Has Paramount Finally Figured out How to Handle Star Trek?

Connor Ahluwalia
Movies Star Trek
Movies Star Trek

This year’s CinemaCon brought a flurry of unexpected updates on the future of Star Trek films. In the wake of the box office failure of Star Trek Beyond, a fourth entry in the rebooted franchise seemed unlikely. The extent of Quentin Tarantino’s involvement, announced several months ago, remained unclear. No cast member has a signed contract, and no release is scheduled. But now we have some clarity — and it suggests that after years of fumbling the ball, Paramount has finally figured out how to make good use of Star Trek.

What We Know

Starfleet logo

Paramount CEO Jim Gianopolous has confirmed that not one, but two films are in development. This marks the first time that multiple Star Trek movies have been in pre-production at the same time.

The first is the sequel to Beyond, originally announced in 2016. It will feature Chris Hemsworth returning as George Kirk and, according to reports, will be helmed by S.J. Clarkson. Clarkson, if confirmed, will become the franchise’s first female film director.

While reuniting the cast of the previous films and adding Hemsworth is likely to be expensive, the studio apparently views Star Trek as a “crown jewel” and is willing to put up the money.

S.J. Clarkson
S.J. Clarkson, whose credits include Marvel's 'Jessica Jones' and 'The Defenders', is in talks to direct Star Trek 4.

The second film is Tarantino’s mysterious project, currently being scripted by The Revenant screenwriter Mark L. Smith. The movie will be released sometime after Star Trek 4, and no director is attached. Most interestingly, it is apparently not set in the rebooted Kelvin timeline, allowing Tarantino maximum creative freedom.

While much remains unclear at this point, all of this news is exciting. Not just because we’re getting lots more Star Trek (don’t forget, Season 2 of Discovery just started production), but because it suggests that Paramount has finally figured out how to prioritize Star Trek.

Paramount Has Consistently Dropped the Ball With the Film Franchise

Star Trek 2009 cast
This cast could have competed with The Avengers.

In an age of shared cinematic universes, it has been endlessly frustrating to watch Paramount waste Star Trek. In 2009, J.J. Abrams delivered a critical and commercial smash, uniting a perfect cast and delivering one of the best entries in the franchise.

The studio’s approach since then, however, has been a disaster. It took four years to get a sequel, and then three more to get a third. All three have been well-reviewed, and Beyond was certainly the best Trek film since at least First Contact 20 years earlier. But a pitiful marketing campaign meant very few people got to the theatre to see it. For years, idle speculation has floated around about a “Star Trek cinematic universe”, but to no avail.

Why did this happen? Well, in 2009, the craze was “auteur blockbuster trilogies”, in the vein of Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight films. By the release of Into Darkness in 2013, The Avengers had changed the landscape and caught everyone flat-footed. That was also when J.J. Abrams jumped ship to direct The Force Awakens, leaving the Star Trek franchise rudderless.

Since then, Paramount’s own internal turmoil has left it unable or unwilling to commit to Star Trek as its answer to Disney’s ever-expanding roster of bankable franchises.

Until now.

What This Could Mean For Star Trek

Star Trek Beyond
This news can be a renewal of Star Trek as a major player in the modern blockbuster scene.

With Paramount having undergone a reorientation after several bad years, Star Trek is now, apparently, a big priority. The decision to incorporate big names like Hemsworth and Tarantino into the plan and to bet big on diverse talent shows renewed confidence.

The prospect of multiple timelines also hints at the development of a shared universe in the vein of Star Wars or Fox’s X-Men. Those franchises eschew Marvel’s obsession with interconnected storytelling with separation between different corners of their universe. This approach is probably the best one for Star Trek too. Don’t like the Kelvin timeline? Fine, now you can try “Tarantino Trek”.

Of course, it is too early to know exactly how all of this will shake out. S.J. Clarkson is an unknown quantity as a film director, having only helmed one feature back in 2010, and she has not even officially signed onto the project. Cast members have yet to sign any contracts, and some of them may not come cheap — particularly Zoe Saldana, whose commitments to the MCU and the Avatar sequels may tighten her schedule.

