Simon Kinberg In STAR TREK Negotiations

Simon Kinberg, who may be on the road to inheriting the STAR TREK film franchise.

Paramount Pictures is setting its sights on reviving the Star Trek franchise with the help of Simon Kinberg, a prolific figure in Hollywood known for his extensive work on the X-Men series. This potential relaunch marks a turning point for Paramount as Star Trek looks to boldly venture back onto the big screen.

According to sources confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter, Kinberg is currently in talks to produce a new Star Trek feature. Should these negotiations succeed, Kinberg would not only produce but could also take on active creative roles within the film side of the franchise. This could signify a major shift in the Star Trek universe, which has predominantly thrived on television in recent years.

The new Star Trek project is already deep in development. Toby Haynes, who made waves with his direction of episodes in the Star Wars series Andor, is set to direct, while Seth Grahame-Smith, known for his work on Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, is penning the script. Notably, the narrative is expected to take place decades before the events of J.J. Abrams' 2009 film, potentially exploring the origins of Starfleet and humanity's first encounters with alien species.

J.J. Abrams, a key figure in the recent Star Trek cinematic ventures, remains involved as a producer. While there is no official release date yet, Paramount is eyeing a 2025 debut for this ambitious project. This development unfolds amid speculation about the potential sale of Paramount, with Sony and Skydance rumored as possible new owners.

The last time Star Trek graced the big screen was with 2016's Star Trek Beyond. Since then, the franchise has found a robust new life on the small screen, particularly through streaming shows on Paramount+ like Star Trek: Discovery, Picard, and Strange New Worlds. Efforts to reunite the Abrams-led cast, including stars such as Chris Pine and Zoe Saldana, have faced challenges, leaving fans eager for a fresh cinematic chapter.

Kinberg's involvement brings a wealth of experience to the table. Rising to prominence through his work on Fox's X-Men franchise, Kinberg has demonstrated a keen ability to balance creative control with blockbuster appeal. His directorial debut with Dark Phoenix and contributions to films like Murder on the Orient Express and The Martian highlight his versatility. His previous collaboration with Grahame-Smith on Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter also bodes well for their current partnership.