Entertainment
‘Project Hail Mary’ Author Andy Weir Says Paramount Rejected His ‘Star Trek’ Pitch — Then He Said Their ‘Shows Are Sh’…**
The man behind Hollywood’s biggest sci-fi hit right now had a vision for the Star Trek universe — but Paramount said no. What he said next about modern Trek is what every frustrated fan has been thinking for years.
There’s a particular kind of frustration that comes with being a lifelong fan of something — watching it slowly lose its way while the people in charge either don’t notice or simply don’t care. Andy Weir, the author behind The Martian and now the source material for one of Hollywood’s biggest box office hits of the year, knows that feeling intimately.
And this week, he said it out loud.
The Pitch Paramount Didn’t Want
In a candid interview making waves across the internet, Andy Weir revealed that he had pitched an idea to Paramount for a Star Trek project. The details of the pitch remain sparse — Weir hasn’t laid out exactly what his vision looked like — but the outcome is clear: Paramount passed.
For a man whose novel The Martian became a Ridley Scott-directed blockbuster starring Matt Damon, and whose follow-up Project Hail Mary is currently dominating multiplexes with Ryan Gosling at the helm, a rejection like that stings with an extra layer of irony.
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But Weir didn’t just shrug it off. He went further — much further.
‘Their Shows Are Sh**’
Speaking with characteristic bluntness, Andy Weir didn’t mince words about the state of modern Star Trek programming under Paramount+. He said, in no uncertain terms, that their Star Trek “shows are sh**.”
It’s the kind of quote that lands like a phaser shot in a quiet room.
And here’s the thing — he’s not alone in feeling this way. Large sections of the Trek fanbase have spent years debating whether modern entries like Star Trek: Discovery and others have honored the franchise’s original spirit — the optimistic, thoughtful, idea-driven storytelling that Gene Roddenberry built Star Trek on back in 1966. Many fans feel the newer shows prioritize spectacle and serialized drama over the philosophical, episode-of-the-week format that made the franchise legendary.
Weir’s comments give that frustration a very famous, very credible voice.
Why This Matters More Than a Soundbite
It would be easy to dismiss this as an author venting — a talented writer nursing a bruised ego after a rejection. But Andy Weir isn’t just anyone throwing shade at a Hollywood studio.
This is a man who understands science, storytelling, and — crucially — what audiences actually want from intelligent science fiction. The Martian was a masterclass in grounding extraordinary circumstances in human warmth and real-world problem-solving. Project Hail Mary, now a runaway box office success with Ryan Gosling, is doing the same thing on an even grander scale.
His instincts, in other words, have been validated repeatedly and publicly.
So when someone with that track record pitches a Star Trek idea and Paramount says no — and when that same person turns around and calls their output poor — it raises a legitimate question: What exactly did Paramount pass on?

The Star Trek IP, in the right hands, is still one of the most powerful in all of science fiction. J.J. Abrams proved that with his 2009 reboot. The animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks found genuine affection from fans precisely because it remembered what made Trek fun. There is clearly an audience hungry for good Star Trek storytelling.
But Paramount didn’t want Andy Weir‘s version of it. And given his current box office run, that decision is going to look increasingly difficult to defend.
A Bad Week to Be Paramount’s Streaming Division
The timing of Weir’s comments is particularly pointed. Project Hail Mary — released through Amazon MGM Studios — is currently one of the most-talked-about films of 2025, earning praise from critics, audiences, and even the scientific community for its accuracy and emotional intelligence.
Meanwhile, Paramount+ continues to navigate a turbulent period, with questions swirling around streaming subscriber numbers, content strategy, and the long-term direction of the Trek franchise following the conclusion of Star Trek: Picard and the cancellation of Discovery.
For the studio, having one of the most commercially validated science fiction writers alive publicly dismiss their flagship franchise’s output is not a great headline. For fans, it might feel like the most honest review they’ve read in years.
What Could Have Been
We may never know the full scope of Andy Weir‘s Star Trek pitch. But given the themes he gravitates toward — lone individuals facing impossible odds, rigorous science used as an emotional anchor, profound loneliness giving way to unexpected connection — one can only imagine what a Weir-written Trek story might have looked like.
A science-first, character-driven, optimistic space adventure that remembers humanity is worth rooting for?
That sounds a lot like Star Trek at its very best.
And Paramount said no.
Entertainment
The Hollywood Reporter Dominates SoCal Journalism Awards With 44 Wins… Inside the Night It Left Competitors Behind
With 20 first-place victories and top honors across reporting, criticism, and audio journalism, The Hollywood Reporter emerged as the biggest winner at the 2026 SoCal Journalism Awards.
The 2026 SoCal Journalism Awards delivered a standout night for The Hollywood Reporter, which secured an impressive 44 total honors, including 20 first-place wins, more than any other media outlet at the ceremony.
