Paramount is reportedly seeking a fresh take on Star Trek, moving away from another Kelvin-centric movie. The studio's new focus comes after a nine-year gap since the underwhelming box office performance of Star Trek Beyond, which led to various Paramount regimes struggling to find a viable path for a fourteenth big-screen Trek film. Variety Magazine reports that Paramount is prioritizing new projects and reinvigorating existing franchises, aiming for a fresh Star Trek movie. However, the studio has moved on from the idea of bringing back the original cast, including Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto.
In the past nine years, multiple Star Trek film projects have been announced, with various writers and directors attached. Two serious attempts to produce a fourth movie with the Kelvin universe crew were halted before pre-production, the last time in 2022. Paramount's official stance, for the last few years, was that a fourth film for the Abramsverse crew, starring Chris Pine as Captain James T. Kirk, was in development. However, this is no longer the case.
The Variety piece, which covered Paramount's first 100 days under new CEO David Ellison and his Skydance team, did not provide further details about Star Trek or the status of the 'Star Trek origin' film directed by Toby Haynes. Before the Skydance takeover, this film was scheduled for release before another attempt at a 'Star Trek 4' with the Kelvin crew, and was even announced as part of the 2026 release slate. However, with no significant progress, it's clear that a Star Trek movie will not be released in the franchise's 60th anniversary year.
Paramount's new management may be seeking something entirely new. CEO Ellison has emphasized that franchises are a key part of his future plans, and at a press conference, he stated that Star Trek is a priority for Paramount, including a holistic approach across film and television. They may already have a plan in mind or are seeking pitches for the next step in the franchise's evolution.
Producing a final Kelvin movie could be seen as a safe move to re-engage audiences, but it carries risks and isn't a long-term solution, especially with the directive to align TV and film efforts. The wait for the next Star Trek movie will likely continue, spanning over a decade. As James T. Kirk once said, 'Young minds, fresh ideas. Be tolerant.'
The article also touches on the future of Trek TV. While the Variety piece didn't provide specifics about Paramount+'s programming plans, it notes Ellison's goal to transform the platform from a second-rate app to a dominant player through better technology, user experience, and improved programming. Paramount+ currently has two active series, 'Strange New Worlds' and 'Starfleet Academy,' both developed by executive producer Alex Kurtzman. Kurtzman's contract with CBS and Paramount ends in 2026, which could be a pivot point for a fresh approach on the small screen.
Additionally, the article discusses external factors that could impact Star Trek streaming. Taylor Sheridan, the streamer's biggest producer, is leaving Paramount at the end of 2028, which could impact the pecking order. If Ellison achieves his goal of acquiring Warner Brothers Discovery, Star Trek would face competition for production dollars with popular shows like 'The White Lotus,' 'House of the Dragon,' and 'The Last of Us.' Therefore, the world of Trek TV is likely to undergo changes in the near future, adding to the anticipation among Trekkies.
