New Star Trek Movie Plot Details
Written on February 2, 2008 by Vic Holtreman
Some significant plot information regarding the new Star Trek movie has come our way. If you read Screen Rant regularly, you'll recall that back in October we stated that there would be Klingons in the new film. This was supposedly debunked by other sites, but lo and behold, a few days ago a slip of the lip by Anton Yelchin who plays Chekov in the Star Trek 11 apparently confirmed that Klingons will indeed appear in the film.
Well now we've come across some new information about the plot regarding the USS Enterprise, the timeline aspect of the film, and a whopper of a plot spoiler that's so huge that I have decided not to reveal it.
Before I go on I want to say that I know we're all hungry for information on Star Trek (as well as other sci-fi and fantasy movies), but I think that sometimes we can tend to get carried away and end up taking away some of the joy of seeing a movie for the first time by knowing too much about it when we finally sit down to watch it.
Personally, that makes it hard to cover movie news sometimes because while I want to pass on what I know about a particular movie, sometimes I avoid reading a story because I myself don't want to see a spoiler.
So... while I'll share some of what I know, I'm going to hold some things back (and don't email me asking what they were because I won't tell you).
However, if you want to read some minor spoilers, feel free to read on. If you DON'T want any more story details, stop reading now.
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The story does not just involve time travel. It actually explores alternate timelines, and jumps between them quite a bit.
While from what we've seen so far it seems like they're being very faithful to the original Enterprise design, in an alternate timeline there will be a significantly different version of the NCC-1701. From what I've been told it will be a very kick-ass version - essentially an all-out warship.
Some of the film will also take place in the time of Star Trek: The Next Generation, although I won't say at what point in the film.
Star Trek opens on Christmas Day 2008.
If this is the case then that will answers some question i had poping off at the bak of my head. I guess the major question was where's Kirk former friend Lt-Commander Gary Mitcheal who was the one that push kirk and Carol Marcus ( the young lab tech) together.
I agree that sometimes we can ruin movies for ourselves by knowing too much about them ahead of time. That's one reason I've steered clear of much of the news I've found regarding the new Bond movie.
Other times, I try to find out as much as I can about a movie simply looking for any sign that there's some hope for me to be able to enjoy the movie. The writers of Star Trek wrote the script for such a movie last year, and even with everything I knew, even with my extremely low expectations, that movie was worse than I expected.
Star Trek, though, I've found is falling on the borderline of those two areas. I don't expect it to be very good, and I want to know as much as possible about it so I can try to generate some excitement about it. On the other hand, I've found some comfort in the reports that some fans who seem to be among the most skeptical about whether the movie is being handled properly, about whether the producers of the movie have made the right decisions about how to handle Trek, are satisfied with what they've learned.
I've got my doubts, but I've decided to skip the spoiler section, at least for now. I appreciate how you've handled this, Vic. Nicely done.
Thanks, Flame, I appreciate it.
Vic
Hi Vic,
Thanks for withholding the big bits.
-b
No prob, T. I don't want to ruin the movie for anyone! I'm actually looking forward to this one myself. :-)
Vic
I am really stoked for this movie. I can't believe all the good films coming out this year!! I don't care if anyone says the new Trek sucks, I will STILL go and see it simply because I love Star Trek. Besides, Star Trek NEEDS to be experienced on the big screen!! The ONLY think that I hope they don't do is somehow include the Borg. As much as I like the Borg stories in the TV series and First Contact, just let it go already. Although I would love to see Q in a movie....
Thanks for the update, Vic. Here I thought I couldn't be any MORE excited for this film and you write this article....LOL
Heh, happy to help out Andy. :-)
And you're right, this is an AWESOME year for movies... Check out these two posts:
Screen Rant's most anticipated 2008 movies
Screen Rant's 2008 movie preview
Vic
Just email me, Vic. I swear I won't tell anyone. (wink wink)
Mirror, Mirror and I like the time spin Babylon 5 used. In any case, I will love it.
Great article Vic!!
^
Can't wait for this film as with all the other great films that are coming out this year!!!
^
:)
Awesome!!!
