Paramount Pictures and Skydance Media are positioning Star Trek as a cornerstone of their unified post-merger cinema roadmap. Fresh intelligence from Deadline reveals the studio is actively developing two distinct Star Trek theatrical projects, each charting unique creative territories for the legendary science fiction franchise.
The first venture falls under the direction of Toby Haynes, renowned for his work on Star Wars: Andor, collaborating with screenwriter Seth Grahame-Smith. This production will pioneer an entirely original ensemble, departing from established characters to forge unexplored narrative pathways within the Star Trek universe.
Meanwhile, the second initiative stems from the creative vision of Steve Yockey, mastermind behind The Flight Attendant, who will craft a screenplay focusing on the beloved triumvirate of Kirk, Spock, and their Enterprise adventures.
Production timelines remain undisclosed, with no indication of which project will advance to filming first. However, studio executives have definitively classified Star Trek as a "top-tier priority" in Paramount's evolving entertainment portfolio.
The franchise's theatrical presence has remained dormant since 2016's Star Trek Beyond, which garnered critical acclaim but struggled commercially, accumulating $343.3 million globally against a substantial $185 million production investment. Subsequently, numerous Star Trek cinematic concepts have emerged and dissolved, including Quentin Tarantino's ambitious standalone vision and Noah Hawley's iteration, which was ultimately shelved partly due to its pandemic-centered storyline.
Notably, Hawley's abandoned project similarly emphasized fresh character introductions, an approach now being embraced by Haynes' development. While Hollywood typically gravitates toward nostalgia-fueled continuations, Star Trek's historical success stems from consistently introducing innovative crews, exemplified by The Next Generation's transition from the original series and Deep Space Nine's ensemble evolution. Sustaining franchise longevity necessitates character reinvention and narrative expansion.
Nevertheless, the magnetic appeal of revisiting the Kelvin Timeline cast—featuring Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, and their acclaimed colleagues—remains substantial. Yockey's project could potentially deliver a satisfying conclusion to this iteration of the Enterprise crew, while Haynes' film establishes foundational elements for future storytelling.
Strategic execution could yield optimal results for enthusiasts: a respectful homage to established legacy combined with ambitious exploration of uncharted creative possibilities.