7 Things Star Trek Must Do To Save Its Movie Future

With David Ellison’s Skydance taking over Paramount Pictures, reviving the studio’s most successful franchise is a top priority for the new owner. To that end, there are rumors of two upcoming Star Trek movies, one of which will bring together characters from the 2009 version of Star Trek. No specific release dates have been set for these projects yet, but the aim is to reignite the Star Trek franchise on the big screen following a ten-year hiatus in movie theaters. Although Star Trek: Discovery launched an extended and thriving TV universe for Paramount+ in 2017, reviving the film series has proven challenging.

As a die-hard Star Trek fan, I’ve been thinking about what it might take to bring this beloved saga back to its former theatrical glory. If we want to see more Starfleet adventures gracing the multiplex screens, here are seven key elements that I believe the new movies should consider:

1. Respect the legacy: Honor the history and essence of Star Trek while introducing fresh ideas and perspectives.

2. Focus on compelling storytelling: The narrative should be engaging, thought-provoking, and emotionally resonant to capture both longtime fans and new audiences.

3. Character development: Develop complex, relatable characters that viewers can invest in and care about.

4. Balance action and dialogue: Achieve a delicate balance between exciting space battles and insightful dialogues to keep the audience on edge.

5. Continuity: Maintain continuity with previous episodes while offering standalone stories that still feel connected to the overall Star Trek universe.

6. Relevance: Address contemporary issues and themes in a way that feels relevant to current audiences, but without becoming overly preachy or didactic.

7. Embrace diversity: Reflect our diverse world by featuring characters from various backgrounds, cultures, and identities, both on and off the bridge of the Starship Enterprise.

7) Introduce New Characters

In simpler terms, the recent Star Trek films should not rely on established characters except for a farewell film for the Kelvin timeline. The franchise’s cinematic reputation is already under pressure, and adding more familiar faces like Picard, Tribbles, Bones, etc., would only cater to old fans. Instead, let’s introduce fresh Star Trek characters in the 2020s that can be owned by contemporary moviegoers.

Instead, let’s envision new characters that promote unity among diverse communities, similar to how crew members in the original Star Trek show included both Russian officers and Black women as integral team members. Adapting this concept for today’s perspective could make the cast of the modern Star Trek series even more relatable and appealing to contemporary audiences.

This paraphrased version maintains the essence of the original statement while making it easier to understand, using a more natural and conversational tone. It also ensures that the meaning remains intact, as it emphasizes the importance of diversity and unity within the cast of the Star Trek series to make it relevant for modern moviegoers.

6) Don’t Just Make Big-Screen Extensions of the TV Shows

Instead of creating new Star Trek movies based on current programming like Strange New Worlds and Starfleet Academy, consider maintaining a distinction between them. While reviving old casts for big-screen adventures was popular in pre-2009 Star Trek films, especially the 90’s Next Generation series, it’s important to note that the original 60’s Star Trek show enjoys significantly more popularity than Paramount+ programming. Additionally, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has faced challenges in the 2020s due to its close integration of streaming and theatrical releases. Keeping these strands of Star Trek separate could make the movies feel more special.

5) Don’t Forget the Hopefulness

In a departure from the darker tone of 2013’s “Star Trek Into Darkness,” which featured a gloomier color scheme and Spock, played by Zackary Quinto, repeatedly punching the villain, future installments of the Star Trek series should embrace optimism and even a touch of silliness. This space-faring saga is rooted in visions of hope for the future. It’s important to remember that the franchise originated with Captain Kirk, played by William Shatner, engaging in fisticuffs with extraterrestrials in lizard costumes. The success of 2025’s “Superman,” which showcased a contemporary and inspiring reinterpretation of a beloved character, demonstrates that modern audiences are open to such approaches. Thus, the grittiness of “Star Trek Into Darkness” might not be essential for future films in the series.

4) Keep the Budgets Smaller

As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, I’ve always noticed that “Star Trek” movies haven’t quite managed to shine as brightly at the international box office compared to their domestic performance. The underwhelming international earnings of the first and third installments in the Kelvin timeline series during the 21st century have only underscored this reality. With the global demand for American blockbusters taking a dip in the 2020s, causing even Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) blockbusters to miss the $425+ million worldwide mark, it’s clear that “Star Trek” movies need to be produced with caution.

Chris Pine’s 2023 comments about the necessity of making these films more cost-effective resonate strongly with me. Embracing a leaner production approach would alleviate the financial pressure on each individual installment, allowing for potential exploration of bolder creative choices.

3) Do Star Trek Films Need to Be Action Movies?

In contrast to the flexibility displayed in Star Trek TV series such as Strange New Worlds, which can venture into episodes featuring music or puppetry, the film side of this franchise appears to be limited to action films only. However, why not explore different genres or tones in future Star Trek movies instead of relying solely on action? After all, one of the most cherished Star Trek films, The Voyage Home, is more about saving whales than it is about martial arts fight scenes akin to John Wick. With an oversaturation of action movies in today’s film industry, perhaps it’s time for the Star Trek movie series to return to its science fiction origins.

2) Set the Films In New, Unexplored Parts of the Timeline

In discussing accessibility, it’s important that new “Star Trek” films are situated within the franchise’s timeline where there is minimal or no existing “Star Trek” content. This way, these movies can be more approachable for new viewers as clean spots in the timeline offer an easier entry point. Ideally, the movie’s position in the timeline should not significantly impact the overall enjoyment of the film series. Instead, when selecting a clutter-free moment in “Star Trek” history, the emphasis should shift towards crafting a compelling narrative rather than forcing connections or reflections of past films and television shows. In essence, focusing on a strong story is key rather than worrying about how it fits into the existing body of work.

1) Hire Young, Exciting Directors to Helm New Movies

To ensure that the “Star Trek” film series remains engaging and contemporary for younger moviegoers, Paramount requires creative minds who can offer a unique take on this space saga. For many under the age of 35, “Star Trek” might not hold the same significance as it does for older generations. Instead of relying on filmmakers who are still reminiscing about the original 60s “Star Trek” series, the franchise needs fresh perspectives to introduce something novel. With so much of the past influencing these films, hiring a dynamic young director would provide an aesthetic that instantly appeals to modern viewers with something new and exciting. To captivate future generations of fans, it’s essential that filmmakers who resonate with their age group are at the helm of “Star Trek” productions.

Star Trek: Discovery and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds are now streaming on Paramount+.

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2025-08-16 02:59