But are there Tribbles? I'll be very disappointed in there are no Tribbles.
Vic!!! I gotta know! E-Mail me, too! It's the Enterprise-E, isn't it? The TNG cast shows up in some brief form?
if you knew more you would report it, your just giving the appeance of being in the know.
I think this movie will kill the franchise!
You've done the right thing. I hope other wise "Deep Throats" out there, hold their tongue. Knowing the whole script in advance spoiled Nemesis and the constant vocal bitching from fans kept plently of audiences away.
You've done the right thing. I hope other wise "Deep Throats" out there, hold their tongue. Knowing the whole script in advance spoiled Nemesis and the constant vocal bitching from fans kept plenty of audiences away.
You've done the right thing. I hope other wise "Deep Throats" out there, hold their tongue. Knowing the whole script in advance spoiled Nemesis and the constant vocal bitching from fans kept plenty of audiences away.
Classy Vic,
WELL DONE!
The first thing that came into my mind once I read the spoiler was "Manny Coto". The writer that tried to save the fourth (and last) season of Enterprise.
Indeed, some aspects of this thought fit perfectly:
- the season 4 ending involves Star Trek TNG (which everbody hated)
- "In A Mirror, Darkly" plays with a "different" (more aggressive) version of the ship and its crew (which is one of the best episodes (ok, two episodes) OF the whole series!)
My point? They're putting together some of the best (recent) aspects of Trek and try to revive the franchise that way.
My criticism? Time travel has been done to death - including parallel/mirror universes! Ignoring continuity will be a big problem AND may hamper an otherwise good story!
Why not tell it plain and simple: HOW the first mission of the Enterprise NCC-1701 got together?
Looks like this one may try too many things at once and fail! On the other hand, ANY Trek is better than no Trek at all.
And, fortunately, it's not called "Star Trek: Requiem" - THEN I'd really worry! ;)
Regards,
ZAR.
The first thing that came into my mind once I read the spoiler was "Manny Coto". The writer that tried to save the fourth (and last) season of Enterprise.
Indeed, some aspects of this thought fit perfectly:
- the season 4 ending involves Star Trek TNG (which everbody hated)
- "In A Mirror, Darkly" plays with a "different" (more aggressive) version of the ship and its crew (which is one of the best episodes (ok, two episodes) OF the whole series!)
My point? They're putting together some of the best (recent) aspects of Trek and try to revive the franchise that way.
My criticism? Time travel has been done to death - including parallel/mirror universes! Ignoring continuity will be a big problem AND may hamper an otherwise good story!
Why not tell it plain and simple: HOW the first mission of the Enterprise NCC-1701 got together?
Looks like this one may try too many things at once and fail! On the other hand, ANY Trek is better than no Trek at all.
And, fortunately, it's not called "Star Trek: Requiem" - THEN I'd really worry! ;)
Regards,
ZAR.
ZAR said: "And, fortunately, it's not called "Star Trek: Requiem" - THEN I'd really worry!"
Howabout, Star Trek: Legacy? (as in 'something you behind when you've died'...)
Sorry for the multiple posts earlier. Blast these misadvertised broadband speeds...
I never want to read any spoilers, but I read just the very 1st thing about "Alternate Realities" and I figure that Shatner will Indeed, be in this Film now...In Comic books, whenever they want to bring someone back from the Dead, they just create an Alternate Reality..this is no different, and this way, they have all the freedom in the World, and without any constraints, to do whatever they want to do..even with Shatner`s weak displays of anger in not being in the movie, it all seems possible that they would do this....we`ll see...
BD,
No, you are incorrect. I just want people to understand the philosophy of this site when it comes to reporting on movie news.
Vic
The jumping timelines reminds me very much of TNG-style plotlines. Why not stick to what TOS did best with a solid, easy to follow story? TNG is my favorite as a TV show - don't get me wrong.
If there really are scenes in the TNG era, why not have the Borg - heck - even the Dominion. The problem with too many alternate timelines is you end up with an "infinite Crisis" scenario when trying to keep continuity like DC comics did.