The results underline the publication’s continued influence in entertainment journalism, spanning breaking news coverage, in-depth reporting, film criticism, and audio storytelling.
Held on Sunday night, the awards highlighted excellence across Southern California’s competitive media landscape, but it was The Hollywood Reporter that clearly set the benchmark.
Top Honors Across Multiple Categories
Among the most notable achievements, Gary Baum and Seth Abramovitch were jointly recognized with Journalist of the Year honors, reflecting their standout reporting and investigative work throughout the year.
Baum’s work has long been recognized for its depth in cultural and investigative storytelling, while Abramovitch continues to be a key voice in Hollywood reporting, known for his industry access and sharp editorial insight.
In film criticism, David Rooney earned the award for Best Film Critic, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most respected voices in contemporary cinema analysis.
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Meanwhile, Scott Feinberg, executive editor of awards coverage and host of Awards Chatter, received recognition as Best Audio Anchor/Host, highlighting the publication’s growing strength in podcast and audio journalism.
A Strong Year for Entertainment Journalism
The awards reflect a broader moment of evolution in entertainment media, where traditional reporting, digital storytelling, and podcasting increasingly intersect.
The Hollywood Reporter has expanded its reach in recent years beyond print and web journalism, investing heavily in multimedia formats, including video interviews, podcasts, and long-form investigative features.
Its success at the SoCal Journalism Awards signals how effectively the publication has adapted to a rapidly changing media environment while maintaining editorial depth.
A Competitive Media Landscape
The SoCal Journalism Awards bring together a wide range of Southern California news organizations, recognizing excellence in categories spanning reporting, photography, design, audio, and digital innovation.

This year’s strong performance by The Hollywood Reporter places it ahead of other regional and national outlets competing in the entertainment journalism space.
Industry observers note that the publication’s consistent award performance reflects both its legacy and its ongoing evolution under modern digital demands.
Journalism Leaders Recognized
Beyond individual awards, the recognition of multiple journalists across categories highlights the depth of talent within the organization.
From investigative reporting to cultural criticism, The Hollywood Reporter continues to maintain a strong editorial bench that contributes to its influence within Hollywood and beyond.
The combination of seasoned journalists and emerging voices has helped the outlet maintain its position as one of the most authoritative sources for entertainment industry coverage.
The Bigger Picture for Media Excellence
The 2026 SoCal Journalism Awards also underscore the growing importance of multimedia journalism.
With audiences consuming news across multiple platforms, outlets like The Hollywood Reporter are increasingly recognized not just for written reporting, but also for audio, video, and digital storytelling formats.
This year’s results highlight how journalism success is no longer defined by a single medium, but by the ability to engage audiences across multiple channels.
A Standout Year
With 44 total awards, including category wins across reporting, criticism, and audio storytelling, The Hollywood Reporter clearly stood out as the dominant force of the night.
For the newsroom, the recognition serves as both validation and momentum heading into another year of competitive entertainment coverage.
As the media landscape continues to evolve, the publication’s performance at the 2026 SoCal Journalism Awards reinforces its position at the forefront of Hollywood journalism.
Entertainment
Johnny Knoxville’s Summer Camp Comedy ‘Tiny Fugitives’ Locks Fall Release… Seth Rogen’s Latest Project Could Be This Season’s Surprise Hit
A chaotic summer camp adventure starring Johnny Knoxville is officially heading to audiences this fall after Inaugural Entertainment secured domestic distribution rights for the Seth Rogen-produced comedy.
A new comedy packed with mischief, mayhem and summer camp chaos is preparing to make its way to theaters.
Johnny Knoxville’s upcoming feature Tiny Fugitives has officially secured a fall release window, marking a significant milestone for the project as Inaugural Entertainment acquires domestic distribution rights. The film, produced by comedy heavyweight Seth Rogen, has already begun generating industry buzz thanks to its unusual premise and experienced creative team.
Set against the backdrop of a summer camp, the movie promises a mix of adventure, humor and unpredictable situations that could make it one of the more talked-about comedy releases of the season.
A Story Fueled by Summer Camp Chaos
At its core, Tiny Fugitives revolves around the kind of disorder that can only happen when young imaginations collide with limited supervision.
While filmmakers have kept many story details under wraps, the film is described as a comedy centered on escalating chaos at a summer camp. The setting provides fertile ground for unexpected adventures, hilarious misunderstandings and the kind of youthful energy that has long made camp-based stories popular with audiences.
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The combination of camp-life nostalgia and offbeat humor has already sparked curiosity among moviegoers looking for something different from traditional studio comedies.
Michael Lewen Brings His Vision to the Screen
The project comes from writer-director Michael Lewen, who has steadily built a reputation for character-driven storytelling and fresh comedic perspectives.
With Tiny Fugitives, Lewen appears to be leaning into a more energetic and chaotic style while still maintaining the emotional elements that often help comedy resonate with audiences.
Industry insiders suggest that the film balances humor with heartfelt moments, creating a story that appeals across generations rather than relying solely on slapstick comedy.
