Star Trek XI Announced...but will it be successful?
By Matt Kutzner - April 25, 2006

Sources from Paramount Pictures have recently stated that J.J. Abrams (left) will produce and direct a new Star Trek film. When I first read this, I was very excited to hear that Paramount has decided to give it another try with some fresh faces. Given Abrams recent success with Alias and Lost, I'd have to say he's a good choice. The best part is, Rick Berman will reportedly have no involvement in this film, and I am very glad to hear that. But I lost some of the excitement when I heard what the film is about. It looks like it will focus on the early days of Kirk and Spock. I understand what they're thinking, considering they are probably the most popular characters from all of Star Trek, but is it the right decision? I'm not going to say the movie will suck just because it's a prequel (thought I'm not usually a fan of the idea). In fact, I have a feeling it will turn out to be a good movie. But I still have some concerns about it, and here they are:

1. Did they not just try doing a prequel series? And how well did that go? I hope they do a better job with this one.
2. I think a big reason behind the popularity of Kirk and Spock is in the actors who played them. This movie will undoubtedly need new actors to play these parts. Some fans may not be willing to see new people play the roles of such legendary characters.
3. I was under the assumption that a new movie would be a window to a new series. And since these characters were obviously in The Original Series, it seems highly unlikely that they'll be able to make this concept work. It seems as though that window has been closed.
4. If this movie goes into production, you can say bye-bye to The Next Generation. Before the announcement of this movie, it seemed like there was growing hope for a new movie with the TNG crew. Well, as Patrick Stewart has stated, if they don't decide to make one within the next couple years, he'll be too old to play the part. I, for one, am not ready to give up on what I think is the best Star Trek crew of all time. Nemesis was not a good way to end it, and I think they owe us a proper ending.

Now, with all that in mind, will they be able to make the new movie a success? It's hard to say for sure, but one thing is clear...they'll have their work cut out for them. I ended my last article by saying that I'd like to propose a solution to the mess that Paramount created. Well, even though the new movie could fix the situation, I'll tell you what I think anyway. It'll take a while to explain, so stick with me. Here we go:

Screw the mass audience.

Yes, that's right, screw 'em. I suppose I'll elaborate on this to make it a little more clear. Star Trek has changed since the days of The Original Series and even The Next Generation. When Gene Roddenberry (right) was in charge of the franchise, things were as they should be. Exploring new worlds, seeking out new life and new civilizations. Lately it appears as though Star Trek has been way too worried about pleasing a mass audience. It just isn't sending the right message. This is something that is more important than any other aspect of the new movie. I think it's obvious that I'm not a fan of the prequel ideas, but this movie can still be good if the right people have been put in place. The last couple movies have failed in the box office, and if trekkies don't even see the movie, you know it's going to bite the dust. Just get back to what Mr. Roddenberry would want, and everything will take care of itself.

So, let's review. Abrams is in, Berman is out. Prequels suck when morons are in charge of them, but they have a chance of being decent with competent people at the helm. Brett Favre will return for another season...oh, wait, that has nothing to do with the article, but it's good news regardless. And, finally, StarTrek2.com is the best site on earth. Have a good day.

I'd like to know what you thought of the article, so please email me at matthew911@startrek2.com, or leave a comment below.