Well, Panda... keep in mind the guy doing this movie is the fellow behind "Lost."
As far as the Borg are concerned - I'm done. I'm tired of the Borg as the uber-villain.
Vic
Vic,
To clarify, I was being sarcastic about the Borg... maybe I should have said Ferenghi.
My point is... give us something new! Why have an alternate TNG era at all in the movie? Is this Back to the Future 2?
I guess it will be Nero (TNG-era Romulan) and Spock jump back to academy-era Kirk, return to the TNG era and find the timeline changed(ala Yesterday's Enterprise and City at the Edge of Forever), then go back to correct it. Too much if they're trying to get a new audience. I hope I'm wrong
I suppose my point is, if they want to do an origins-style story (i.e. show how Kirk beat the Maru test, met Spock, became Captain of the Enterprise, etc.) then just do a prequel.
For a franchise who wants to move forward, they do a lot of traveling backward in time...
Just wanted to know if their is any other info about TNG casting?
I haven't heard anything about that.
Vic
Regardless of what I read, I still consider the fact that Nimoy joined the cast only because he thought the script was really good. Everyone needs to "remember" that he was responsible for most of the best Star Trek movies. I trust Leonard Nimoy!
I agree with you. Nimoy doesn't strike me as someone who takes projects lightly, especially one in which he could become so infamous if it turns out to be a bad movie.
Vic
Which is really weird because J.J. Abrams gave all kinds of nonsense reasons why Shatner couldn't be in this movie. And if he's lying, then he's seriously in danger of pissing off generations of Star Trek fans. (I already hate Cloverfield, which he produced; I don't want to hate Star Trek)
Jonson Even if we
were to forget that Kirk died in Generations at his age he would be retired from Starfleet. Shatners very out of Federation shape.
^
IMO, most Star Trek fans will see the film weather he's in it or not because Star Trek isn't about Kirk.
^
Shatner NOT in this film won't matter at all at the BO.
I don't know how many of the people here read the Star Trek novels, but in one of the ones written after Generations, Kirk is revived through Borg nanites. The book is called "The Return" and was authored by Shatner. Even Kirk can't die even after he's dead. LOL.
Yea I heard about that Andy. How lame would that be if it was turned into a screeplay. VERY. The hardcore fans would freakout.
( Can hear them now, THE BORG are overdone!!!!!)
^
The book was CO-written by shatner. That means shatner told other writers what he wanted in the story and then drove down to Manhatten beach to shoot "Boston Legal". Its all about the cash Andy. Same with his involvement with the new film. Do you really think he's bummed he's not in the film because the fans want him in it.
Please!!
Its all about him and the deal.
^
I'm so done with shatner I wish he would go to Risa and leave us alone.
shatners working his buutt off now so that one day in the near future he can have his head placed in a jar and then continue to do voiceover work as Cap Kirk, Tj, whatever.
Hey Steve,
Go easy on The Shat - he's a cool guy. Have you ever watched the movie "Free Enterprise"? If not, run, don't walk to go out and rent/buy it.
It will give you a whole new view of Shatner.
Awesome movie. Guarantee you'll love it.
Vic
Sorry Andy, yesterday was Super Tuesday and I was getting very frustrated last night..... Didn't mean to get hostile with ya.
^
Sorry Vic, when I read a post about somehow getting shat in the new trek film I usually react this way.
And btw he dosnt write his own books.(Allways has a co-author or ghost writer).
^
Yes!! I own Free Enterprise "the extended 2 disc edtion". (What kind of geek to you think I am? I'm hardcore geek!).
Some call me Geek/squared. Heehee
^
Not to continue my shat-attack, but if you watch the documentaries on making the film Free Enterprise, the Directors had to give Shatner COMPLETE script control this after begging him for months and telling him that it would be good for his career. (He hated the idea at first). Check the bonus features!!!
^
That kinda thing gets around this town fast.
^
Free Enterprise couldn't have worked without Shatner, but the New Star Trek film can.
^
Not bashing the guy just stating the facts.... :)
^
Ok Shat-attack over.....
