1978 Memo to Majel Roddenberry: Leaks and Tension in Star Trek 2 Production

Summary

An infamous 1978 memo addressed to Majel Roddenberry instructed her to stop leaking Star Trek 2 info.
The leaks about Star Trek details were seen as a threat to Paramount’s control of the franchise.
The intricate history of Star Trek reveals the behind-the-scenes tension and drama surrounding a major motion picture.

Behind the scenes of “Star Trek”, a passive-aggressive corporate memo stands out as no less adventurous than the show’s motto. The 1978 communication from Paramount executive Jeffrey Katzenberg to actress and Star Trek royalty Majel Barrett Roddenberry offers a glimpse into the turmoil in the production offices. As the franchise was transitioning from a proposed new television series to a feature film, the tension was already moving at breakneck speed.

A recently unearthed memo, discussed on Larry Nemecek’s “The Trek Files” podcast, highlights Paramount’s growing concern about information leaks from the Star Trek inner circle. Michael Eisner, or Katzenberg, subtly implied Majel Barrett Roddenberry as a potential source of these leaks. Majel was a significant figure in the franchise, not only because she was the wife of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, but also due to her performances (as Nurse Chapel, the Enterprise computer, and later Lwaxana Troi) and creative contributions within it.

The Infamous Star Trek 2 Production Memo to Majel Roddenberry

The memo from Katzenberg regarding Star Trek 2, dated January 19, 1978, was not new to revealing creative disputes of earlier times. Directed at Majel, it served as a model of professional composure by stating facts before delivering its criticism.

It’s important for you to understand that at the moment, we’re thoroughly examining every crucial element involved in producing Star Trek II as a feature film for cinema release.

Regrettably, crucial details about our future plans have found their way into the hands of the press and public ahead of schedule. This premature disclosure could potentially disrupt our long-term strategies. As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but feel a sense of unease at this unforeseen development.

We appreciate the free publicity, but we’re struggling to maintain our storyline, and you should refrain from sharing details.” At this point in the memo, Katzenberg asked Majel to halt the disclosure of information about the upcoming movie, and emphasized his request with bold capital letters.

I must admit, the surge of attention towards our project has been quite overwhelming, and we’re truly grateful for the widespread interest. However, given the current stage of the project, it’s crucial that no details about the film are shared at present. Any inquiries or requests for information should be redirected to John Rothwell, who has come on board as our publicist. He will handle all such queries effectively.

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, let me share some intriguing insights I picked up from the podcast host, Nemecek. He hinted at Majel’s role in the press leaks, suggesting she was actively traversing the convention trail during that time. This could mean she might have been disseminating inside information from confidential documents to fans within Hollywood circles. It’s even possible that Majel herself broke the news about another film being greenlit at Paramount! Luckily for us fans, it was an era before Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA’s) were common, which kept such secrets under wraps in today’s Hollywood.

German too implies that some of the information disclosed by Majel encompassed details from the canceled “Star Trek: Phase 2” series and confidential production notes from the early planning phases for what would later be known as “Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan.” This revelation happened approximately two months before any formal studio announcements. It wasn’t mere rumors—it was confidential, insider information that could have significantly affected marketing plans and fueled fan theories uncontrollably at a stage when the project was still delicate and in its early stages.

Why Was Majel Leaking Star Trek Info?

It seems unlikely that Majel was intentionally spreading gossip to cause harm to the studio. Instead, she may have been trying to generate enthusiasm for the upcoming Star Trek project, given her close bond with fans of the series. Since she frequently encountered queries from both press and fans at Trekkie conventions, it’s understandable that she might feel at ease sharing some information. As the wife of the original creator, she might have thought her connection granted her more freedom to share details.

Paramount was keen on creating a fresh take on Star Trek, one that could overcome the mediocre reviews of Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Previews about actors, storylines, and changes in themes might influence fan anticipation beyond what the studio could deliver or perhaps not align with their plans. Majel’s informal updates, despite being well-meaning, were potentially overstepping the studio’s boundaries.

