STAR TREK to Boldly Go Back to the Beginning of the Kelvin Timeline With New Film

STAR TREK is boldly going back to the beginning of the Kelvin timeline. Image: Paramount.

Paramount Pictures will be going boldly back to the Star Trek universe with the announcement of a new film project set in the period before the 2009 film directed by J.J. Abrams. 

The studio has appointed Toby Haynes, celebrated for his directorial role in the Star Wars series Andor, to helm this new venture. The scriptwriting responsibilities have been assigned to Seth Grahame-Smith, known for his unique blend of historical and fantastical elements in works like Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, as well as his contribution to The Lego Batman Movie.

According to information initially reported by Justin Kroll for Deadline, details about the plot remain confidential, the film is said to be an origin story set decades prior to the events of the 2009 Star Trek movie, which rejuvenated the franchise under J.J. Abrams' guidance. Abrams' production company, Bad Robot, is also involved in producing this new addition to the Star Trek saga.

The decision to launch another Star Trek film comes amidst the ongoing development of Star Trek 4, the final installment in the main series. Despite a hiatus in film releases since 2016's Star Trek Beyond, the franchise has maintained its popularity, largely thanks to the success of Paramount+ shows like Star Trek: Picard and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, which have garnered both critical acclaim and strong viewer ratings.

Paramount, under the leadership of Brian Robbins, recognizes the potential to build upon this enduring popularity. The studio's strategy mirrors that of its streaming arm, which has simultaneously developed multiple shows within the Star Trek universe.

Toby Haynes brings to the project his experience in handling major IPs, having directed several episodes of Andor, a Star Wars series that has received critical acclaim and is nominated for eight Emmys, including Best Drama Series. Seth Grahame-Smith, besides his novelistic feats, has established himself as a prominent figure in genre and fanboy circles, with notable credits in both production and screenwriting.