We’re kicking off Season 14 with a legend. George Takei joins The Trek Files to reflect on landing the role of Sulu in Star Trek’s second pilot, “Where No Man Has Gone Before”—filmed 60 years ago in July 1965. With humor and honesty, George recalls the early days on set at Desilu’s Culver Studios, working alongside James Doohan, and navigating the challenges of being a closeted gay actor in 1960s Hollywood. In a wide-ranging and heartfelt conversation, George also shares his early talks with Gene Roddenberry about Star Trek’s inclusive vision—and what it meant to see that future taking shape on screen, even in its earliest days. 📄 Document and additional references: Call sheet and shooting schedule from Where No Man Has Gone Before – July 19, 1965 George's book: It Rhymes with Takei The Trek Files Season 14 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!
--------
37:44
--------
37:44
The Launch of Discovery – and the Franchise Era of Star Trek
For the first time, The Trek Files sets course for Trek’s modern streaming era, and it all begins with a ship. We’re looking back at the 2016 press release that introduced the U.S.S. Discovery to the world at San Diego Comic-Con, marking the first step into a new era of Star Trek on television. Our guest is Adam Kotsko, scholar and author of Late Star Trek, who joins Larry to examine how Discovery and the shows that followed have reshaped the franchise for the 21st century. From universe-building to “fan service,” and from mythology to modern IP, this episode dives into the creative, commercial, and cultural tensions that define the current Trek landscape. Whether you’re a fan of Strange New Worlds or still grappling with Picard, there’s something here for every Trek-O-File. Document and additional references: U.S.S. Discovery unveiled at Comic-Con International - July 23, 2016 Adam's book: Late Star Trek: The Final Frontier in the Franchise Era The Trek Files Season 13 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!
--------
23:13
--------
23:13
13-22 Lost Pages from Star Trek II: the Peeples Draft, part 2
The journey through Samuel A. Peeples’ early story treatment for Star Trek II continues, and this week, we’re venturing into some of the most imaginative territory yet. Long before the final script for The Wrath of Khan took shape, Peeples envisioned a film that introduced entirely new characters to the Trek universe. There’s a brilliant young doctor with unorthodox methods and a bold romantic interest in Dr. McCoy. Then there’s Sub-Commander Thal Arctos: a towering, genetically engineered officer who's all Starfleet and part polar bear. These ideas never made it to screen, but they offer a fascinating look into the creative what-ifs of Star Trek’s cinematic future. Returning guest Ben Robinson helps us unpack these bold swings, what they tell us about the era, and why some of Trek’s most intriguing concepts are the ones fans have never seen... until now. Document and additional references: Samuel A. Peeples’ Star Trek (The New Movie) – July 30, 1981 (excerpt, part 2) ENTER TO WIN - the Borg Queen Skull from Star Trek: First contact, exclusively in partnership with Factory Entertainment The Trek Files Season 13 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!
--------
23:37
--------
23:37
13-21 Lost Pages from Star Trek II: SsAVIK and the Peeples Draft
Before The Wrath of Khan became the fan-favorite sequel we know today, Star Trek II went through multiple story pitches, including one from original series contributor Samuel A. Peeples. In the summer of 1981, Peeples outlined a new character: Commander SsAVIK, a half-Vulcan, half-Romulan officer with a sharp intellect and complex heritage. This week on The Trek Files, Ben Robinson joins Larry to discuss Peeples’ early concept for SsAVIK, how it evolved into the Saavik we met on screen, and the wider creative tug-of-war between Gene Roddenberry, Harve Bennett, and Nick Meyer as the sequel took shape. Stay tuned for Part 2 next week, featuring two more unused characters from Peeples’ draft! Document and additional references: Samuel A. Peeples’ Star Trek (The New Movie) – July 30, 1981 (excerpt) ENTER TO WIN - the Borg Queen Skull from Star Trek: First contact, exclusively in partnership with Factory Entertainment The Trek Files Season 13 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!
--------
24:01
--------
24:01
13-20 Inside Star Trek, Part 2 with Ronald D. Moore
We’re back with Ronald D. Moore for part two of our dive into the wonderfully strange 1976 spoken-word album Inside Star Trek. This time, things get weird... in the best way. From Sarek (Mark Lenard) debating Vulcan mating rituals with Gene Roddenberry, to William Shatner performing a time-bending double act as both himself and Captain Kirk, the album takes some truly unexpected turns. Ron shares his favorite moments, what they say about Trek’s early self-awareness, and how even the quirkiest bits helped shape his own fandom. Document and additional references: Inside Star Trek album and liner notes (1976) ENTER TO WIN - the Borg Queen Skull from Star Trek: First contact, exclusively in partnership with Factory Entertainment The Trek Files Season 13 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!
Über The Trek Files: A Roddenberry Star Trek Podcast
Your weekly deep-dive into the archives of Roddenberry Entertainment, from the personal files of Gene Roddenberry. Each week, “Dr. Trek” himself, Larry Nemecek, and his guest host will take a behind-the-scenes look at documents that haven’t been viewed in decades—many being revealed publicly for the very first time!
Deutschland