The upcoming Star Trek movie, helmed by directors John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, promises to be a thrilling addition to the beloved sci-fi franchise. With a unique premise that draws inspiration from the crime thriller "Training Day" and the submarine action film "Crimson Tide," the movie aims to offer a fresh take on the iconic Starfleet institution.
In an interview with Inverse, Daley and Goldstein revealed that their movie will be set almost in real-time, focusing on the corruption within institutions and the impact of "bad apples" within them. This near-real-time format is a bold choice, as it deviates from the typical episodic storytelling of the franchise. The directors compare their premise to the aforementioned films, where experienced commanding officers and younger subordinates clash, leading to a high-stakes race against time.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this movie is its departure from the idealized portrayal of Starfleet. Daley suggests that the script acknowledges the existence of corruption within institutions, a theme that has been explored in various Star Trek iterations, such as Star Trek: Into Darkness, where Alexander Marcus manipulates Khan to achieve his goals. This exploration of institutional flaws adds depth to the story and provides an opportunity for new audiences to engage with the franchise.
The directors' goal is to attract a broader audience, not just die-hard Trekkies. They want to create a movie that lives in the familiar world of Star Trek while also offering something fresh and exciting. By incorporating elements from "Training Day" and "Crimson Tide," they aim to deliver a high-octane, action-packed experience that justifies the theatrical release.
However, the journey to bringing this movie to the big screen has not been without its hurdles. Despite Paramount executives confirming its development at Cinemacon in April, the project's progress has been slow. The history of Star Trek movies, including the unsuccessful attempts to create a sequel to Star Trek: Beyond, serves as a reminder that even well-intentioned projects can face challenges. The directors' ambition to create a new franchise is a bold one, and only time will tell if it will come to fruition.
In conclusion, the new Star Trek movie, inspired by "Training Day" and "Crimson Tide," has the potential to be a game-changer for the franchise. With its unique premise, departure from idealism, and focus on institutional corruption, it offers a compelling narrative that could attract new fans while satisfying long-time Trekkies. As the movie progresses through development, fans can anticipate a thrilling addition to the Star Trek universe, one that promises to keep them on the edge of their seats.
