Holy cow… it’s looking like J.J. Abrams may actually accomplish what many thought was impossible: The revival of the Star Trek franchise.
Why do I say this? Because people are freaking out about the new Star Trek movie trailer. In a good way.
The trailer was released yesterday, attached to most copies of Quantum of Solace. People who’ve seen it at the theater have described it using phrases like “it gave me chills” and “it sent shivers down my spine.”
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Now of course not everyone is sold on the movie based on the trailer – I’ve seen a very few comments saying that they either don’t like it outright or that they’re still uncertain or it was just “pretty good.” But by FAR the reaction has been combination of:
“Holy crap, that was AWESOME.”
and an incredulous:
“That’s Star Trek?”
You can watch the official trailer either here at Screen Rant or in HD at StarTrekMovie.com and Apple.com
A Little History
Sure, there was the requisite buzz when it was announced that Abrams would not only produce but would in fact be directing a new Star Trek movie. It was known for a short while as Star Trek 11, but Paramount never referred to the new film with that title since this was to be a clean “reboot” (or as they prefer, “re-imagining”) of the series. Abrams is “hot” right now and it was a smart choice for Paramount to not use the same folks to helm the film as the movies continued to deliver diminishing returns and increasing disdain from long time fans.
Then came the casting choices: Relative unknown Chris Pine for Kirk (good call on not going with a big name star for that role), also currently “hot” Zachary Quinto, who plays Sylar on NBC’s Heroes. While Quinto is now very well known, he looks like he was born to play the part of Mr. Spock. Then came the others – Karl Urban who looks like he’s channeling DeForest Kelly, Simon Pegg as Scotty (not my first choice, but I think he’ll work) and semi-exotic-looking Zoe Saldana as Uhura. To round things out John Cho (of Harold and Kumar) and Anton Yelchin were thrown in to attract the younger crowd who might stay away in droves from a Star Trek movie. Throw in a few bigger names like Wynona Ryder, Eric Bana and Bruce Greenwood and you’re talking a pretty damned well rounded cast.
Star Trek teaser poster
First came a few partial-face posters which were more of a tease than anything else, but then came the first images of Pine and Quinto as Kirk and Spock. Some of the words that came to mind to describe those pictures were “plastic” and “metrosexual.” Unfortunately for the much publicized magazine cover shots they chose a photographer known for doing uber-Photoshop work on her photos and portraying people as almost mannequin-like.
Kirk and Spock as Star Trek mannequins
Ah, but recently came a couple of posters to counteract that vision: Black and white versions of Kirk and Spock that looked much more “old school” and rugged.
“Old School” Kirk and Spock Star Trek posters
Of course in addition we had a series of images from the film which looked pretty darned good (unless you were a long-time “Trekkie” in which case you may have had some issues with what’s come to be called the “iBridge” and the somewhat odd, organic look of the new USS Enterprise).
A look at the new Star Trek ‘iBridge’
The cast of the new Star Trek movie
The recently released image of the redesigned NCC-1701 caused a furor online – old fans vs new fans vs non-fans, all arguing either in defense of or agahst at the new design. Over at TrekMovie.com the post that premiered the ship accumulated over two THOUSAND comments in a couple of days! Abrams has said that “this is not a movie for ‘Star Trek’ fans – it’s a movie for movie fans.”
The new USS Enterprise – NCC-1701
So, there was kind of a mild interest in the film outside of the Star Trek fan community – but that’s all about to change with this first full trailer for the film. All of a sudden people who weren’t even giving the movie a second thought are saying “hey, this looks pretty good – I might have to check it out.” I think that with this film Abrams is going to throw off the stigma (and yes, there is one) associated with “a Star Trek movie.”
This film looks like it is going to be epic, fast paced and action packed. Some classic Trek fans may be outraged, but I think it’s time for a change and this is the right way to do it. I’m actually quite excited by the prospect of this film because TOS (The Original Series) has always been my favorite. More “wild west” in style and less stuffy and politically correct than TNG (The Next Generation). Going back and exploring the very foundations of the original series, if done well, leaves me feeling as giddy as a kid in a candy store.
