Why Star Wars Movies Are Thriving While Star Trek’s Are Stuck in Limbo

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I’m envious because the new Star Wars movies are soon returning to cinemas, while it seems like there are no definite plans for new Star Trek films. The recent Star Wars Celebration Japan was a significant gathering for Star Wars enthusiasts, and some of the most thrilling announcements made there included the reveal of the next two Star Wars films. These are titled The Mandalorian & Grogu, slated for release in May 2026, and Star Wars: Starfighter, scheduled for premiere in May 2027. On the other hand, it looks like there’s still uncertainty surrounding the release of Star Trek movies.

As a dedicated fan, I’m thrilled about the return of “Star Wars: The Mandalorian & Grogu,” directed by Jon Favreau. Pedro Pascal reprises his role as Djn Djarin, and the adorable baby Yoda, Grogu, steals the show once more. The news that Sigourney Weaver would be joining the cast as a starfighter pilot left me speechless! Director Shawn Levy also has my attention with the introduction of Ryan Gosling in “Star Wars: Starfighter.” This new movie takes place a few years after the events of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

Six years since “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” garnered a billion dollars at the box office yet left many fans unimpressed, Lucasfilm and Disney appear to have conquered their film development slump. The power of the Force is once again strong within “Star Wars” movies, sparking renewed enthusiasm and hope among viewers. It would be wonderful if we could express similar sentiments about the state of Star Trek films, rekindling the excitement of Starfleet’s cinematic journeys for its devoted fans.

Star Trek Movies Are Still In Development Hell

Theatrical & Streaming Star Trek Movies Are A Big Question Mark

Currently, the much-anticipated return of Star Wars to movie theaters is happening, but unfortunately, there has been little movement on the production side for Star Trek. The last time a new Star Trek film hit the big screen was in 2016 with Star Trek Beyond, directed by Justin Lin and produced by J.J. Abrams. Since then, several potential directors such as Noah Hawley, S.J. Clarkson, Matt Shakman, and even Quentin Tarantino have stepped away from the project due to creative disagreements with Paramount Studios. As a result, it appears that the development of Star Trek movies is stuck in a prolonged limbo.

Section 31, didn’t resonate with both audiences and critics. Not even the Academy Award-winning actress Michelle Yeoh could save this film from being well-received by Star Trek enthusiasts. As a result, the future of these streaming Star Trek movies is now uncertain.

It appears Lucasfilm and Disney have successfully ironed out past mistakes and strategically prioritized theatrical films as the cornerstone of Star Wars once more. While shows on Disney+ like The Acolyte and Skeleton Crew didn’t receive quite as much love as The Mandalorian’s initial seasons, the renewed focus on Star Wars movies is a breath of fresh air for the galaxy far, far away. It’s heartening to learn that two new Star Wars films are in development with big-name talent and accomplished directors like Jon Favreau and Shawn Levy at the helm.

Star Wars Will Celebrate Its 50th Anniversary With A Movie

Star Trek’s 60th Anniversary May Pass Without A Movie

2027 marks the 50th year since the initial screening of “Star Wars: A New Hope,” and “Star Wars: Starfighter” plans to commemorate this milestone with a fresh theatrical debut. Though it has branched out into various media such as streaming TV, comics, novels, and video games, “Star Wars” fundamentally remains a film franchise at heart. The allure of “Star Wars” stems from its knack for producing iconic cinematic hits like “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Rogue One.” With shows like “The Mandalorian & Grogu” and “Star Wars: Starfighter” in succession, anticipation is indeed running high.

2016 saw the release of “Star Trek Beyond”, marking the 50th anniversary of the Star Trek franchise. However, it’s uncertain whether we’ll celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2026 with a new movie. Instead, the TV side of Star Trek is set to commemorate this milestone, with “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” season 4 and “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy” season 1 expected on Paramount+ in 2026. Regrettably, a major-budget Star Trek movie, similar to the J.J. Abrams reboot that captivated audiences in 2009, doesn’t appear to be planned for Star Trek’s 60th anniversary.

Will Another Star Trek Movie Be Made?

It’s Been A Long Time Since There Was A Star Trek Movie Update

A full year has passed since the latest major update on Star Trek movies, specifically an upcoming untitled Star Trek Origin movie directed by Toby Haynes, known for his work on Star Wars: Andor and Black Mirror’s Star Trek tributes “USS Callister” and “USS Callister Into Infinity.” In April 2024, Paramount Studios made this announcement. However, during CinemaCon 2025, there was no mention of Haynes’ Star Trek prequel movie, and since then, there has been no further news regarding X-Men producer Simon Kinberg being involved in the production of future Star Trek movies.

Currently, the idea of Star Trek 4 with Chris Pine as Captain James T. Kirk and Zachary Quinto as Spock remains an elusive dream that Paramount hasn’t yet managed to bring to life. The actors, including Pine, have often expressed their eagerness to rejoin the Starship Enterprise. Just like the Star Trek Origin movie, the latest news on Star Trek 4 was reported last year when Steve Yockey was said to be working on a new script. However, since then, there has been no further update or announcement.

There’s a good chance that Toby Haynes’ prequel to “Star Trek Origin,” titled as such, might kickstart production in 2025, given that it’s said to be more advanced than “Star Trek 4.” If this happens, fans could potentially enjoy a new Star Trek film by 2026, coinciding with the series’ 60th anniversary. It would certainly be exciting for fans of both franchises if two films like “Star Wars” and “Star Trek” were released in 2026. However, it’s unfortunate that there are no current indications pointing to a new “Star Trek” movie being produced anytime soon.

Why Movies Are Still Important To Star Trek

Star Trek Is More Than A TV Franchise

The basis of the Star Trek series lies in television, and it’s often praised for its excellence on the small screen. The episodic and serialized nature of TV allows Star Trek to delve into intricate character development and a vast array of moral and ethical dilemmas, reflecting Gene Roddenberry’s optimistic vision. It also provides opportunities for bold ventures such as the musical episode in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Nevertheless, there’s an indisputable charm about the Star Trek films.

Star Trek films have provided numerous memorable scenes since the demise of Spock (Leonard Nimoy) in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, such as Captain Jean-Luc Picard’s battle against the Borg in Star Trek: First Contact and Chris Pine’s portrayal of young Captain Kirk saving Earth in the 2009 film. These movies have become significant elements of the franchise and have attracted mainstream audiences who may find the 900+ hours of TV episodes overwhelming.

2026 and 2027 can’t come fast enough for me as I eagerly anticipate returning to cinemas to watch “The Mandalorian & Grogu” and “Star Wars: Starfighter” on the big screen. It would be fantastic if “Star Trek” could offer one or two films to look forward to as well. The excitement surrounding “Star Wars” heading back to movie theaters is palpable, and I truly hope that “Star Trek” follows suit soon.

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2025-04-22 16:59