^
Also Free Enterprise was a great film and very original. Highly recomend the 2-disc version as they redid alot of the effects and added some new scenes. :)
Awesome, I predicted the movie would use an alternate timeline/universe from the beginning. Wouldn't it be wonderful to give the TNG crew one last hurrah while still spawning an all new Star Trek?
The TNG crew was already given their last hurrah. Wouldn't it be wonderful if Paramount treated Trek fans with respect?
ZAR said "Why not tell it plain and simple: HOW the first mission of the Enterprise NCC-1701 got together?"
Personally, I think it's a done deal that if Paramount made the OPTIMISTIC film that ZAR suggests, it would be the smash hit of the year.
But this whole "alternate timelines" thing has me worried because it opens the door for Paramount to rationalize violating Star Trek's optimistic cannon and treat Trek fans like idiots. Look, the possibility of an all-out Warship Enterprise is a frightening example of a horrible misinterpretation of what Star Trek was all about - Roddenberry was always FIERCELY ADAMANT about not turning the Star Trek series into some kind of space wars because that violated the basic optimism and premise of the show.
Even in the original series episode "Mirror, Mirror", Kirk finds a way in the dark mirror universe to outsmart the mirror Enterprise crew - and at the end makes an impassioned plea for non-violence to mirror Spock that, to me, typifies the optimism and hand-of-friendship that made the series so beloved by millions - that intelligence beats violence.
It took a lot of skill, experience, and OPTIMISM to write the original Star Trek series. and with the dark, pessimistic dramas I see coming out of Paramount these days, I sometimes wonder if they are capable of that skill.
I think that when Roddenberry died, Paramount's subsequent changes in the franchise forced the series to die an ignoble death.
Or as Bones would say, "You know Paramount, they LOVE to change things"
I'm always a little confused to hear the belly-aching regarding Trek not being as good as it used to be. With the exception of Voyager, the TV shows all range from great to at least decent. I haven't seen Nemesis, but I can't believe it's as horrible as I've heard. (I have it on DVD, just haven't watched it, been busy sifting through the FIVE DISC! set of Blade Runner I got recently) Some Trek is better than no Trek. Yeah, time travel has been done, alt-universes and having cameos from anyone who's ever been on the show have been, too. But like they said on South Park, there's not that much that's original anymore. If you dig deep enough, somebody's already done it. So just chill and enjoy the ride. The teaser trailer gave me goosebumps when Nimoy's voiceover started right when the camera came over the front of the saucer section under construction. Trust me, if Nimoy is cool with the script, we will be, too.
The lackluster & depressing Nemesis is as horrible as you've heard. That's why you've heard so many people say that it's horrible.
When you treat intelligent fans like they are stupid, you lose the fans. But it's been said better - just look at the sad comments about Nemesis on Amazon.com.
Need I remind you that Nemesis was not the success that previous ST movies were? As a matter of fact, the studio was embarrassed to admit that Nemesis barely broke even. Based upon it's meager profits, it wasn't even worth making.
Why did it do so poorly? Before the Original Series faithful rely more on word-of-mouth than studio marketing. Also, need I remind you that there are many Star Trek fans amougst the popular movie reviewers.
But Nemesis was more than that - it was a warning to Paramount to not take Trek fans for granted. It absolutely proves beyond any doubt that some Trek is NOT better than any Trek. Nemesis proved that reruns of the original series were better than "any Trek".
I guess my point was a little more wide-sweeping than just Nemesis. I was referring to TV and movies both. Plus, even the original series has been knocked by some for its cheesy costumes, bad sfx, and the naivety of no war or hunger, etc. Not my opinion, but it's out there. I suppose the only thing I think we should worry about is other actors portraying Kirk, Spock, etc. That could bomb. Or it could rock: how many James Bonds have there been? Or Dr. Whos? Anyway, personally, I'd rather have a Next Generation-caliber TV series than a movie, but that's just me.
Yeah Jerry.
One big prob with recasting Kirk and Spock is that it will be difficult to capture the same feel since shatner and nimoy were those characters.
I'm totally with you Jerry that paramount should have gone forward with a next gen tv series. !!





