When CBS announced that Star Trek: Discovery was being delayed from January to a May 2017 launch, it was attributed to the fact that ideas were still being finessed and Bryan Fuller's ongoing commitment to the adaptation of Neil Gaiman's American Gods. Unfortunately, it looks like things have reached breaking point as Fuller announced today that he's stepping down down from his role as showrunner and Discovery will launch into the big black without his guidance.
"We are extremely happy with the creative direction of Star Trek: Discovery and the strong foundation that Bryan Fuller has helped us create for the series," said the official statement from CBS. "Due to Bryan’s other projects, he is no longer able to oversee the day-to-day of Star Trek, but he remains an executive producer, and will continue to map out the story arc for the entire season... Bryan is a brilliant creative talent and passionate Star Trek fan, who has helped us chart an exciting course for the series. We are all committed to seeing this vision through and look forward to premiering Star Trek: Discovery this coming May 2017.”
Replacing him in the captain's chair will be Gretchen J. Berg and Aaron Harberts, who collaborated with Fuller on Pushing Daisies and Wonderfalls. The pair will join Discovery co-creator Alex Kurtzman in bringing the series to screens but the loss of Fuller comes as a blow. Casting for the series has yet to be announced but sets are reportedly being built and with CBS still aiming for the May 2017 air date, production delays should be kept to a minimum.