In addition to featuring Patrick Stewart’s long-awaited return to the Star Trek universe, the upcoming Jean-Luc Picard series will represent another big milestone. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Hanelle Culpepper has been tapped to direct the series’ first two episodes. This marks the first time in the franchise’s history that a female director will kickstart a new Star Trek project.
Culpepper isn’t exactly a stranger to Star Trek. She recently directed the “Vaulting Ambition” episode of Star Trek: Discovery’s second season. Additionally, her resume includes episodes of The Flash, Supergirl, Gotham, and Criminal Minds. Culpepper will also be working on the upcoming AMC series, NOS4A2, which is based on the novel by Joe Hill.
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“Hanelle is a gifted and dynamic filmmaker whose directorial choices are always deeply rooted in character,” said executive producer Alex Kurtzman in a statement. “I’ve been a huge fan of her work since she started with us on Discovery, and she’s the perfect person to re-introduce the beloved character of Picard to longtime fans and new viewers alike. We’re thrilled she’s joining our Trek family on this next adventure.”
The Picard series doesn’t have an official name yet. However, CBS All Access will premiere the series near the end of 2019. The streaming service currently has a slew of new Star Trek programming in the works. This includes a now-confirmed spinoff headlined by Michelle Yeoh’s Captain Philippa Georgiou, who made her debut on Star Trek: Discovery. CBS All Access is also developing an animated Star Trek comedy series. But that show doesn’t currently have a place on the schedule.
Are you excited for Hanelle Culpepper to join CBS All Access’ Picard series as a director? Tell us what you think in the comment section below!
