Bryan Fuller: STAR TREK DISCOVERY Co-Creator

The Lost Vision of Bryan Fuller’s Trek

In a universe not so far away, "Star Trek: Discovery" launched in 2017, propelling the iconic franchise into the streaming epoch. However, this bold journey was a diverging path from the series’ initial conception by Bryan Fuller, known for his work on "Hannibal." When Paramount trumpeted the return of Trek in 2016, it also unveiled Fuller as the show’s helmsman. Alas, he eventually parted ways, leaving a screen credit as a co-creator in his wake.

Fuller’s vision for Discovery, revealed during The D-Con Chamber Podcast, painted a very different picture. Foremost, he disapproved of the eventual blue jumpsuit Starfleet uniforms that viewers came to know. Fuller also stood firmly against the controversial Klingon redesigns, a decision that sparked quite a debate among Trekkies. In fact, the ensuing backlash was so profound that its spin-off, "Strange New Worlds," quietly reverted to the classic Klingon look without fanfare or explanation.

Imagined Casting and Unseen Changes

One audacious tick in the Fuller playbook was casting Laurence Fishburne as a Klingon. Such inventive casting could have turned heads and transformed the series. Others faintly heard in the rumor mill included Richard Armitage as Spock’s father Sarek and Gillian Anderson leading a Starfleet ship. Hugh Dancy, straight from "Hannibal," was contemplated for a role that never saw daylight.

Yet, among the evanescent, a few of Fuller’s picks did shine. He championed Michelle Yeoh’s casting as Georgiou and firmly backed Sonequa Martin-Green as the trailblazing Michael Burnham. These choices undeniably underpinned the show’s success. An intriguing tidbit from Fuller’s sketchbook was Anthony Rapp’s original depiction as a blue-skinned Andorian. It makes one ponder: did this idea eventually morph into the engineer Hemmer in "Strange New Worlds"?

The Road Not Taken

The burning question remains: will a Bryan Fuller-led "Star Trek" ever take flight? Perhaps elements from his discarded ideas might invigorate future series or films. It would be refreshing to witness a Star Trek era that strides away from imitating other franchises and boldly carves its distinctive path. Franchise hopefuls eagerly await innovative takes, hoping for a revival with the weight and imagination akin to "Star Trek: Legacy."

As Trek approaches its 60th milestone, fans cross their fingers for a visionary captain to steer the beloved starship into realms unseen. But until that beacon lights the sky, the legacy sits in patient anticipation, echoing with the distinguished allure that fans have always cherished.