It’s been revealed that Paramount Pictures is working on two brand new Star Trek movies, both overseen by J.J. Abrams in terms of production. As per a recent report from Deadline, one project will see the comeback of Captain Kirk and his renowned team, whereas the other features new characters under the direction of Toby Haynes, who is well-known for his work on Andor.
One of the top priorities for Paramount, owned by Skydance, is the ‘Star Trek’ series, which Gene Roddenberry (Ellison) has been associated with since the 2013 sequel titled ‘Star Trek Into Darkness.’ Currently, they are working on a movie featuring new characters, and Toby Haynes, who directed ‘Andor,’ is involved in its development.
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) August 13, 2025
Initially, it seems like an ambitious step forward for the series. However, with J.J. Abrams directing – known for his controversial Kelvin Timeline films – and Alex Kurtzman involved as a significant player in contemporary Trek, many fans are apprehensive that this could result in more of the high-action, storyline-altering spectacles that traditionalists have found unpalatable for over a decade.
The announcement has been made with Skydance now being the owner of Paramount, they’ve decided to prioritize Star Trek throughout their company, as stated by co-chair Dana Goldberg. The initial movie, written by Steve Yockey, is set to bring back well-known characters like Kirk and Spock, presumably continuing from the timeline initiated in Abrams’ 2009 reboot under the Kelvin Timeline.
In the upcoming work I’m excited about, penned by Seth Grahame-Smith and produced alongside Simon Kinberg, I’ll be eagerly anticipating the fresh ground it intends to cover under the guidance of director Ava DuVernay. Although specific release dates and storylines remain under wraps for now, J.J. Abrams’ involvement in both projects guarantees that his distinctive touch will undeniably be felt throughout.
The Kelvin Timeline: A Flashy Reboot That Divided the Fandom
Let’s take a look back at the Abrams’ Kelvin Timeline series of Star Trek movies, which includes Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness, and Star Trek Beyond, to grasp the apprehension better.
The newly produced films revamped the initial series by featuring a younger acting ensemble, with Chris Pine portraying Kirk, Zachary Quinto as Spock, and Zoe Saldana in the role of Uhura. Despite earning over $1 billion collectively at the box office, they faced criticism for favoring intense action sequences over the introspective themes that characterized Gene Roddenberry’s original concept.
Critics frequently criticize films for making surface-level alterations such as increased romantic elements, dramatic action scenes, and excessive use of lens flares, which J.J. Abrams himself acknowledged were excessively utilized.
Critics often highlight discrepancies in the lore, such as revised character histories and a more action-oriented storyline reminiscent of Star Wars. Interestingly, Abrams went on to helm both The Force Awakens and The Rise of Skywalker for Lucasfilm.
In a similar vein, even though Justin Lin directed Star Trek Beyond, which is frequently commended as the best in the series, it wasn’t entirely free from J.J. Abrams’ influence as producer. Critics suggest that the new timeline was used more as a means to give Star Trek a modern makeover, but this reboot came at the cost of the franchise’s original essence, catering instead to mainstream movie success.
As a child, Abrams freely acknowledged that he didn’t particularly enjoy Star Trek due to its deep philosophical nature, often expressing a preference for something more like Star Wars. Critics suggest this lack of connection is evident in the final outcome of his work.
Alex Kurtzman: Abrams’ Disciple and the Face of Modern Trek’s Woes
While Alex Kurtzman might not be mentioned directly in the latest film announcements, it’s clear that he played a significant role during J.J. Abrams’ era of Star Trek.
Working alongside Roberto Orci as a co-writer for the first two Kelvin films, Kurtzman played a significant role in determining the contentious direction of the reboots. Since assuming control over Star Trek television in 2018, he’s been responsible for shows such as Discovery, Picard, Strange New Worlds, and Lower Decks-shows that have divided audiences even more.
During Kurtzman’s tenure, there have been numerous criticisms for incorporating “wokeness,” depicting a morally questionable Starfleet, and favoring gritty realism over the original optimistic tone. Critics often refer to his work as run-of-the-mill Hollywood productions that misinterpret the essence of the franchise.
As a longtime associate of Abrams, dating back to projects such as Alias and Mission: Impossible III, Kurtzman is often viewed as Abrams’ follower by some. Their shared approach has transformed Star Trek into a spectacle-centric franchise, moving away from its original themes of optimism and discovery. Given that Abrams is producing the new films, it’s likely that Kurtzman’s impact, whether direct or indirect, will continue the same tendencies.
Why This Feels Like More of the Same—and What It Means for Trek’s Future
Abrams’ decision continues the issues from the Kelvin era: excessive visual effects, changed backstory, and a preference for popular appeal over depth. Given Kurtzman’s history (should he remain involved), these movies could potentially drive away dedicated fans who seek the thought-provoking, idealistic essence of original Star Trek.
Speaking of which, Haynes’ participation in the upcoming film featuring a new character is a promising sign. His contributions to the series Andor introduced realistic and character-focused storytelling to Star Wars, suggesting a breath of fresh air. However, with Abrams in charge, there’s a lingering concern about a return to the overused lens flares that might lead to mediocrity once more.
ultimately, Star Trek succeeds with innovative concepts rather than remakes; if these ventures adhere to Abrams’ and Kurtzman’s guidebook, they might appease the casual audience but disappoint dedicated fans – once more falling short of their high expectations.
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2025-08-16 15:58