Paramount Pictures has confirmed plans to move forward with a new Star Trek film, just not the film many people were expecting. 

Deadline reports that Toby Haynes, lauded for his directorial finesse in Andor, is at the helm, with Seth Grahame-Smith, a seasoned scribe known for blending history and fantasy in Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, tasked with the screenplay.

This new venture is described as an origin story unfolding decades before the events of the 2009 reboot, Star Trek, directed by J.J. Abrams, who also returns to produce under his Bad Robot banner. While the specifics of the plot remain shrouded in secrecy, the premise suggests a fresh exploration of the Star Trek universe’s early days, promising to add depth and new perspectives to the beloved series.

Fan enthusiasm for Star Trek has not waned, as evidenced by the success of Paramount+ series like Picard and Strange New Worlds. These series have not only garnered critical acclaim but have also revitalized interest in the franchise with robust ratings. Paramount’s decision to launch a new film project, as the final chapter of the current main series is still in development, mirrors its strategy of expanding its streaming content with multiple simultaneous shows.

Haynes brings to the table his vast experience in managing intricate sci-fi narratives, as demonstrated in his acclaimed work on Andor, a series set in the Star Wars universe that has earned eight Emmy nominations, including Best Drama Series. Meanwhile, Grahame-Smith’s transition from novelist to go-to genre writer-producer—with credits including The Lego Batman Movie and producing roles in It—highlights his versatile storytelling prowess.

As Paramount continues to develop this project alongside the ongoing Star Trek 4, the studio is poised to keep fans engaged with new and explorative content, ensuring the Star Trek universe remains as expansive and captivating as ever.