To Boldy Go: More Star Trek Adventures in the Pipeline
Rumors of the death of the Star Trek franchise appear to have been exaggerated. On May 8th, the release date for the latest Trek incarnation many old fans lined up a new uncertain if they would really love the new “re-boot” of their favorite franchise. The fans were not the only ones who were nervous. However, industry observers noted that the film was a major risk for parent studio Paramount. It was further argued that even though previous Star Trek films had been hits, none had been a blockbuster. Clearly these nabobs of negativism loved to point out that the most recent Trek adventure, Star Trek: Nemesis, had failed to break $25 million in its opening weekend.
Reasons abounded as to why this Star Trek film would be a catastrophic failure for Paramount. Despite the fact that only one Star Trek movie (in ten tries) had broken $100 million in U.S. box office receipts, Paramount cleared a $150 million production budget for the new Star Trek. Everyone realized that even if this movie grossed more than any of the previous Star Trek films the losses could still be substantial. It was agreed by all that there was no guarantee that at this budget Star Trek could be profitable. After a week in general release it is clear that the naysayers have been proven wrong.
Star Trek grossed over $75 million on its opening weekend, more than double the previous best Star Trek opening. Season movie analysts were stunned by the numbers for that opening weekend. In just over a week, this new Star Trek movie has grossed more in the United States than any of the prior Star Trek films made in their entire theatrical runs.
Sources at Paramount Pictures have confirmed that there will be another Star Trek movie, tentatively scheduled for release in the summer of 2011. The scribes behind Star Trek have already signed on to write the next adventure in the space saga. It has not yet been confirmed if J.J. Abrams will reprise his role as the director for the new feature. It is believed that Abrams will at the very least produce the film.
This news comes as music to the ears of Star Trek fans everywhere who have been nearly unanimous in their praise of the new Star Trek movie. The fact that many in the media pronounced Star Trek dead several years ago has made the return of James T. Kirk and crew so satisfying to Star Trek fans everywhere.
There have not been any leaks regarding the plotline of the next movie in the franchise. However, we all expect that after the events of Star Trek that the writers will be free to take the series anywhere they want which is very exciting if you believed in the quality of this creative team’s works. Also, expect to see at least one more Star Trek film after the next Star Trek movie as the principal cast all have deals in place for three pictures. It is, once again, a very exciting time to be a Star Trek fan.