Larson , a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter - day Saints in real life , had been working on the concept since 1968 .
Former Star Trek producer Gene L. Coon had mentored him in its early development .
Larson , a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter - day Saints in real life , had been working on the concept since 1968 , and former Star Trek producer Gene L. Coon had mentored him in its early development .