On Thursday, it was reported that over 50 people working on the set of Star Trek: Picard have tested positive for COVID-19, immediately shutting down the Paramount+ production. The Hollywood Reporter broke the story.
Filming halted Monday on the show, which employs more than 450 staffers. The infections impacted “multiple zones”, including cast in “zone A”. Sources say filming is expected to resume early next week, if not sooner. According to Deadline, Patrick Stewart, who plays Jean-Luc Picard, is not one of the infected.
It is unknown which members of the cast have been infected or how they are faring. The show also stars Star Trek: The Next Generation alum Brent Spiner, Star Trek: Voyager’s Jeri Ryan, Michelle Hurd, Alison Pill, Isa Briones, Santiago Cabrera, Evan Evagora, and Oral Brady.
Alex Kurtzman, Akiva Goldsman, Stewart, Terry Matalas, Michael Chabon, Doug Aarniokoski, Dylan Massin, Heather Kadin, Rod Roddenberry and Trevor Roth all serve as executive producers on Picard Season 2. Aaron Baiers and Kirsten Beyer serve as co-executive producers. Goldsman and Terry Matalas are co-showrunners for Season 2.
Star Trek: Picard was officially renewed for a third season in September, ahead of its Season 2 premiere, with Seasons 2 and 3 being filmed back-to-back in an effort to more effectively manage costs for the streamer and to help accommodate cast schedules.
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In Los Angeles, where Picard films, there have been 43,712 New Cases Reported on 1/7/2022, including those in Long Beach and Pasadena, as well as 28 COVID deaths, according to data from the County of Los Angeles Public Health. The county on 1/5 reported 2,661 hospitalizations.
The series is produced by CBS Studios in association with Secret Hideout and Roddenberry Entertainment.
Season 2 of Picard is expected to air in February, however there is no word as of yet on how this shutdown may delay those plans or the release schedule for Season 3, but we will keep you posted!
Joia DaVida reports on the entertainment industry in both Chicago and Los Angeles.
