Key Takeaways:
– Jonathan Frakes, director of two Star Trek films, is not chosen to helm Star Trek 4.
– Frakes expressed interest in directing the fourth film to J.J. Abrams in correspondence.
– Chris Hemsworth reportedly turned down the role in Star Trek 4 due to script issues.
– A spinoff based on Michelle Yeoh's Philippa Georgiou is currently in production.
Filmmaker J.J. Abrams Leaps Over Jonathan Frakes for Star Trek 4
Famed filmmaker J.J. Abrams has been a pivotal part of two of the most significant science fiction franchises of recent times. His influence on the Star Trek reboot and the continuation of the Star Wars universe made him a fan-favorite. Interestingly, reports suggest that Abrams dismissed the opportunity to involve Jonathan Frakes, a prominent Star Trek director, for the fourth Star Trek movie.
In Conversation with Jonathan Frakes
Jonathan Frakes, known for directing Star Trek: First Contact and Insurrection, revealed this missed opportunity. In a recent interview with TrekMovie.com, Frakes declared that he had expressed his interest in directing Star Trek 4 to Abrams via a letter.
Despite having directed two of the most acclaimed Star Trek films, Abrams did not consider Frakes for the role. Abrams' response, however, has kept everyone curious, as he acknowledged Frakes's experience but did not go ahead with his proposal.
Frakes' Star Trek Legacy
Found within Star Trek's sprawling universe, cast members have taken turns directing various installments. William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy from the original Star Trek series, and LeVar Burton from the spinoff series, have all stepped behind the camera. Jonathan Frakes continued this tradition, helming two highly celebrated films of The Next Generation series.
After establishing himself as a competent filmmaker with First Contact and Insurrection, Frakes continued his directorial journey with Star Trek spin-offs like Voyager, Strange New Worlds, Discovery, and Picard.
Star Trek 4: An Uncertain Future
Abrams' Star Trek reboot garnered mixed reviews from audiences. Despite this, the films managed to draw significant profits and introduced the iconic franchise to a new generation. The first movie raked in $385 million, while Star Trek Into Darkness grossed more than $467 million.
However, Star Trek Beyond received a tepid response, slowing the progress of development on the fourth film. Rumored engagements of different filmmakers, such as Quentin Tarantino, SJ Clarkson, and Noah Howley, have come and gone without confirmation.
Among prominent casting rumors was Chris Hemsworth, anticipated to return as Captain Kirk's father. However, Hemsworth reportedly walked away from the script, suggesting no compelling reason to revisit the role.
Despite the uncertainties about the fourth film, the Star Trek universe continues to expand. A spinoff focusing on Michelle Yeoh's Philippa Georgiou, entitled Section 31, is now underway.
Fans of Abrams' work can confidently revisit the reimagined universe, with his Star Trek films streaming on Paramount+. As for the future of the franchise, only time will divulge which stars will take command of the Starship Enterprise next.
