One such challenge arose when the project’s direction shifted to include the Sci-Fi World Museum display, leaving some original supporters disgruntled. The recreation of the captain’s chair, a centerpiece of the Enterprise-D Bridge, also faced setbacks, with an imperfect replica causing controversy after it was sold on eBay.
In a twist that echoed the drama usually saved for the screen, the project faced its darkest hour in 2018. Huston Huddleston, the driving force behind the endeavor, was arrested and later convicted of possessing illicit images and videos of minors. Despite this setback, the project persevered under new leadership, with John Purdy taking the helm as CEO of the Sci-Fi World Museum.
