BACKTREKKERS: It’s been 45 years and four versions since the original “Star Trek.” (Paramount)
You don’t have to be Mr. Spock to think that a new version of “Star Trek” would be totally logical.
The iconic sci-fi series — which has gone through five generations since its debut in 1966 with William Shatner as Captain Kirk — is being prepared for a sixth version, according to reports yesterday.
David Foster, a sci-fi writer/producer/consultant who last worked on “Battlestar Galactica,” has developed an elaborate new version of the series warhorse set within the series’ established timeframe.
Foster, who heads 1947 Entertainment, hopes to eventually pitch the show to CBS, according to trekweb.com.
CBS is the sister company to Paramount, which owns the rights to “Star Trek.”
“While all of the feedback and news has been completely positive and we continue to make great progress and garner support from key individuals, 1947 Entertainment has not yet officially pitched the show to CBS,” Foster told the site.
A new “Trek” series would be huge news in the sci-fi world. The last series, “Star Trek: Enterprise,” starring Scott Bakula, ended in 2005 after four seasons on the now-defunct UPN.
The new version would be set after the “Voyager” era, Foster says.
“The series concept is fully developed, subject to change, of course, with a solid 5- to 7- year series plan, pilot script and conceptualized finale that intends to define ‘Star Trek’ for generations,” Foster says.
“This is a drastic departure from the typical 8- to 10- page treatment of the previously pitched ‘Star Trek’ series ideas that have not included even a pilot script.”
The latest is “designed to return ‘Star Trek’ to its original series roots . . . without disregarding the other series and movies.”
He also said the show would feature a “much younger” cast than previous versions — and would include “Star Trek” staples including Klingons, Ferengi, Andorians, Vulcans and Trill.
“The Ferengi have discovered a vast new resource that has propelled them towards instant riches and power beyond anything they have previously experienced,” he says.
Classic TV shows are coming back to prime time in a big way these days.
A new version of “Hawaii Five-O” did well last year and a “Charlie’s Angels” re-do is set for next month. A new “Bewitched” is also reportedly in the works.
But the “Star Trek” franchise is perhaps the most sturdy TV series ever.
There have been 11 big-screen “Star Trek” movies alone.