Star Trek 4’s Development Hell Just Got So Much Worse

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For nearly a decade, the production of Star Trek 4 has stalled, but the latest Marvel Studios movie offers a glimpse into what we might have experienced with this space-exploring sequel. The development of Star Trek 4 was initiated just before the 2016 release of Star Trek Beyond, the third film in the revamped Star Trek movie series that includes 2009’s Star Trek and 2013’s Star Trek Into Darkness. Known as the “Kelvin Timeline,” this reboot series leveraged enhanced and realistic visual effects, which could have been continued in Star Trek 4.

Initially, J. D. Payne and Patrick McKay were set to write the screenplay for Star Trek 4, and S. J. Clarkson (known for Jessica Jones and Madame Web) was appointed as director in April 2018. Unfortunately, contract discussions with Chris Pine and Chris Hemsworth fell apart, signaling the first discordant note for Star Trek 4. By January 2019, the film was ultimately cancelled. Later on, Noah Hawley (creator of Legion and Fargo) became involved, while Quentin Tarantino was also working on a separate Star Trek project. However, so far, nothing substantial has been produced – despite the potential for an extraordinary film.

Matt Shakman Was Set to Direct Star Trek 4 in 2021

Following the scrapping of Hawley’s Star Trek 4 (originally starring Cate Blanchett and Rami Malek), Matt Shakman stepped in as director in 2020. Shakman’s success from Marvel Studios’ WandaVision series in 2021 made him a highly sought-after director, leading him to turn down several other offers for Star Trek 4. The movie was initially slated for a June 2023 release after Shakman joined the team in July 2021, but it encountered another delay and has been rescheduled for December 2023.

Before any negotiations for bringing the original trilogy’s cast back for Star Trek 4 had started, producer J.J. Abrams unexpectedly revealed to everyone that the cast would be reprising their roles. This happened before a script was finalized, with Josh Friedman and Cameron Squires already working on a rewrite. Later, several cast members expressed enthusiasm about coming back, crew were hired, and soundstages were prepared. However, in August 2022, production halted, the crew was dismissed, and the planned filming date for Star Trek 4 was cancelled.

It was speculated that delays with the script were causing the stagnation, but once again, the production of Star Trek 4 has halted at a time when it appeared we might finally see the long-awaited sequel. Despite Paramount Pictures still viewing the sequel as a high priority, Shakman chose to leave and instead direct The Fantastic Four: First Steps for Marvel Studios, replacing Jon Watts. We were on the brink of experiencing Shakman’s vision for Star Trek, and the release of First Steps showcases just how amazing that could have been.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps Revealed What We Could Have Had From Star Trek 4

As a seasoned movie critic, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing the extraordinary talent that Matt Shakman brings to the table. His knack for crafting captivating character-driven science fiction stories is simply unparalleled, as evidenced in masterpieces like “WandaVision” and “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” In the latter, Shakman seamlessly introduced Marvel’s beloved First Family into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, offering a stylish 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic adventure. When Phase 6 rolls around, prepare to be awestruck as the Fantastic Four embark on an epic space voyage to engage in negotiations with the planet-devouring Galactus (Ralph Ineson), delivering some of the most jaw-dropping space sequences ever graced by the silver screen.

While fleeing from Galactus, the extraordinary quartet outran light through a wormhole, pursued relentlessly by Silver Surfer (played by Julia Garner), until they stumbled upon a black hole. This breathtaking sequence mirrored the rapid-speed voyages portrayed in the Star Trek series, implying that Matt Shakman would have excelled at producing comparable scenes for his Star Trek sequel. Additionally, Josh Friedman, who has previously collaborated on both The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Star Trek 4 with Shakman, demonstrated a strong working relationship.

I’m truly disappointed that the creative minds behind Star Trek 4 didn’t get the opportunity to realize their unique vision for the movie. The Fantastic Four: First Steps has left a lasting impression with its mix of captivating deep-space and Earth scenes, combined with character growth and profound emotional bonds. If given the chance, Star Trek 4 could have greatly benefited from this kind of storytelling approach. However, with Paramount Global merging with Skydance Media, it’s uncertain where the sequel will head, leaving us guessing about the future direction for the Star Trek franchise.

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2025-08-03 02:40