Johnny Knoxville Returns to What He Does Best
Few performers are as closely associated with controlled chaos as Johnny Knoxville.
The actor and entertainer became a global sensation through the Jackass franchise, where his fearless approach to comedy helped redefine a generation of entertainment.
Over the years, Knoxville has expanded his career beyond stunt-driven projects, taking on acting roles in both independent and mainstream productions. However, Tiny Fugitives appears to tap into the unpredictable energy that first made him a household name.
For longtime fans, the film could represent a welcome return to the comedic style that established his career.
Seth Rogen’s Continued Influence in Comedy
The involvement of Seth Rogen adds another layer of anticipation to the project.
As a producer, writer and actor, Rogen has been behind some of the most successful comedy titles of the past two decades, including Superbad, This Is the End and Pineapple Express.

His reputation for supporting original comedic voices has made him one of the industry’s most influential creative figures, and his participation signals confidence in the film’s potential.
Distribution Deal Marks a Major Step Forward
The acquisition of domestic rights by Inaugural Entertainment represents a key development for Tiny Fugitives.
Securing a distribution partner is often one of the most important stages in a film’s journey to audiences. The move ensures the movie will have a clear path to release while increasing its visibility within an increasingly competitive entertainment market.
Industry analysts note that comedy films face growing pressure from streaming platforms, making strong theatrical distribution partnerships more valuable than ever.
A Comedy to Watch This Fall
As anticipation builds, Tiny Fugitives is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing comedy releases on the fall calendar.
The combination of Johnny Knoxville’s signature comedic style, Seth Rogen’s production expertise and Michael Lewen’s creative vision offers a promising formula for audiences seeking laughter and adventure.
Whether it becomes a breakout hit remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: a summer camp has never looked this chaotic.
Entertainment
Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Finally Sets Sail… But It Was a Giant Trojan Horse That Stole the Spotlight in London
A towering Trojan horse, screaming fans, and an A-list cast led by Tom Holland, Zendaya, Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, and Robert Pattinson turned Leicester Square into a spectacle as Christopher Nolan unveiled his most ambitious film yet.
The world premiere of Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated epic The Odyssey transformed London’s Leicester Square into a scene worthy of ancient mythology on Tuesday night.
With a massive Trojan horse dominating the red carpet area and thousands of fans gathering for a glimpse of Hollywood’s biggest stars, the event marked the first public screening of Nolan’s latest cinematic undertaking—a sprawling three-hour adaptation inspired by the legendary Greek tale.
The atmosphere was electric long before the cast arrived. Crowds lined the streets, cameras flashed nonstop, and excitement reached fever pitch as one celebrity after another stepped onto the carpet.
A Star-Studded Cast Draws Massive Crowds
Among the biggest attractions of the evening were Tom Holland and Zendaya, whose appearance triggered deafening cheers from fans packed around the venue.
The pair were joined by an impressive ensemble that included Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, and Robert Pattinson, creating one of the most star-powered red carpets London has seen in recent years.
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For many attendees, the premiere felt less like a film launch and more like a global entertainment event. Fans waited hours for a chance to catch a glimpse of their favorite actors, many waving posters, memorabilia, and copies of Nolan’s previous films.
Christopher Nolan’s Most Ambitious Journey Yet?
Following the monumental success of Oppenheimer, expectations surrounding Nolan’s next project have been extraordinarily high.
Known for pushing cinematic boundaries with films such as Inception, Interstellar, and The Dark Knight, the Oscar-winning filmmaker has built a reputation for delivering large-scale storytelling combined with emotional depth.
With The Odyssey, Nolan turns his attention to one of history’s most enduring tales—the journey of Odysseus and his long, perilous voyage home following the Trojan War.
Industry observers believe the film could become one of the most significant cinematic releases of the year, not only because of its scale but also because of the extraordinary talent assembled both in front of and behind the camera.

The Trojan Horse That Became the Night’s Symbol
While the celebrities generated plenty of excitement, the evening’s most talked-about visual may have been the gigantic Trojan horse standing proudly over Leicester Square.
The installation served as a dramatic tribute to the ancient story that inspired the film and quickly became a favorite backdrop for photographers, fans, and media outlets covering the event.
Its presence helped blur the line between mythology and modern cinema, creating a memorable image that perfectly captured the scale and ambition of Nolan’s latest project.
First Reactions Begin to Build Anticipation
As guests entered the theater for the first screening, anticipation reached its peak. While audiences worldwide will have to wait to see the film, the premiere successfully established The Odyssey as one of the most talked-about releases of the season.
For Christopher Nolan, whose films consistently become cultural events, the London premiere was another reminder of his unique ability to turn a movie release into a global spectacle.
Whether The Odyssey ultimately joins the ranks of his most celebrated works remains to be seen, but one thing became clear in Leicester Square: the voyage has officially begun, and the world is watching.
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