Fine, it’s not the original actors – but if Abrams and writers Robert Orci and Alex Kurtman remain faithful to the spirit of the series, I’m open to change. I don’t like the bright white interiors of the ship, and I’m not sold on the new exterior Enterprise design, but when I see the attention they’ve paid to the original uniforms that tells me that they are not “slapping fans in the face” as many have suggested.
So as a long time “Trekkie,” Star Trek is one of my most anticipated movies of next year – right up there with Watchmen, and something tells me it’s going to be one of the biggest films of 2009.
So have you seen the trailer? What do you think – are you more or less excited about the movie?
Star Trek opens on May 8, 2009
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39 Comments
So Kirk was a delinquent, Spock is emotional & aggressive, Uhara can’t keep her clothes on and Scotty seems ever-so-slightly insane… but theres some original sound effects folks!
but putting the canon down for a moment, that was sure one hell of a trailer, the kid in me can’t wait…
@tinfish
Yeah, the “bra scene” in the trailer seemed out of place, but think back to the original series and how sexy those costumes must have been considered at the time – not to mention the dance scene of the green-skinned Orion slave girl.
Vic
vic, great article, as always.
trailer = wow, i literally had one of those jaw dropping moments.
the bottom line is that this movie has to earn as previous three combined only to break even. but for the first time i don’t care, because it seems that we will finally have something that feels more like a movie and lees like a two hour episode on a slightly bigger budget (most of which usually went to cast)
I saw the trailer yesterday. I am a pretty big Star Trek fan. However, I am not a nerd and I am 25, but anyway. There were things in the trailer that I noticed strayed from the canon like others have mentioned, but I was like screw it! The trailer was freaking AWESOME! I was jumping up and down with excitement after I saw it. Oh man, seeing the new Kirk, Spock and Enterprise on the screen quenched the fears I had that they weren’t going to cut it. I was pleasantly suprised!
As soon as this trailer was over, my friend who hates all things Star Trek, leaned over to me and said “That looks better than any of the older ones. Definitely gotta see that.”
I admit, the film looks damn entertaining. Better than “Khan,” I doubt it but I’ll see it. Still hate the way the Enterprise looks but hey, I still hate Optimus Prime’s new design but Transformers was a solid flick.
Oh ya….here we go again….obligatory sex scene, female skin here and there, and overly-dramatic acting, complete with the Ol’ deep voice drama…..
Are you sure Michael Bay didn’t direct this? Oh wait…this is the new millenium….there’s now a law that all sci-fi movies have to look like this….
No, I’m not a troll…the special effects were awesome, but then again, they should be….it’s not the 1950’s anymore. I also liked the prequel backstory that we never got with Shatner’s Kirk. I’ll watch it, hoping that the trailor did NOT do the movie justice.
@jim dandy
cmon boy, did you ever look at the old star trek serie? how mutch femal skin do you see tehre? in fact, sometimes, kirk is more a space version of sean connery bond, or viceversa, in me opinion.
that was always the problem with picard in the movies. he was a perfect diplomat during the tv serie, but that stupied movie producer they force the charackter to become some sort of john mc lain in space, or kirkisch heor. and thats just not picard!
just me toughts!
sry 4 my english, i normaly speek italian/german
OMG!! WHAT HAVE THEY DONE!?
What would Gene say?
That trailer kicks @$$! Who knew Star Trek could be a such a wild ride of a movie (trailer). As a movie fan: Its a must see. As trek fan: Its a must see. As an old trekkie…
There are some things that’ll take getting used to. Such as the new actors, the new look (inside and out), and the fact that its an action flick. But if holds up to the intellectual level of TOS (not the tech-no babble of TNG) this is going to the beginning of beautiful franchise.
I don’t usually go to premiers or first showings, but I will this time.
@ 790
I peed my pants! So embarrassing!
