The creators of the hit sci-fi TV showFor All Mankindhint at how the ongoing series could become Apple TV+’s version ofStar Trek.For All Mankindseason 4 endedwith the alternate history series jumping ahead another 10 years, showcasing the US' successful settlement on Mars. The series is expected to showcase humanity going even further into space.
Speaking withScreenRant’s Joe Deckelmeier, series co-creatorRonald D. Moore expressed interest inFor All Mankindexploring someStar Trek-like ideas, such as something similar to Starfleet:
ScreenRant:Now, Ronald, I have a theory about the show. I’m sure it’s not an original theory, but For All Mankind is really, really grounded. Could this be a prequel to something like a Star Trek for Apple TV+? And were you ever planning to gradually build towards that–your own version of Starfleet or a Federation-like future?
Ronald D. Moore:We have ideas and goals that could be somewhere in that vicinity.
In a separate interview with co-creators Matt Wolpert and Ben Nedivi, the latter explained how there are some similarities toStar Trekin their ideas, citing Moore’s background working on the franchise.He acknowledges how the realism ofFor All Mankindmakes its sci-fi premise unique, explaining how that could evolve in the future:
ScreenRant:Now, I do have a fan theory, and I think it’s probably a popular one. For All Mankind starts so grounded, and as we progress, we get to Mars, and we’re starting to get on some other stuff. Could this be setting the groundwork for an Apple TV+ version of Star Trek with its own Starfleet and Federation type of thing?
Ben Nedivi:First, you got the timeline book, now you got the spinoff. We got to bring you into the circle here. [Chuckles] I think I will say this, Apple’s been incredibly supportive of our vision from the beginning here. I think where the show goes is a good question. I think that’s kind of been hinted at by fans for a while, this idea of like, “Is this the way to Star Trek?” And there’s definitely similarities. Ron Moore comes from the Star Trek background, we have writers on our show, as well. I like that idea. I think for me, the thing that is important that keeps our show unique, and I think we want to hold onto, is the idea that it feels real. It’s authentic. It kind of feels more grounded, naturalistic. I think that’s what separates us from a lot of the sci-fi right now. And it’s harder to do as we get more into the future. [Chuckles]
What For All Mankind’s Creator’s Statements Say About Its Star Trek-Like Future
Just How Far Into The Alternate Space Race Will The Show Go?
For All Mankindseason 5will be focused on operations happening on Mars, the result of the Goldilocks being brought into the planet’s orbit. The show offered a brief glimpse at its alternate 2012,indicating a major mining operation is happening at Kuznetsov Station. The upcoming episodes will no doubt focus on the large-scale consequences of this pursuit.
Based on the statements from the show’s creative team, it’s possible some deeper influence from the decades-old sci-fi franchise will show up during the upcoming episodes.Moore is no stranger to working onStar TrekTV shows, serving as a writer and producer onThe Next Generation, and as a writer and executive producer forDeep Space NineandVoyager.
The show will be expanding its reach soon, too, withtheupcomingStar Cityspinofffocusing on the Soviet Union’s side of the story.This opens the door for even more unique pursuits for the sci-fi series. These could continue developing it in a way reflective of the sci-fi franchise that partially inspired it.
Our Take On For All Mankind’s Future Star Trek Influence
The Show Is Already Moving In That Direction
The sci-fi show is alreadystarting to move in a very familiar direction toStar Trek,now that humanity’s focus on the space race is so prevalent. Mars doesn’t seem like it’ll be the final destination for the show, either, with the show having a plan stretching through season 7. This would give it freedom to explore wilder sci-fi elements.
If it does go in a similar direction toStar Trek, though,it would need to be careful not to compromise its unique, realistic visionof a space-oriented future for humanity. This would helpFor All Mankindstand out, even if it was pulling familiar elements from the franchise.
