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. It was pointed out that this new Star Trek movie represented a major financial risk for the movie studio. These nay-sayers pointed out the fact that no Star Trek movie had ever grossed more than $109 million in domestic box office receipts, which is hardly a king's ransom for a tent-pole feature anymore. 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.
There was no shortage of ammunition for those that wanted to argue that this film would lose millions at the box office. 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. There was consensus that Star Trek at this budget was no surefire hit. 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. It is also believed that the writers of the latest Star Trek movie will pen the new film. 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 been no reports of yet as to the plot or storyline of the next Star Trek movie. 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. There have already been reports that there may even be another Star Trek movie in the offing as the principal cast was signed on for three films. It is, once again, a very exciting time to be a Star Trek fan.