After the re-emergence of the 1978 memo, some fans have suggested that her behavior might have been connected to her husband Gene Roddenberry’s growing struggles at the studio. Given what we now understand about Gene’s dissatisfaction with Star Trek 2, it seems plausible that there was a more sinister motivation behind his frustration.

The Bigger Picture Brewing Behind The Memo

It’s common knowledge that Roddenberry was unhappy about his decreasing involvement in the production of “The Wrath of Khan“. He had conflicts with director Nicholas Meyer on “Star Trek 2“. In an attempt to undermine the project, he revealed crucial plot details to the media, including the demise of beloved “TOS” character Spock (portrayed by Leonard Nimoy).

Though solid proof is lacking, it’s plausible to ponder if Majel’s information disclosures were an integral part of Roddenberry’s broader strategy to sway public perception or regain control over the franchise. However, it’s important to note that no documents publicly verify that Majel knowingly leaked sensitive data against the studio’s will, and such conjecture should be handled cautiously. Whether deliberate or not, the result was consistent: Paramount became alarmed and dispatched young executive Katzenberg to curb Majel. The memo ended with a subtle warning and final plea.

1. At this point, the project could face significant setbacks. If not handled carefully, an upcoming PR campaign’s effectiveness might also be compromised. Thank you for your collaboration. Regards, J.K.

2. Currently, there’s a risk that the project may encounter major problems. A successful and well-executed future PR strategy could potentially be undermined if not managed properly. I appreciate your assistance. Sincerely, J.K.

3. The present state of the project might lead to serious complications. An on-time, synchronized PR effort in the future may be at risk if not skillfully executed. Thank you for your teamwork. Best, J.K.

4. In its current phase, the project is vulnerable to significant issues. A well-orchestrated and timely PR strategy could face challenges if not carefully implemented in the future. I appreciate your support. Yours faithfully, J.K.

they perceived the leaks, possibly even those from the Roddenberry family, as a challenge to their authority over the franchise.

The Wrath of Khan Meets The Wrath of Roddenberry

It’s widely believed that “Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan” rescued the franchise from potential failure. To revitalize the faltering film series, Paramount enlisted producer Harve Bennett who brought a more practical and TV-like budget approach. An unfamiliar face in the Star Trek world, Nicholas Meyer was chosen to direct and redefine the show’s tone. Unlike Roddenberry’s vision that emphasized intellectual sci-fi and utopian concepts, Meyer focused on military precision, character emotions, and classic storytelling.

Meyer swiftly and unacknowledged revamped the script in a mere twelve days, giving it a grittier, somber, and character-driven tone. He focused on themes of aging, sacrifice, and vengeance, adding a sense of weightiness to the series. His style struck a chord with both viewers and critics, but it was quite different from Roddenberry’s optimism. It’s no surprise that Roddenberry found himself disconnected from the production.

Although the origin of the Spock leak remains unproven, there’s been a surge in theories suggesting it came from Roddenberry’s office. Prior to the completion of filming, the leaked Vulcan’s death sparked fierce fan reaction, leading the filmmakers to relocate Spock’s demise to the final scene and subtly hint at potential resurrection.

Majel Barrett: A Power Player in Her Own Right

It would be misleading to simply label Majel Barrett Roddenberry as “Gene’s wife.” In reality, she was a significant and multi-faceted figure in the Star Trek franchise. On one hand, she was an accomplished performer, contributing her talents from the very beginning of the series. On the other, she demonstrated business acumen by co-managing Lincoln Enterprises, a crucial merchandising company that sustained the Star Trek brand during its periods of inactivity.

Her bond with fans was founded on honesty and shared excitement. She was recognized for her frankness and viewing fans not just as customers, but as collaborators. Given what we know about her personality, it appears more probable that her connection with the fans played a role in her choice to disclose personal information in 1978, rather than Gene’s conflicts with the studio. However, in the ruthless business environment of Hollywood, such openness was perceived as a risk. Studios regarded fandom as something to be controlled; Majel viewed it as a community. And in 1978, these two perspectives clashed.

2025-04-17 22:15