Love Star Trek and excited to see the new trailer, but does anyone think that the new Kirk looks like he could be the lead in Captian America?
Vic,
Do you still lie awake at night wondering whether to tell us about that juicy detail you know about the Trek film or did you think we just had fogotten all about it? Just a wink and a nod will do…
I have one word for the trailer: Whoa!
It looks like Star Trek’s been given a makeover. If the movie lives up to the
trailer, then this will be the biggest movie for 2009. I think it’s going to compete on a level to Star Trek vs. Wolverine or Batman.
LOL, Stella, you have a LONG memory.
Actually to be honest I don’t know if that detail is even still in the film, so it may be moot at this point. 
Vic
“Abrams has said that ‘this is not a movie for ‘Star Trek’ fans – it’s a movie for movie fans.’”
Well for me, Star Trek fan is winning out, along with hatred and contempt for Orci and Kurtzman.
I have not seen this trailer, probably only because I have yet to see Quantum of Solace, but I seriously doubt it will change my opinion of this movie for the better.
As for the old style uniforms, I suspect that was nothing more than the movie makers throwing a bone to the fans so they don’t notice that they’re being slapped in the face.
I saw the trailer yesterday and was with a friend who would probably be in the category of curious but not in to the Star Trek hype. That changed after the trailer showed. He turned to me after and said “we have to go see that.”
And me, a younger yet lifelong Trek fan, was blown away effects and the look of the entire thing in general.
The way I see it: when JJ said this wasn’t a movie for Star Trek fans, but for movie fans; he meant it was for all moviegoers and not only Trekkies. And judging by the trailer, that’s what he did.
I am pissed off.
I just got back from seeing Quantum of Solace and guess what…
NO Trek trailer OR Watchmen Trailer! whhhaaatttt! I can’t believe it.
At least the movie was good. This movie will be epic and will be huge just as I said from the beginning – JJ for the win!
I’m betting the trailer comes out tonight (Sunday November 16, 2008). This guess is based on history of how they premiere trailers for highly anticipated movies on Fridays, then online Sunday nights.
heath
I must be one of the only ones who notices that there seems to be little plot. There’s lots of pretties in the trailer, but it’s essentially Galaxy Quest with a serious tone.
*** POTENTIAL SPOILERS ***
I know there’s something about time travel, and a Romulan guy who wants to blow up Vulcan… but who cares?
@Ed
The point of a trailer is to tease the movie, not give away the plot. On another post someone was complaining about the recent trailer for Will Smith’s next movie “Seven Pounds” because it didn’t tell you what the movie was about. I thought the opposite… that the trailer was perfect because it gave a sense of the emotion/angst of the character, something of a journey, but didn’t spoil the plot at ALL.
I hate trailers that give away the story.
Then again in the end, who knows, you may turn out to be right and Star Trek won’t be good. I’ve got my fingers crossed, though.
Vic
Saw the trailer last night with a friend and he is very against sci-fi. As soon as the trailer was done she turned to me and asked “when we going to see that?” I think this movie is really starting to turn peoples heads. Cant wait for it to come out.
opps the he is suppose to be she
Oh yeah, definitely hopeful for a good movie (who isn’t?), but I’m just not convinced yet.
Looks pretty though!
I thought the trailer was awesome and I have been a lifelong Trek fan. I have all the movies and I have read nearly all the novels. The whole iBridge may take a bit of getting used to, but I really like the way the trailer looked and felt. If this movie stayed the way the last couple have, it would have bombed. I think JJ has sparked interest among non-Trek fans in the movie as well as Trek fans who think Berman needs to be taken as far far away from Trek as humanly (or alienly) possible. I think the movie is going to be good and I think it’s going to invigorate the Trek franchise so we get even MORE movies. Oh, and Quinto looks freakin’ GREAT as Spock!!!