Tarantino’s film has no timeline, with the director currently focused on directing Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. And rumours have swirled recently of a merger between CBS and Paramount’s parent company, Viacom, which would unite the TV and movie sides of the franchise and probably change the agenda. Much can still happen.

But this looks like it could be the beginning of a revival of the Star Trek film brand, which for too long has been squandered by a studio that wasn’t sure what to do with it. For now, fans should take heart: Paramount seems to finally be giving Star Trek its due.

Connor Ahluwalia
Connor Ahluwalia is a FANDOM Contributor at FANDOM. He is a lifelong Trekkie and a devoted fan of the Arrowverse. Connor is always looking for good sci-fi, fantasy, or political drama (or all three).
Love Weird Lil Guys? Mario Kart World Is The Game For You
Cow was the eureka moment that opened the floodgates to all kinds of unconventional Mario Kart racers, and I love them.
Copied to clipboard
Destiny 2: The Edge Of Fate Draws On Metroidvanias To Bring You Back In
After previewing The Edge of Fate for 8 hours, I am excited to continue uncovering the mysteries of Kepler.
Copied to clipboard
Nintendo Switch 2 GameChat Feels Better Than It Looks
GameChat definitely isn't a marquee game-changer for Switch 2. But it's smartly designed enough to justify its existence as a nice-to-have feature.
Copied to clipboard
Switch 2 Welcome Tour Is A Surprising STEM Showpiece (But Should Be Free)
The Switch 2 Welcome Tour could be a neat, approachable way for students to learn concepts of industrial design--but only if they see it.
Copied to clipboard
The Witcher 4: Check Out 30 New Screenshots From The State of Unreal Tech Demo
The Witcher 4 is continuing to look graphically impressive.
Copied to clipboard
PlayStation State Of Play Announced For June 4
Sony's latest State of Play presentation comes during the busy period that used to include E3.
Copied to clipboard
007: First Light Is Hitman Dev's James Bond Game, Will Be Revealed This Week
IO Interactive is gearing up to reveal more information about its new James Bond adventure.
Copied to clipboard
Elden Ring Nightreign Patch Notes Include Promised Improvements For Solo Play
Here's how Elden Ring Nightreign is improved for solo players with its newest update.
Copied to clipboard
Don't Remove Switch 2's Protective Film, Nintendo Says
Nintendo placed a protective film over Switch 2's screen, and the gaming company strongly recommends leaving it alone.
Copied to clipboard
The Madden NFL 26 Cover Star Is Exactly Who You'd Guess It Is
After the Eagles' title run and his incredible season stat totals, Saquon Barkley is your Madden 26 cover star.
Copied to clipboard
Nintendo Switch 2 Launch Week Restocks - Here's What We Know So Far
If you weren't able to secure a Switch 2 console preorder, you'll have chances both in stores and online during launch week.
Copied to clipboard
The Last of Us Season 3: Everything We Know
'We haven't seen the last of a lot of people who are currently dead in the story'
Copied to clipboard
Elden Ring Nightreign - Guides Hub
Elden Ring Nightreign is a game jam-packed with content, and we have you covered with dozens of guides to help you survive the Living Lands.
Copied to clipboard
Elden Ring Nightreign Tips You Need To Know Before You Play
Elden Ring Nightreign can be a complex experience, so we have compiled a list of beginner tips to help get you started in the Living Lands.
Copied to clipboard
The Biggest Game Releases Of June 2025
From new Nintendo hardware to the return of Sam Porter Bridges, here’s a closer look at the biggest highlights of June 2025.
Copied to clipboard
Trump's Tariffs Blocked By Court With Refunds Possible
A panel ruled that Trump has overstepped his authority.
Copied to clipboard
To A T Review - A Sweet-Natured Fable Without Much To Do
To A T is a quirky and charming story about an underexplored topic; if only the act of playing it were a little more fun.
