Happy Women's History Month: For the first time, a woman will direct a Star Trek pilot
Aux Features Hanelle CulpepperIt looks like the untitled Star Trek Jean-Luc Picard series will explore some progressive territory, much like its Star Trek: Discovery predecessor. Per Deadline, Hanelle Culpepper will direct the first two episodes, making her the first woman ever to direct a pilot or debut episode within the franchise’s 53-year history. Another element it shares with Discovery: You’ll have to venture beyond CBS All Access’s damn paywall to see history in the making, which is only mildly migraine-inducing.
Culpepper is already familiar with the Starfleet way. She directed the episode “Vaulting Ambition” in Discovery’s first season as well as an upcoming episode in season two, which is currently streaming. Her directorial expertise can also be found on Starz’s Counterpart on Starz and episodes of Shooter for USA.
Showrunner Alex Kurtman is all too excited to see what Culpepper will bring to Picard’s story: “Hanelle is a gifted and dynamic filmmaker whose directorial choices are always deeply rooted in character. I’ve been a huge fan of her work since she started with us on Discovery, and she’s the perfect person to re-introduce the beloved character of Picard to longtime fans and new viewers alike.”
The news means that she’ll be directing Patrick Stewart, who will be returning to the legendary role. “During these past years, it has been humbling to hear many stories about how The Next Generation brought people comfort, saw them through difficult periods in their lives or how the example of Jean-Luc inspired so many to follow in his footsteps, pursuing science, exploration and leadership,” said Stewart, who broke the news during a surprise visit to the Star Trek Convention in Las Vegas. “I feel I’m ready to return to him for the same reason.”
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Hey guys, got a scoop for ya: Katherine Helmond passed. She’s a legend. Nobody cares about who directs Star Trek. I promise.
Oh, that’s sad. Jessica and Benson are one of the great sitcom friendships. She’s daffy, he’s surly, and yet they always clearly adored each other.
Mona….
Yeah, they mentioned her passing on the article immediately preceding this one. Come on, this is notable: At least there’s been *some* progress since DC Fontana had to publish her Star Trek scripts under a male pseudonym.
It sounds like a big thing, but there have only been seven pilot episodes before this in the “franchise’s 35-year history” anyway. More interesting director-wise is the number of cast members that have been allowed to sit in the chair and learn the craft during their shows. Some, like Roxann Dawson and Robert Duncan McNeill, transitioned into that field, including directing multiple Star Trek episodes, before going on to many other shows.
Looking over her credits, she does seem like a good fit for a well made genre show – things like Lucifer, The Originals, The Flash, Grimm, Sleepy Hollow, Gotham (I mean, those last two may be very silly shows but they always looked great).
I maintain that the first 1.5 seasons of Sleepy Hollow is pretty good and worth your time.
I can’t say the same for Lucifer, Originals, Flash season 2 onwards, Grimm, and Gotham. And I like Lucifer.
“1.5 seasons” is a bit much, i’d say, 0.75 to 1.0 seasons fills the belly enough
The story about Moloch ends halfway through season 2. Considering it was the main story of the show some may want to see the end, though it’s a shame they didn’t work out what to do from there.
i had no idea Molech ended, it seems.
But has she actually ever watched an episode of Star Trek or any of the movies, I’m assuming at least some TNG?
RTFA and it says she directed a couple of episodes, so yes she’s watched at least two. And I’m pretty certain nobody’s going to go into this project without some understanding of who their lead character is.
She directed a couple episodes of Discovery, which would suggest otherwise.
Muh womyn empowerment. Muh diversity. Must. Not. Hire. White. Man. Muh womyn empowerment. Muh diversity.
This is a start, but … I mean, yet another man starring as the captain? Seriously? Let’s see Betty White’s take on an older Jean Luc Picard. Make it so, CBS!
Clock-punchers like Joe Pevney, Marc Daniels, Ralph Senensky, Vincent McEveety, John Meredyth Lucas, Gerd Oswald and Herschel Daugherty were all instrumental in defining original Trek and they sure as hell weren’t watching the show. Also, Andre Previn just died and the A.V. Club didn’t have anything to say about him.
has there been any word on who else will be taking to the stars with Picard? i mean, it obviously won’t be the same crew as the Enterprise but surely they can find room for some familiar faces, right? Nog would be a good one, to say nothing of Kira or Ro. Hell, Harry Kim can’t possibly still be an ensign, can he?! (you’d probably never get him away from his parents after finally making it back to Earth, of course.)
still have my fingers crossed for a Horta and a Gorn, tho.