Author Andy Weir has made headlines recently for his remarks about Alex Kurtzman, the producer behind the modern “Star Trek” franchise. In a recent appearance on the Critical Drinker After Hours podcast, Weir, known for his science fiction works including “Project Hail Mary,” expressed a positive sentiment towards Kurtzman as a person but went on to voice his disappointment with the new “Star Trek” series, declaring them to be “s—.”
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During the podcast episode, which aired on March 25, Weir acknowledged that Kurtzman is a “really nice guy” with whom he had productive conversations following his own pitch for a “Star Trek” series to Paramount. “I feel a little bad for him, but at the same time, those shows are s—,” remarked Weir, indicating a split between his respect for Kurtzman personally and his critical view of the shows produced under his supervision. He also added a seemingly flippant comment regarding his unaccepted pitch, suggesting, “He is a nice guy, but they didn’t accept my pitch so f— him.”
However, just four days later, Weir took to social media to clarify and apologise for his comments. In a post on Facebook, he stated that his remarks had been misrepresented, describing them as “taken out of context” to create “salacious sound bytes.” “Hey, Alex. Andy Weir here,” he began in his post. “I’m posting to apologise about stuff I said on the Critical Drinker’s podcast.” He emphasized his admiration for Kurtzman as a person and mentioned that he does enjoy “Strange New Worlds” and “Lower Decks,” two of the newer “Star Trek” series.
Weir also reflected on the nature of his comments during the podcast, which he admitted might have come across as “disrespectful and mean.” He intended to inject humour into the conversation and was trying to be self-deprecating with his remarks. “I was also trying to be self-deprecating when I said ‘But they didn’t like my pitch so f— ’em!’ but out of context it can read like I actually meant it,” he explained.
The author recognised that his bluntness may have led to misunderstandings, highlighting that it had been a decade since the media last focused so much attention on him. Following the release of “Project Hail Mary,” which enjoyed a highly successful opening weekend at the domestic box office, accumulating $80.6 million, Weir found himself back in the limelight, prompting a need for more careful communication.
In his concluding remarks on Facebook, Weir hinted at his preference for a quieter life as a writer, stating, “In a couple of months I’ll be back in my cave writing novels and no one will care again.” He also extended an olive branch to Kurtzman, inviting further conversation, even if it meant enduring some criticism. “If you want to talk about it in real time—even if it’s just to rip me a new one—I’m happy to hop on the phone or Zoom,” he offered.
This unexpected exchange highlights the often complex relationship between creative professionals, particularly in spaces as storied as the “Star Trek” franchise. Accolades and criticisms are part and parcel of creating content that resonates with audiences, and in this instance, Weir was candid in his thoughts yet recognized the importance of navigating personal relationships within the industry.
As the conversation around “Star Trek” continues, both Weir and Kurtzman illustrate the balance of personal sentiment and professional critique in the ever-evolving landscape of television and film production. Moving forward, it remains to be seen how this public apology will affect their professional interaction, as well as the ongoing discourse surrounding new iterations of this beloved science fiction legacy.