Copied to clipboard
CFB 26 Officially Unveiled With Reveal Trailer And First Details On What's New
Here's everything new and improved for this year's College Football game from EA.
Copied to clipboard
Elden Ring Nightreign Players Warned Of PC Performance Issues In Patch Notes
Elden Ring Nightreign's day-one patch notes are here and indicate that the game may have performance issues on PC.
Copied to clipboard
Elden Ring Nightreign And Twitch Release Exclusive Launch-Event Rewards
If you're diving into Nightreign, watching or streaming the new Elden Ring title on Twitch could bag you more than just a fun time.
Copied to clipboard
EA Cancels Black Panther Game, Closes Its Developer, And Lays Off More Staff
EA is cancelling Black Panther and closing its developer, Cliffhanger.
Copied to clipboard
Elden Ring Nightreign Review - Distilled Souls
Elden Ring Nightreign successfully condenses the ER experience, cramming challenging combat, exploration, and more into a multiplayer game.
Copied to clipboard
Nintendo Switch System Update Out Now, Here Are The Patch Notes
The new 20.1.0 update makes some small tweaks to the interface to better match the upcoming Switch 2.
Copied to clipboard
The PS5 Pro Has Received Its First Discount For Days Of Play 2025
PlayStation's high-powered PS5 Pro is available for $50 off alongside deals on more hardware, accessories, and games until June 11.
Copied to clipboard
F-Zero Is Going Through A Quiet Resurgence
Between F-Zero 99's updates and a regular stream of re-releases, Nintendo's forgotten racing series is suddenly more prominent than it's been in years
Copied to clipboard
CoD Season 4 Battle Pass Adds Stitch And Two New Guns In BO6 And Warzone
New weapons, operators, and cosmetics arrive with the Season 4 battle pass.
Copied to clipboard
Switch 2 Consoles Seem To Already Be In People's Hands
Check out an early unboxing video for the Switch 2.
Copied to clipboard
PlayStation's DualSense Edge PS5 Controller Is On Sale For Its Best Price Yet
PlayStation's Days of Play 2025 sale includes $30 discounts on the pro-style PS5 controller and $20 off all regular DualSense controller colors.
Copied to clipboard
The Handmaid's Tale Series Ending Explained
All the farewells, reunions, and major moments from Hulu's Emmy winner
Copied to clipboard
Sirens Boss Reveals Where She Thinks Devon, Simone, and Michaela End Up
Netflix's miniseries ends with a twist and many question marks
Copied to clipboard
More PlayStation Plus Premium/Extra Games Revealed And Coming Very Soon
PS Plus subscribers can look forward to a diverse selection of games this month.
Copied to clipboard
The Last Of Us Showrunners Tease Season 3's New Direction
Following the Season 2 finale, The Last of Us Season 3 is shifting perspectives turning back the clock.
Copied to clipboard
Pokemon Go Delightful Days Starts June 3, Adds More New Gen 8 And 9 Pokemon
Several new Pokemon from the Galar, Paldea, and Hisui regions are making their debut during Pokemon Go's summer season.
Copied to clipboard
Fortnite Is Giving Away A Free Skin To Celebrate Return To US App Store
You can get this free skin through Fortnite Mobile for a limited time.
Copied to clipboard
Challenge Accepted | ‘Game of Thrones: Kingsroad’
Johnny Chiodini and Luke Westaway battle for the throne in 'Game of Thrones: Kingsroad'
Copied to clipboard
Squid Game and More New Netflix Shows and Movies Coming in June 2025
The light is turning green one last time in Squid Game Season 3
Copied to clipboard
CoD Season 4: Start Date, Ana De Armas Operator, Return Of Zombies Grief Mode
Here's everything we know and what we've heard so far about Black Ops 6's Season 4 update.
Copied to clipboard
Game Pass Now Has A Retro Games App, Including A PS1 Game
The new Retro Classics app on Xbox will let you access dozens of classic games from a variety of platforms.
Copied to clipboard
Catch These Five Games Before They Leave Game Pass At The End Of May
