Screenwriter Says Fourth 'Star Trek' Movie Set In the Kelvin Universe is Still Moving Forward

Zachary Quinto as Spock and Chris Pine as Kirk in a promo for STAR TREK (2009). Image: Paramount.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2023 - With shows like Star Trek: Discovery reigniting the passion of fans as they follow the exploits of Starfleet's finest on thrilling adventures across the galaxy, demand for new content is at an all-time high. However, as noted by Collider, it's essential to remember that this revival of the Star Trek universe owes its existence to the resounding success of the Kelvin Universe, the rebooted Star Trek movie series featuring Chris Pine as Captain Kirk and Zachary Quinto as Mr. Spock. These films offered a fresh take on the beloved characters and hit theaters in 2009, paving the way for two more sequels: Star Trek: Into Darkness in 2013 and Star Trek: Beyond in 2016.

Plans for a fourth movie in the series have been bouncing around Hollywood for the last seven years, and the fervor among fans for another installment in the Kelvin Universe remains undiminished. A recent conversation between writer/director Lindsey Anderson Beer and Collider's Perri Nemiroff shed light on the status of a long-awaited follow-up to Star Trek: Beyond. Although details may still be in the early stages, Anderson Beer's positive outlook suggests that a fourth movie set in the Kelvin Universe may indeed be on the horizon. In her own words:

"It is, it's still on the tracks. I love that project, and it was another one that I had to hop off of to direct this movie, and that was a hard thing to do. But I love that everybody involved with that project."

The prospect of a new Kelvin Universe film is undoubtedly music to the ears of Star Trek enthusiasts, who have been eagerly awaiting further adventures with this beloved cast.

Most recently, Star Trek 4 was scheduled for production in the latter half of 2022. However, this announcement came as a surprise, not just to fans but also to the stars who were reportedly set to return. While it appears that Anderson Beer may no longer be involved in penning the script for this installment, there is encouraging news that the studio has not abandoned the project. Director Matt Shakman, originally slated to helm the fourth movie, had to step away due to his commitment to directing the upcoming Fantastic Four film, which will introduce the super team to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Despite this change, Shakman remains hopeful about the future of Star Trek 4, stating:

"I think what they're still working on is a version of what I have been working on for the time that I was involved."