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Star Trek (2009 film)

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Star Trek
File:Star Trek poster.jpg
Star Trek teaser poster
Directed byJ. J. Abrams
Written byScreenplay
Alex Kurtzman
Roberto Orci
Characters
Gene Roddenberry
Produced byJ. J. Abrams
Damon Lindelof
Bryan Burk
Roberto Orci
Alex Kurtzman
Stratton Leopold
StarringZachary Quinto
Anton Yelchin
Zoë Saldaña
Leonard Nimoy
Eric Bana
CinematographyDaniel Mindel
Edited byMaryann Brandon
Mary Jo Markey
Music byMichael Giacchino
Distributed byParamount Pictures
Release dates
December 25, 2008
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Star Trek is the eleventh entry in the Star Trek film series—based on Gene Roddenberry's science fiction franchise. Sometimes referred to as Star Trek XI, the film received extensive coverage in the entertainment press during 2005 and 2006. In April 2006, after several years of rumor and speculation, Paramount Pictures announced that the film will be produced by Lost co-creators J. J. Abrams (who is also directing the film) and Damon Lindelof, and written by Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, who will also be executive producing along with Bryan Burk and Stratton Leopold. In July 2007, it was revealed and officially announced by Paramount that the movie will star Zachary Quinto and Leonard Nimoy both as Mr. Spock.[1]

In August and September 2007, respectively, it was revealed that the movie will also star Anton Yelchin as Chekov and Zoë Saldaña as Uhura.

Although few details are known about the film at this point, it has been confirmed that the film will feature James T. Kirk and Spock,[2] and will be released on Christmas Day 2008.

Premise

In the May 2007 issue of Star Trek Magazine, director J.J. Abrams confirmed that James T. Kirk would be appearing in the film. While not going into detail about which era(s) of Kirk's life would be covered by the film, this was the first official confirmation about a character in the film.[3] In a June interview in the NY Times the screenwriters stated that the story will focus on the earliest adventures of Kirk and Spock.[4] It was reported in August 2007 that other original series characters (Uhura, Hikaru Sulu, Montgomery Scott, and Leonard McCoy) were also to be cast.[5] The film is intended to be simply titled Star Trek.[6]

Cast

For some time it was widely rumored that Matt Damon would play Kirk in the movie. Damon, upon hearing the rumors including comments from William Shatner giving him a "seal of approval" for the role,[12] contacted Abrams to ascertain the truth only to find he was "too old" for the part.[13][14] Abrams indicated to Damon that Captain Kirk in the movie is much younger. Damon commented that if they do the progression then maybe he'll play Kirk.[12] Paul McGillion has auditioned for the role of Scotty.[15] Before Quinto was cast as Spock, Adrien Brody also discussed playing the part with J. J. Abrams.[16]

On April 18, 2007, Abrams confirmed in Star Trek Magazine that the character of James T. Kirk will be in Star Trek. However, while original Kirk actor William Shatner indicated in August 2007 that he will not be appearing in the film,[17] Abrams said in July 2007 that the production was "desperately trying to figure out a way to put him in" but that to "shove him in...would be a disaster."[18] George Takei expressed hope he would be in the movie as well.[19]

Development

As early as 2003, Rick Berman, then-executive producer of the Star Trek franchise, began quietly discussing the possibility of an eleventh Star Trek feature film. However, because of the failures in 2002 and 2005 of the franchise, including the tenth film, Star Trek Nemesis and the cancellation of the television series Star Trek: Enterprise, these statements were widely ignored. However, in February 2005, Berman finally backed up some of his statements with names, claiming in Variety that screenwriter Erik Jendresen, among others, were involved in production of a new film.[20]

Despite being tangled up in rumors of other screenplays under consideration,[21][22][23][24] the Jendresen script was widely believed to be in pre-production. It was believed that the story, titled Star Trek: The Beginning, would revolve around a new set of characters, led by a man named Tiberius Chase. It would take place in a time after Enterprise but before Star Trek: The Original Series, possibly during the Earth-Romulan War. These rumors have since been verified in large part by Jendresen.[25]

However, on February 25, 2006, Douglas Mirabello, a personal assistant to Rick Berman, made an extensive posting at the Something Awful forums in which he denied that production on The Beginning was going forward, and claimed that Star Trek was dead for the time being. "The franchise needs a totally new creative team, some time off, and a cool new approach", he said.[26] In Jendresen's words, "Essentially, what's being said is true. This is 'dead' because it's not moving forward. It's like a shark. It has got to keep moving or it's dead."[25]

Production

On April 20, 2006, the Associated Press reported that the eleventh Star Trek movie was officially in production. Citing sources at Paramount Pictures, the AP reported that the untitled new movie would be directed and produced by J. J. Abrams, best known as the creator and executive producer of the television shows Alias and Lost, and as the producer/director of film Mission: Impossible III. Most of this information was later confirmed by Paramount and other sources. Longtime Abrams collaborators Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman have since independently confirmed that they will be writing the movie, with fellow Abrams alumnus Damon Lindelof co-producing. Kurtzman, Orci, and the final member of Abrams' production company, Bryan Burk, are all executive producers.

