One idea for Short Treks included Nichelle Nichols as Uhura
Short Treks debuted on Ocober 4, 2018, and the first season offered four episodes which revolved around the crew from Star Trek: Discovery. The series, which originated as a companion series for Discovery and other Star Trek series, was renewed for a second season which premiered on October 5, 2019. Those, for the most part, were vignettes from the crew of the Enterprise set on the upcoming series, Strange New Worlds. But originally, another idea had existed for the series, one that would have brought Nichelle Nichols back into the Star Trek universe.
According to Trekcore, the series co-creator Kirsten Beyer, the very first idea for the series was a meeting between Uhura and a very young Picard.
"So, at the very, very beginning, we were talking about ‘Short Treks’ for the first time, and what kind of stories you could tell — and we were actually beginning with an Uhura story, and the idea was that we very much wanted to see we could bring Nichelle [Nichols] back in at this point in time, and then see what kind of stories [Uhura] might tie in to.And then Patrick’s name came into the mix, and could we get him, would he be interested… so the very first idea was a meeting between Uhura and Picard — a very, very young Picard."
The plot behind the Short Treks episode might still be told
Alex Kurtzman expanded on Beyer’s information by saying that, in the storyline they envisioned, “a young Picard had been called to a hospital where Uhura had a mission for him, and it was related to the Borg.” He wouldn’t provide any more details because the storyline might still be considered a possibility for the future.
Unfortunately, Nichelle Nichols has retired from acting so getting her to reprise her role as Uhura probably won’t happen. So while this idea might be explored further, another actress would have to replace Nichols, and though it wouldn’t be the same, we’re starting to get used to other actors playing some of our favorite characters. Most of them, like Ethan Peck and Anson Mount, are filling the shoes quite well.
Whether this idea ever comes to fruition, only time will tell. For now, there is still no word on whether season three of Short Treks is still happening.