Indeed, evidence from Star Trek, from Star Wars, from Alien and Prometheus, suggests prequels will disappoint. Regular old forward-in-time sequels seem to work better.
I’d watch Wil Wheaton play a grumpy middle-aged Wesley Crusher causing mischief with his “traveler” talents, with Starfleet as his antagonist. Like The Fugitive in space? Or like Doctor Who, but with Wil Wheaton.