According to comments by Roberto Orci, the treatment for XI is done, and he and Kurtzman have begun writing the script. In an August interview, he hoped that they would complete a first draft by the end of October and a final version by Christmas 2006, and said that, "if all goes perfectly", shooting might begin as early as summer 2007.[27] However, unnamed sources speaking to The Trek Movie Report indicated in October that shooting may begin in the spring, partly to alleviate Abrams' overscheduling as executive producer for Lost, Six Degrees, and What About Brian, in addition to producing Trek XI. Sources have also claimed that informal auditions had already begun in early October.[28] Despite Orci's hopes of an October script, however, J. J. Abrams said in a November 2 interview that, "they are in the midst of it and it's in progress".[29] Despite some news agencies taking this as a sign of possible delay for Trek XI,[30][31] Abrams appears to still believe in an accelerated schedule, saying in the interview that shooting next spring is "realistic", and that, in fact, they are "otherwise ... not going to make the date that we have".

For many months after the film was announced, Abrams declined to make a decision about whether or not he would accept the directorship offered him by Paramount. On February 23 2007, Abrams had finally accepted Paramount's offer to direct Star Trek XI.[32] Afterward, Paramount Pictures announced a release date of December 25, 2008.[33] On January 7, 2007, J.J. Abrams announced that the first draft script for the movie was complete and awaiting what he referred to as "tweaking". He remarked that it will satisfy "non-Trekkers" and those who love Star Trek, "the fix that they get will be very satisfying". He has said that it will begin filming in 2007, with a release date of 2008. Contrary to some reports, Abrams pointedly did not confirm details of the film or its plot.[34][35]

Filming will begin on November 5, 2007. The shoot will last eighty-five days, and will take place on eleven sets built at the Paramount backlot, and there will be two weeks of location shooting in Iceland.[36]

Michael Giacchino, the composer for several other Abrams projects, including MI:3, Lost, and Alias has confirmed that he will score Star Trek.[37]

Reaction

Some fans are concerned about whether Abrams and his team will adhere to Star Trek canon. The prequel concept in particular raises questions of whether the movie might modify continuity, as either a retcon or a reboot. In interviews, Abrams has saluted both the fans and the continuity several times. "Being involved with a series that has a passionate and vocal following makes me incredibly sympathetic. They have put up with so many incarnations along the way. These fans, they are a smart bunch. They are an intelligent group. We are very respectful and we have no intention of subverting the material," he told Donald Clarke of The Irish Times.[38] Later, to Empire, he said, "As someone who works on a show that has a very loyal and vocal fanbase, I do understand the need to be respectful ... I think we can do the fans proud."[39]

Abrams has not seen Star Trek Nemesis, and claims that the franchise eventually "disconnected" for him. However, Roberto Orci claims "immediate recall" of all things Trek, and has made comments indicating that he considers even the line of Star Trek novels to have canon value, although Gene Roddenberry never considered the novels to be canon.[40] One such novel, Enterprise: The First Adventure by veteran Star Trek writer Vonda N. McIntyre, does in fact describe the initial events surrounding Kirk assuming the position of captain of the Enterprise and having to accustom himself to Spock's characteristics. In contrast, Abrams has labeled Bryan Burk as being "relatively fresh" to the Star Trek universe. Abrams labeled himself as a "big fan", but not a "Trekker" nor a "Trekkie".[41]