I thought that the trailer lived up to my expectations. I have been telling people this is going to be a Star Trek to shut up every person who thinks the franchise is for a bunch of zit-faced nerds with tape on thier glasses (well, maybe that’s partially true. LOL). The Enterprise looks fine. It isn’t the best design I’ve ever seen, but maybe this is what the ship looked like before the old t.v. series began. Maybe, they’ll upgrade it to what we’re used to for the second one. The crew looks fantastic and there was really a level of excitement that quickly buolt up in my head when I watched the trailer. Star Trek has become so blah, that nobody cares about it. Even longtime fans abandoned it years ago. I haven’t, but I acknowledge that others have. It has just become so non-marketable that it killed the last t.v. series and has almost destroyed any chance of this movie happening. I love Star Wars, but that franchise has become what Star Trek has been labeled; nerdy. Now, it’s time to turn the tables on SW by making Star Trek the cooler, older brother of the two. This movie is going to get people who outright hate Trek to actually give it a chance. If there’s even a fraction of the explosions from the trailer that make into the film, then there’s gonna be a few Steven Seagal fans attending this flick. LOL. This is the change that Trek needs, not the same crapola, by-the-numbers stories that have been sorta plagueing Trek for years. Change turned into money for Bond (Casino Royale), Transformers, and even Battlestar Galactica; so you know that change will ensure that Gene’s concept will last another god knows how many years/decades to come. And as far as the new cast goes: perfect. Many people have played characters from Shaespeare’s plays over the centuries, so why not Trek? All you naysayers need to give it a chance no matter how friggin’ ugly the new Enterprise is. LOL.
@ Jason L.
I agree with you that this could breath some much needed life into Star Trek and sincerely hope it will turn into the “cooler, older brother” of all space sci-fi flicks. ( I can dream.)
I’m a trekkie and a hard core fan TOS Enterprise. That said, I am beginning to like the look of the new Girl. Kinda got a sports car feel to her, don’t you think.
The way I see it, in couple of centuries when we finally make it out into the galaxy, kids will still be playing with toys from Star Trek! ( Still dreaming.
)
Okay my two pence worth
I’m sorry to say this looks dreadful. And the above pictures have only served to add to my initial disappointment.
I had low expectations for this and i’m sorry to say my expectations have been lowerd.
Start off – The design – Now i am a passive Trek Fan – i like certain bits and i love the movies, but i do understand the basic fundimentals of the show and that you don’t tamper with them It looks to me that JJ has done EXACTLY that. Tampered. Everything looks far too advanced bordering on almost spoof levels. Now this is two fold, i understand and sympathise that this has been done to breath life into the star trek franchise and basically fair play and good luck to ya. However one can’t deny that A LOT if not the majority of original serise fans have been looking forward to this film, i myself chief amongst them. Its a brillaint concept , Kirk and the gang straight out of the acadamy – fairy tale stuff, ok a bit retcon but then again so was enterprise, again another brilliant concept. However like enterprise i predict doom and disaster for this. An apple ILook is not the best way to instill a sence of nostalgia, and its the point of nostalgia that a raise highermost here. Like i said a lot of fans will want to go and see this, and at that point in time of which the film is set it would be nice too see a progressional gritiness to the ship. Clunky and juuuust getting sleaker but looking like the original bridge that we all knew and loved even though it fell to pieces when you pretend fell against it. Its too busy and nothing looks like it belongs in the pre-kirk era. Now had this design come forward for Post TNG era – fair play that would have been sooo awesome but i’m sorry i condemn the designs for being to far in advanced before the time of the films continuity. And alas the design of the exterior of the ship no better if not worse. This is pre – motion picture era, there was no glowing deflector dish, the old girl was longer a lot sharper not again modernistic curviture which would have suited Post TNG to the ground. I won’t go into the where the saucer section should be, and where the warp nasels should be [even though they are way too big] i’ll content myself with knowing in myself those details. Now i won’t be totally one sided about this, i’m sure that JJ has come up with some lovely little tricks for the enterprise – i have seen a photo where the weapons launchers are built into the deck plating of the saucer – lovely idea makes sence i can work with that – but on the whole this isn’t what i had expected at all
Now i quote
this is not a movie for ‘Star Trek’ fans – it’s a movie for movie fans
Okay fair enough – he’s not being two faced about it – and this can also lead into another argument
Over the past few years we have seen the revival and slight re-invention of legends and film frnachises – and now star treks turn for a new generation – Fine, I loved Batman – I adored James Bond, when Doctor who came back in 05, words couldn’t express my glee, and to be fair they have gone down REALLY well in the long run , and this is equally succesful then fair play and good luck, however my point is that they may have gone Too far with this. Some are looking forward to a trip of nostalgia and cheeky winks to the show of the past but with a thumping good story that would suit older fans and give new fans a really good intro to star trek – JJ says this is not to be – this is for fans of thumping good sci-fi movies – fair enough, but what one has to remember that the trek fan base is a great and vast one and overall success of the film could / will be shadowed by a fan base that will condemn it to the grave – i’m not stating a revolution here i’m just saying beware of very bad publicity from the fan base which has up to this point kept the franchise alive.