Remnant 2 is among the games leaving Game Pass on May 31, but there's still time to play them or keep them.
Copied to clipboard
Mario Kart World - 14 New Details Nintendo Just Revealed
Nintendo has revealed a boatload of new information about Mario Kart World.
Copied to clipboard
More New Game Pass Titles For May 2025 Include 2024's Best And Day-One Releases
Metaphor ReFantazio, Stalker 2, and To a T lead the second wave of titles coming to Game Pass this month.
Copied to clipboard
You Could Be Playing Battlefield 6 Playtests Very Soon, Here's How
As DICE announces an invite-only pre-alpha playtest for the new Battlefield game, here's how to access it.
Copied to clipboard
2025's Best-Selling Games So Far In The US
Here are the best-selling games of 2025 so far.
Copied to clipboard
Fortnite Is Finally Back On iOS In The US; Here's How To Download It
The legal drama might continue in one way or another, but Fortnite is out now on iOS after nearly five years away.
Copied to clipboard
One Chicago Showrunners Preview All Three Emotional, Game-Changing Finales
Car accidents, pregnancy news, a wedding, and more hit the Windy City
Copied to clipboard
Murderbot: Alexander Skarsgård on Crafting an Android With Neurodivergent Traits
'The core idea of the show is you shouldn't reduce personhood.'
Copied to clipboard
The Overwatch 2 X Street Fighter Collaboration Is "A Match Made In Heaven"
Two of Overwatch's key art directors discuss bringing Capcom's fighter to Blizzard's hero shooter.
Copied to clipboard
Some $80 Games Are A "Steal" Based On What They Offer, Former Sony Exec Says 
"As long as people choose carefully how they spend their money, I don't think they should be complaining."
Copied to clipboard
New Xbox Update Makes A Key Improvement
Microsoft is delivering an improvement that fans have been asking for.
Copied to clipboard
The Last Of Us Season 2 Finale's Intense Trailer Sets Up A Dramatic Conclusion
Season 2 wraps up this Sunday with what looks like a powerful episode.
Copied to clipboard
Red Dead Redemption At 15: There Will Never Be Another Spaghetti Western Like It
Even in its own trilogy, there's nothing quite like Red Dead Redemption.
Copied to clipboard
15 Games Like Call Of Duty To Play With Your Friends In 2025
Here's our full list of the best games like Call of Duty to play right now if you need a new multiplayer shooter to dive into.
Copied to clipboard
Magic: The Gathering - Final Fantasy Through The Ages: Every Bonus Sheet Card
Here are all 64 cards from the special subset included within the MTG Final Fantasy expansion.
Copied to clipboard
Fortnite Now Lets You Speak To Darth Vader With AI Voice Of James Earl Jones
The late actor now lives on in Fortnite, with his family's consent.
Copied to clipboard
Switch 2's Bravely Default Remaster Rings In 3DS Nostalgia Era With A Great RPG
The retro-throwback RPG looks beautiful in some ways, and charmingly rudimentary in others.
Copied to clipboard
Murderbot Review: Alexander Skarsgård Is Hilariously Awkward in Sci-Fi Dramedy
Skarsgård plays a rogue cyborg in Apple TV+'s somewhat shallow but appropriately snarky adaptation
Copied to clipboard
The Handmaid's Tale Cast and Crew React to the Show's Own Red Wedding Episode
'People are going to have their minds blown by what happens.'
Copied to clipboard
All The PlayStation Plus May 2025 Games For Premium And Extra Subscribers
PS Plus subscribers can look forward to a diverse selection of games this month.
Copied to clipboard
Duster Review: Thank You, J.J. Abrams, for Another Josh Holloway Show
The new crime thriller from Abrams and LaToya Morgan is a messy delight
Copied to clipboard
Capcom Fighting Collection 2 Review - Completing The Set
Capcom delivers another great fighting game collection--even with varying quality in the selections this time around.
Copied to clipboard
Control Spin-Off FBC: Firebreak Is A Defiant, Punk-Rock Take On Co-Op Shooters
Remedy's three-player FPS combines a DIY spirit with Left 4 Dead-like chaos.
