Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley, known for their work on “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” and the screenplay for “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” are set to take the helm of a new “Star Trek” film, marking a significant move to revitalize the franchise after a prolonged absence from the big screen. The project aims to usher in a fresh direction for “Star Trek,” which has not seen a cinematic release since “Star Trek Beyond” debuted in 2016.
Variety reports that this film will not continue the storyline from the J.J. Abrams reboot and will not feature Chris Pine or any cast members from those earlier films, frustrating fans hoping for a continuation of that era. Instead, the film will present an entirely new narrative, disconnected from ongoing television series and previous film development projects, leaving familiar characters like Jean-Luc Picard and Kathryn Janeway out of the equation.
The road to a new “Star Trek” film has faced numerous hurdles in recent years. Plans had surfaced for various projects, including one that would have seen Chris Hemsworth reprise his role as Capt. Kirk’s father, and a Quentin Tarantino-directed film set in a 1930s gangster world. However, these initiatives did not materialize, with directors Noah Hawley and Matt Shakman also stepping away from what seemed to be promising projects.
In 2024, reports indicated a draft was being prepared for a “final chapter” in the “Trek” franchise, featuring the beloved cast led by Pine, Zachary Quinto, and Zoe Saldaña. At the same time, a potential origin story directed by Toby Haynes was in the works, written by Seth Grahame-Smith. Unfortunately, both projects have seemingly stalled.
Since David Ellison’s Skydance took control of Paramount, pushing for new “Star Trek” material has been a top priority, recognizing the franchise’s significance in the studio’s legacy. Goldstein and Daley are familiar to Ellison, having recently worked together on the upcoming film “Mayday,” which is set to release on Apple TV+.
The film development is generating excitement as Goldstein and Daley, who have previously directed comedic hits like “Game Night” and the “Vacation” reboot, are expected to bring a fresh perspective to the iconic franchise. Their diverse background in film showcases their ability to weave engaging narratives, suggesting a promising future for the “Star Trek” legacy.