Simon Kinberg Reportedly Producing New ‘Star Trek’ Movie
(Left) Simon Kinberg, creator of the ‘Invasion’ series. (Right) Chris Pine, Simon Pegg and Karl Urban in ‘Star Trek’ (2009). Courtesy of Paramount Pictures.
Advance:
- Simon Kinberg is reportedly joining the ‘Star Trek’ film franchise.
- He will be producing future entries.
- Holly Hunter is the first person chosen in the series ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’.
While Paramount remains in something of a state of flux –– with different buyers circling to make offers to buy the venerable studio and its associated television network, streaming service and other properties –– it appears to be taking steps both on the cinema as in television. when it comes to the hit sci-fi franchise ‘Star Trek’.
First up, we have news on the ‘Trek’ movies and a notable new (potential) hire.
What’s happening with the new ‘Star Trek’ movie?
Chris Pine in ‘Star Trek’ in 2009. Photo: Paramount Images.
Paramount has apparently been having real trouble finding a direction for its ‘Trek’ film franchise. The TV side of things (more on that below) has been doing very well, but on the big screen, the movies have been stuck in development limbo since ‘Star Trek Beyond’ premiered to unexciting box office in 2016.
Several movies have been announced or reported, including the return of Chris Pine’s Kirk and Company. of JJ Abrams’ “Kelvin” timeline movies, a Quentin Tarantino one-off movie (which seems less likely to happen), and the latest news of a prequel/origin story to be directed by Andor’s Toby Haynes a script by Seth Grahame. -Blacksmith.
Now, according to Puck’s ‘What I’m Hearing…’ newsletter, Simon Kinberg, a veteran producer of films such as ‘The Martian’, some of the ‘X-Men’ films and the first two ‘Deadpool’ efforts ‘ (not to mention mentioning things like ‘Invasion’ on Apple TV+) is in talks to produce that new ‘Trek’ effort.
And if all goes well, apparently the plan is for Kinberg to take over directing the film side of Trek, helping guide future outings and presumably helping to course-correct.
What’s happening with the ‘Starfleet Academy’ series?
Holly Hunter attends the 2017 Annual Academy Governors Awards in the Ray Dolby Ballroom at the Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, CA on Saturday, November 11, 2017. Credit/Vendor: Aaron Poole / ©AMPAS
Copyright: ©AMPAS
After that, we learn that Holly Hunter will play the captain and chancellor of the Starfleet Academy located in the titular educational facility that trains the crew and fleet officers.
Hunter’s Chancellor will preside over the faculty and the latest generation of students to arrive at the academy.
Here’s what co-showrunners Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau had to say about Hunter’s casting to Variety:
“It seems like we’ve spent our entire lives watching Holly Hunter be a stone-cold genius. “To have her extraordinary authenticity, bravery, sense of humor and overall brilliance leading the charge on ‘Starfleet Academy’ is a gift to all of us and to the enduring legacy of ‘Star Trek.’”
What is the history of ‘Starfleet Academy’?
‘Star Trek: The Movie’ from 1979. Photo: Paramount Images.
While most other character and story details are kept behind a force field, we know something of the show’s tone thanks to a previous comment from Landau:
“These are children who have never had a red alert before. They never had to operate a transporter or be in a fight with lasers.”
So, yes, it seems likely that this one will be coming of age with high-tech equipment.
Sets being built for the new series apparently include the largest contiguous set ever built for a ‘Star Trek’ series, a central academic atrium that will span two floors and include an amphitheater, classrooms, a dining hall and an idyllic lined walkway of with trees.
Production on the show is scheduled for later this summer in Toronto.
(From left to right) Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto in ‘Star Trek’ (2009). Courtesy of Paramount Pictures.
Other ‘Star Trek’ movies and television series:
Buy ‘Star Trek’ Movies on Amazon
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