorite to pop culture mainstay, it garnered an audience of fans who took a liking to its blend of comedy and sci-fi, which simultaneously pokes fun at Star Trek while also being a spirited tribute to it.
Since the 2000s, sequels and spin-offs have toyed with development, but none have panned out. One attempt was even led by Simon Pegg, who played Scotty in the J.J. Abrams Star Trek reboot. Tim Allen said in 2016 that a revival was nearly ready to go at Amazon, but the death of Alan Rickman that same year – who played the iconic and disgruntled actor Alexander Dane that portrayed Dr Lazarus on the in-film TV series – and scheduling conflicts with other actors caused production fell through.
Paramount+ is continuing to ramp up its Star Trek programming, and just earlier today announced a Section 31 film starring Michelle Yeoh, playing her character from Star Trek: Discovery.
Alessandro Fillari is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter and Instagram @afillari.