This situation does remind me of the fears of the 1996 US Doctor who TV movie, where lots and lots of films were mooted but thankfully never made, those were turbulent times but the fan base [of which i am a proud part of] kept the fires burning, and i think star trek is about to go through this…God speed but don’t say i didn’t tell you so.
Kind regards
Matt Chambers
they may have gone too far with this?
To Matt, Flamestrike
pretend you hadn’t seen trek before – problem solved. Everything you guys cry about is based on comparing to past. Time to move on. It’s like comparing current James Bond to Connory, its entirely different now
ps. Trek fanbase is very small to what it once was – hence movie and televion failures to end movie and tv franchises.
If you guys think this movie should be geared to trek fans, im glad ur not in the business because ur movie would suck and it would lose money. new trek is for all audiences to create a new fanbase
New trailer is up:
http://screenrant.com/official-hd-new-star-trek-trailer-vic-4243/
Plus I address the old vs. new Trek controversies.
Vic
I think the only real issue here is how the ship is noticeably different. Since the movie is within continuity the ship shouldn’t be a different ship in my mind.
Although the angle we saw was the most extreme in terms of showing the differences – the trailer had the ship looking good flying in space.
But other than that, people have really gotta stop comparing to the past – this is 2008 and the movie features a different cast. This isn’t that B-movie-ish 60s show that was cancelled early. This movie is made for mainstream audiences to bring new generation(s) into it to support the future of the franchise.
What’s left of the existing fanbase (me included – all who couldn’t support Enterprise or the last batch of films) will have no bearing on the success of this film, notice the pre-JJ state of the Trek franchise? Death. Most folk I know who like Trek are all over this film. And after this trailer, most other people are as well.
As for tech, the displays in trek are not too far off from what we saw in Quantum of Solace and minority report (one is current, one a few years in the future) – This movie is hundreds of years in the future.
I have to agree with you on ,most points. The cast fits and the trailer blew me away. The iBridge and shiny white interiors reminded me of the flop of a movie “Thunderbirds” from a few years back. All in all, the new NCC-1701 is a little odd, but I am warming to it the more I see it. As for next year, I hope you are right and it does perform well, but we will all have to wait and see.
I come from an engineering background so let me put my two cents in on this. We cannot go backward in order to move forward. Star Trek promoted innovation and since it first began all those years ago much has changed, in some ways because of TOS ( ie cell phones, for those not supporting the iBridge blame Star Trek for helping to create the iphone in the first place). Star Trek is about science at its core, its what differenties it from the fantasy of Star Wars. So in order to start fresh with some grounding in our time (even a few hundred years) thigns are going to have to look like OUR time, not the 60’s version of our time. There is a big difference and I admire JJ Abrams for taking that course. I can’t wait to see it, as a long time Trekkie (not that long i’m 24, grew up on Voyager and TOS) I cannot wait!
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