Copied to clipboard
The Bear Season 4 Has a Tasty Premiere Date
We'll be back in the kitchen imminently
Copied to clipboard
FX Just Dropped a Ton of Alien: Earth Info, Including a Premiere Date
Noah Hawley's take on the sci-fi franchise is set somewhere Alien has never been
Copied to clipboard
Tracker Boss Unpacks That Season 2 Finale and What's Coming in Season 3
Elwood Reid says Justin Hartley evokes a certain classic tough guy
Copied to clipboard
Marvel Rivals Battle Pass Season 0 - All Skins, Emotes, And Other Rewards
The free-to-play hero shooter Marvel Rivals has arrived, launching with a short Season 0 battle pass.
Copied to clipboard
Marvel 1943: Rise Of Hydra Delayed
The new Marvel game won't make it out on time.
Copied to clipboard
The Best And Wildest Grand Theft Auto 6 Theories We've Seen So Far
Even with limited footage and screens, the GTA community has some big ideas for the next game.
Copied to clipboard
WoW Legion Is Getting The Remix Treatment, Blizzard Confirms
Legion Remix has been officially announced at PAX East.
Copied to clipboard
Fallout Renewed For A Third Season, But Heading To New Vegas First
Prime Video has greenlit Fallout Season 3 while we're still waiting for Season 2 to premiere later this year.
Copied to clipboard
Boba Fett, Final Fantasy 7's Aerith, And The Best Cosplay From PAX East 2025
Halo, Helldivers, Fallout, and much more were on display by fans at PAX.
Copied to clipboard
GTA 4 Remaster May Be In The Works
We might get GTA 4 a second time before GTA 6.
Copied to clipboard
Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Collab Led To Spirited Discussions Over Cuts
"I had to say 'Daniel, if they don't make it in, I will be very upset, because someone will get very upset with me if they don't make it in."
Copied to clipboard
Nintendo Reveals A Switch 2 Setting That Prevents Its Battery From Deteriorating
Make sure you turn on this Nintendo Switch 2 setting if you don't want your battery to deteriorate as fast.
Copied to clipboard
Magic: The Gathering – Final Fantasy PAX East Panel: See The Revealed Cards Now
The mad dash to June 13 has begun, as the PAX East panel revealed over 20 cards from the upcoming set.
Copied to clipboard
Borderlands 4 Will Feature Substantial Changes For Co-Op Players
From improved lobbies to the ability to fast-travel directly to your friends, Borderlands 4 looks like it'll be a blast of fun for fans of co-op games
Copied to clipboard
Andor's Kyle Soller: Syril's 'Finally Understanding That He's Been the Patsy'
'He's in such a primal state of transition, it's like he's leaving a cult'
Copied to clipboard
The Hilarious Peacemaker Season 2 Trailer Features Some DC Cameos
Check out the Superman connection in the first Season 2 trailer
Copied to clipboard
Revenge Of The Savage Planet Review - A Goo(d) Time
A bigger and better sequel, stretching out its joyful mix of platforming, exploration, and puzzle-solving across four diverse and lively planets.
Copied to clipboard
Doom: The Dark Ages Review - The Old One
Doom: The Dark Ages reinvents and reins in with equal measure, taking the series in a bold new direction without straying from its captivating roots.
Copied to clipboard
Europa Universalis 5 Is Unabashedly Hardcore, And I Love It
Europa Universalis 5 features all of the thorough mechanical depth Paradox Interactive’s grand strategy series is known for.
Copied to clipboard
How To Survive Fortnite's Painfully Slow Star Wars Meta
Zero Build players should never leave home without shield bubbles.
Copied to clipboard
8 Horror Subclasses Join Unearthed Arcana For Dungeons And Dragons 2024
New D&D horror subclasses announced with the latest Unearthed Arcana.
Copied to clipboard
Squid Game's Season 3 Trailer Teases a New Deadly Game
Let's talk about that gumball machine in the new trailer
Copied to clipboard
The Best Anime TV Shows on Netflix
The biggest streamer has a ton of Japanese imports and exclusive originals worth watching
Copied to clipboard