Andy Weir, author of Project Hail Mary, has issued an apology to Star Trek showrunner Alex Kurtzman following his recent criticism of the franchise. The gesture has disappointed—and even frustrated—many science fiction fans who believe no apology was necessary.
They argue Weir merely voiced a blunt but honest assessment of modern Star Trek, echoing frustrations shared across the fanbase. The irony, they note, is that the most recent adaptation of Weir’s work has found strong audience success, while Star Trek has struggled to maintain engagement under Kurtzman’s leadership.
Weir Weighs in on Star Trek
The controversy began after Andy Weir was interviewed by The Critical Drinker. “All modern science fiction TV shows and movies have been heavily influenced by the original Star Trek,” he said, adding, “except for the current batch of Star Trek shows.” With rare exceptions, Weir said, “Those shows are sh**.”
Alex Kurtzman speaking at the 2019 San Diego Comic Con International – Wikimedia Commons
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His remark singled out the work of Alex Kurtzman, who has overseen the franchise’s television output from Star Trek: Discovery through Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. Lending weight to Weir’s observation is the fact that, for the first time in over a decade, no new Star Trek series are currently greenlit for production.
“I’m Gen X, so my sci-fi was like original series Star Trek reruns and Lost in Space reruns,” Weir added, pointing to formative influences that shaped his creative perspective. The grounded speculative science and spirit of adventure that defined those series are qualities many fans see reflected in Project Hail Mary. More importantly, they are elements many believe modern Star Trek has abandoned.
However, Weir did receive some backlash, which may be why he is now apologizing.
Peer Pressure Played a Part?
Science-fiction writer Don Winslow publicly called out Andy Weir on X, beginning with congratulations before shifting to criticism. “But when you have your moment don’t use it to crap on other writers work,” he wrote. While Weir has established himself as a credible voice in the genre, Winslow’s response suggests he believes those opinions should have remained private.
A tweet by Don Winslow asking Andy Weir to apologize to Alex Kurtzman – Don Winslow
Winslow continued, “For the record, @Alex_Kurtzman is a visionary writer+creator+producer & you owe him an apology… writer to writer.”
The Apology
Shortly afterward, Andy Weir reached out to Alex Kurtzman on social media with a public apology. “Hey, Alex. Andy Weir here. I’m posting to apologize about stuff I said on the Critical Drinker’s podcast,” he began. In the following paragraph, he claimed his comments were taken out of context and framed as “salacious sound bytes.”
However, he did not specify who edited or reframed his remarks, leaving that claim largely unaddressed. It becomes a reframing of a potential reframing—one for which Weir is arguably not responsible. In context, his comments reflect an assessment shared by many fans.
Rocky in Project Hail Mary – Amazon MGM Studios
Andy Weir also reiterated earlier comments from the podcast interview where he said that he likes Alex Kurtzman personally and enjoyed Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and Star Trek: Lower Decks. Notably, while speaking with The Critical Drinker, that praise, was immediately followed by his sharp criticism of everything else.
Weir suggested in his post that he went too far. “I was trying to be funny, but in retrospect it comes off as disrespectful and mean. So I’m sorry for that,” he said.
Final Assessment
Ultimately, offering an honest assessment often carries a degree of risk, especially within the entertainment industry. The potential consequences can be professionally significant, particularly when public criticism targets influential figures or major franchises.
A screenshot from the trailer to Star Trek Starfleet Academy – YouTube, Paramount Pictures
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While many Star Trek fans agreed with Weir’s harsh phrasing, he ultimately chose to walk back the tone of his comments. Still, opinions surrounding the Kurtzman-era Star Trek are unlikely to shift.
Do you think Andy Weir owed Alex Kurtzman an apology? Sound off in the comments!
Never bend the knee.
We lost respect for you, Mr Writer, right there. All you’re accomplishing is alienating real men. (Your audience). The woke will always call you WAYCIST or whatever anyway. They hate you, no matter how much you suck up.
What a coward. I’m glad I didn’t see the movie and I won’t be purchasing his books either if he wants to suck up to Hollywood and have no integrity.
“Alex_Kurtzman is a visionary writer+creator+producer” 🤣🤣🤣
Apologizing for truth ??? Jesus !
Agree with others. NEVER bend the knee to those who disagree with you.