References

  1. ^ Pascale, Anthony (2007-07-26). "Abrams Confirms Zachary Quinto and Leonard Nimoy". Trekmovie.com.
  2. ^ Itzkoff, Dave (2007-06-24). "Character-Driven Films (but Keep the Kaboom)". The New York Times.
  3. ^ Gustav Leao (2007-04-18). "J.J. Abrams Confirms James T. Kirk in Star Trek XI, Movie Will Respect Canon". TrekWeb. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. ^ Itzkoff, Dave (June 24, 2007). "Character-Driven Films (but Keep the Kaboom)". New York Times. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  5. ^ Pascale, Anthony (August 4, 2007). "Leaked Character Casting Sheet For 'Star Trek' - Entire TOS Crew Being Recast". Trek Movie.com. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  6. ^ Horowitz, Josh (March 8, 2007). "'Star Trek' Writers Talk Direction, Technobabble — But Not Matt Damon". MTV. Retrieved 2007-08-07. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. ^ Owen, Rob (2007-07-24). "Pittsburgh native to play Spock in new "Star Trek"". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
  8. ^ Tatiana Siegel (2007-08-08). "Yelchin seta course for 'Trek'". The Hollywood Reporter.
  9. ^ Tatiana Siegel (2007-09-17). "Saldana cast in Abrams' 'Star Trek'". Variety. Retrieved 2007-09-18. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  10. ^ Pascale, Anthony (2007-07-25). "Quinto As Spock Deal Certain - Actor Will Split Time Between Star Trek and Heroes". Trekmovie.com.
  11. ^ "Breaking News: Bana Cast as Villain in New Movie".
  12. ^ a b "Matt Damon on playing Kirk" (flv). IGN. 2007-07-20. Retrieved 2007-09-23. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  13. ^ "Matt Damon's Star Trek Snub" (html). monstersandcritics.com. 2007-08-18. Retrieved 2007-09-23. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  14. ^ Brevet, Brad (2007-09-17). "Casting news" (html). ropesofsilicon.com. Retrieved 2007-09-23. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  15. ^ Pascale, Anthony (2007-09-26). "Paul McGillion a Contender for Scotty". Trekmovie.com.
  16. ^ Josh Horowitz (2007-09-26). "Adrien Brody Confirms He Was Almost Mr. Spock". MTV. Retrieved 2007-10-06. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  17. ^ "Vegas Report: Shatner and Nimoy Talk Movie". Official site. 2007-08-12. Retrieved 2007-08-21. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  18. ^ "Comic-Con Transcript: "It was logical!"". Official site. 2007-07-27. Retrieved 2007-09-22. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  19. ^ "George Takei Talks 'Heroes'". Entertainment Weekly. 2007-09-25. Retrieved 2007-09-25. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  20. ^ Dave, McNary (2005-02-13). "Trekkers consider series' future". Variety.com (in English). Reed Elsevier Inc. Retrieved 2007-06-01. Concept needs reinvention, say creators{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  21. ^ "Singer Considers Trek Movie". SCI FI Wire. 2005-12-05. Retrieved 2006-08-20. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  22. ^ Davidson, Paul (2005-07-26). "Star Trek 2010?". IGN.com. Retrieved 2006-08-20. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  23. ^ Leao, Gustavo (2006-01-19). "Patrick Stewart Says STAR TREK XI May Feature Characters from Various TREK Series". TrekWeb.com. Retrieved 2006-08-20. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  24. ^ "More Star Trek Rumors". CanMag.com. 2005-12-13. Retrieved 2006-08-20. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  25. ^ a b Hinman, Michael (2006-04-12). "Star Trek XI Is Down, But It Is Not Out". SyFy Portal. Retrieved 2007-09-24. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  26. ^ Cullen, Ian (2006-02-25). "No More Trek Claims Insider And PA For Rick Berman". SciFiPulse.net. Retrieved 2006-08-20. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  27. ^ "Orci Reveals Star Trek XI Schedule". TrekMovie.com. 2006-08-24. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  28. ^ "Trek XI Update: Abrams Already Auditioning Actors - On Track To Start Shooting In Spring". TrekMovie.com. 2006-10-19. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  29. ^ "Trek XI Falling Behind?". IGN. 2006-11-08. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  30. ^ "Abrams Talks Kirk and Spock With TrekMovie.com". TrekMovie.com. 2006-11-02. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  31. ^ "Trek XI Already Hitting Scheduling Problems". Cinematical.com. 2006-11-08. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  32. ^ Siegel, Tatiana. "Abrams takes helm of Star Trek". The Hollywood Reporter.
  33. ^ Paramount Pictures (2007-02-27). "Star Trek XI Coming Christmas Day 2008". Comingsoon.net. Retrieved 2007-02-27. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  34. ^ "Abrams: First Draft Done". StarTrek.com (in English). CBS Studios Inc. 2007-01-11. Retrieved 2007-06-01.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  35. ^ "J. J. Abrams Talks 'Trek'". Entertainment Weekly.
  36. ^ William Keck (2007-08-20). "Celeb Watch: For Quinto, the next step is the final frontier". USA Today. Retrieved 2007-10-01. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  37. ^ "Composing Trek XI". IGN.com. 2006-08-22. Retrieved 2006-08-23. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  38. ^ "Cruise Controller". The Irish Times. 2006-05-05. Retrieved 2006-08-20. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  39. ^ "Abrams Has New Ideas For 'Trek XI'". TrekToday.com. 2006-06-01. Retrieved 2006-08-20. {{cite news}}: |first= missing |last= (help); Check date values in: |date= (help)
  40. ^ Krutzler, Steve (2006-06-07). "Abrams Cohorts Emphasize Respect for Mythology in Trek XI, Say Script Will Contain Old and New". TrekWeb.com. Retrieved 2006-08-20. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  41. ^ "J.J. Abrams Reveals the Spirit of Star Trek XI". TrekWeb.com. 2006-06-19. Retrieved 2006-08-20. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
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