As Star Trek transitions from its recent TV revival, trimming down to a select few series like Strange New Worlds and the upcoming Starfleet Academy, there’s renewed excitement at Paramount about the possibility of bringing this beloved sci-fi franchise back to the silver screen. Fans have been on a rollercoaster ride over the past few years regarding a fourth Star Trek film set in the “Kelvin timeline,” with progress often stalling.
Among the creatives who have engaged with this ambitious project is Noah Hawley, who’s currently making waves in the sci-fi genre with FX’s Alien: Earth. In 2020, Hawley provided an intriguing glimpse into his vision for the film, which was paused at the time before he shifted his focus to other endeavors. In an interview with Variety, he mentioned, “We’re not doing Kirk and we’re not doing Picard. It’s a start from scratch that then allows us to do what we did with [the Hawley-created TV series] Fargo, where for the first three hours you go, ‘Oh, it really has nothing to do with the movie,’ and then you find the money. So you reward the audience with a thing that they love.”
Fast forward five years, and Hawley shared more insights about his scrapped Star Trek concept with Men’s Journal. He recalled, “It was great. And we had sound stages in Australia. We were on the runway, and we were negotiating with actors.” Distressingly, he noted the difficult loss of the project, revealing, “It was an original story that was not related to Chris Pine or Captain Kirk. One interesting aspect was an unboxing of Data, the android, which could have played a significant role in the narrative.”
He reminisced about the creative storytelling he admired, saying, “I love The Wrath of Khan. My favorite moment is when [William] Shatner puts on his reading glasses and lowers Khan’s shields. It costs nothing! But I love that creative problem-solving. They outsmarted their enemies. That’s my favorite kind of storytelling.”
While we may never experience a Hawley-driven Star Trek, there’s still the chance to dive into his current project, Alien: Earth. The series, which features androids and other sci-fi elements, releases new episodes every Tuesday on FX.
What are the latest developments in the Star Trek franchise?
The franchise is focusing on fewer series and aiming to bring the saga back to cinemas with fresh storylines.
What makes Noah Hawley’s concept for Star Trek unique?
Hawley’s vision aimed to create an original story detached from established characters like Kirk and Picard, focusing on fresh narratives and innovative storytelling.
When can we expect to see new Star Trek movies?
Currently, there is no confirmed release date for new Star Trek films, but the interest from Paramount indicates future possibilities.
How does Alien: Earth relate to Star Trek?
Though distinct franchises, both explore imaginative sci-fi themes, with Hawley’s experience in one influencing potential storytelling in the other.
Have any original elements from previous Star Trek films been included in Hawley’s vision?
Yes, concepts like the android Data were intended to play a role in Hawley’s project, influencing the narrative in new ways.
As the adventure of Star Trek continues to evolve, it remains a cornerstone of sci-fi storytelling. For more insights on your favorite franchises like Marvel, DC, and more, head over to Moyens I/O to stay in the loop with the latest updates!