Project Hail Mary author, Andy Weir, apologises for comments about 'Star Trek' spin-offs

Project Hail Mary author Andy Weir has issued a public apology to Star Trek executive producer Alex Kurtzman following criticism over remarks made during a recent podcast appearance.

Weir, 53, addressed the situation in an open letter shared on Facebook, where he clarified comments made on The Critical Drinker’s podcast about the current Star Trek spin-off series.

His earlier statements, in which he said the shows “are s***”, drew backlash from audiences and industry observers.

In his apology, Weir wrote: “I’m posting to apologise about stuff I said on the Critical Drinker’s podcast. I feel like my quotes were taken out of context as salacious sound bytes [sic]. I hope you saw the other parts where I said how much I like you as a person and what a nice guy you are. Also, how I like [Strange New Worlds] and [Lower Decks].”

He continued: “I was trying to be funny, but in retrospect, it comes off as disrespectful and mean. So I’m sorry for that. I was also trying to be self-deprecating when I said ‘But they didn't like my pitch, so fuck ‘em!’ but out of context it can read like I actually meant it.”

During the podcast, Weir discussed pitching a Star Trek series to Paramount and interacting with Kurtzman and other showrunners. He said, “He, as a person, is a really nice guy. But at the same time, those shows are s***. He is a nice guy. But they didn’t accept my pitch, so, you know, f*** ‘em.”

Weir also stated in the episode that “all modern science fiction TV shows and movies have been heavily influenced by the original Star Trek — except for the current batch of Star Trek shows.”

In his closing remarks, Weir added: “I’m a blunt person - always have been. And it’s been 10 years since the media cared what I had to say about anything, so I kind of forgot to watch my words when I have a film in theatres.”

The development comes as Project Hail Mary, adapted from Weir’s novel and starring Ryan Gosling, continues its box office run.