Rumor: CBS Discussing Replacement For Alex Kurtzman on Star Trek
A new rumor indicates that CBS is already discussing a replacement for Alex Kurtzman when it comes to Star Trek.
In fact, this rumor indicates that Shari Redstone, the chairman of the board following the CBS and Viacom merger, has already axed Kurtzman.
The rumor comes from Twitter user OliverFranke10, who writes, “Ok folks, new rumors for you. Fresh from my source. Not even an hour old. But take is rumor only.”
They add, “Spread the word my friends! Redstone decided to ax Kurtzman. Yes you have heard right. Apparently CBS is already discussing who should replace Kurtzman as the head of Star Trek.”
Ok folks, new rumors for you. Fresh from my source. Not even an hour old. But take is rumor only.
Spread the word my friends! Redstone decided to ax Kurtzman. Yes you have heard right. Appearently CBS is already discussing who should replace Kurtzman as the head of Star Trek.
— Divine Guardian (@OliverFranke10) February 7, 2020
Related: Rumor: Noah Hawley’s Star Trek Movie Rejected As Details Leak Out
OliverFranke10 then details just who his source tells him is on CBS’ short list to take over from Kurtzman. That list includes Ira Steven Behr, Ronald D. Moore, and Doug Drexler.
My source says on their list are names like Ira Steven Behr and Ronald D. Moore, with Doug Drexler somehow being involved. Propably lead designer for ships or something like that. So names that are not connected to Bad Robot or Secret Hideout.
— Divine Guardian (@OliverFranke10) February 7, 2020
OliverFranke10 then warns that rumors about Redstone canning Star Trek completely if Picard fails are unfounded. They write, “She doesn’t intend to do that.”
Also don’t believe the positive feedback on Picard. like I said two weeks ago, it’s all fake. Influencers were told that Shari Redstone will utimately kill Star Trek, if Picard fails. That’s just wrong. She doesn’t intend to do that.
— Divine Guardian (@OliverFranke10) February 7, 2020
They then detail that the rumors swirling from 4Chan regarding Seth MacFarlane’s attempt to purchase Star Trek are just that rumors and there is no validity to them.
Anyways, CBS discussing replacing SH and Alex Kurtzman means that the rumors about Seth MacFarlane are wrong. Yes, the 4chan leak already said that, but now I was able to get more details. After all it makes no sense to call for a replacement, if you sell the franchise.
— Divine Guardian (@OliverFranke10) February 7, 2020
Related: New Rumor Details The Orville Creator Seth MacFarlane’s Plans If He Acquires Star Trek
OliverFranke10 then details that news about Kurtzman’s exit may surface around June with more details possibly arriving in May around Star Trek Destination.
My source makes it clear, that we might get more details on this matter in May, about the time the Destination Star Trek takes place. It’s possible that Kurtzman might be out in June this year.
— Divine Guardian (@OliverFranke10) February 7, 2020
In a follow-up to his initial tweet regarding Kurtzman’s exit, OliverFranke10 detailed that a source indicated that Kurtzman is enraged and has demanded the Section 31 show get the green light.
I just recieved an update on the situation at CBS. Here is what I got.
Good news! Yesterday Alex Kurtzman, seemingly enraged about the current situation, went straight to Shari Redstones office and outright demanded the Section 31 show to happen.
— Divine Guardian (@OliverFranke10) February 8, 2020
The source indicated that Redstone rejected this demand.
Arguing that it’s part of his contract, he tried to convince (or shall we call it blackmailing?) her to yield and allow him to start production of the series. She outright rejected.
— Divine Guardian (@OliverFranke10) February 8, 2020
This rumor came shortly after news broke that the newly merged ViacomCBS plans to launch a brand new streaming service.
The Hollywood Reporter details that the new streaming service is expected to be unveiled on February 20 during ViacomCBS’s fourth quarter earnings report.
Related: Red Letter Media Explains Why Star Trek: Picard Is A Dumpster Fire
The Hollywood Reporter describes it as “an expansion of CBS All Access” and that it will include Comedy Central, Paramount Network, BET, MTV, and CBS News. The service is expected to offer news and sports, as well as scripted, and unscripted content.
The streaming service is expected to compete with Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+ and the upcoming HBO Max and NBC Universal’s Peacock.
Kurtzman did reportedly sign a 5-year, $25 million contract with CBS back in June 2018 with CBS Television Studios president David Stapf saying, “There is a very short list of writer-producer-directors that every film and television studio wants to be associated with, and Alex and his Secret Hideout team are always at the top.”
What do you make of this rumor? Do you think Kurtzman is out? Or do you think this is just purely speculation?
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