Is the dream of Star Trek 4 officially over? For fans of the Chris Pine-led franchise, this might be the most heartbreaking news you’ll hear all year. Nearly a decade has passed since Star Trek Beyond hit theaters, and Paramount has been struggling to get a fourth installment off the ground. But here’s where it gets controversial: according to a recent report from Variety (https://variety.com/2025/film/features/david-ellison-hollywood-takeover-paramount-warner-bros-1236569136/), the studio might finally be throwing in the towel. The new leadership at Paramount, spearheaded by Skydance’s David Ellison, is reportedly shifting focus to a fresh take on the franchise—one that doesn’t include Pine, Zachary Quinto, or the rest of the beloved ensemble from J.J. Abrams’ reboot.
And this is the part most people miss: While the cast has been vocal about their desire to return for one last adventure, the project has been stuck in development hell for years, cycling through writers and directors like Noah Hawley (https://www.joblo.com/noah-hawley-set-to-write-and-direct-next-star-trek-film/), Matt Shakman (https://www.joblo.com/star-trek-4-2022/), and even Quentin Tarantino (https://www.joblo.com/quentin-tarantino-star-trek-movie-simon-pegg/). Early plans even included a storyline featuring Chris Hemsworth reprising his role as James Kirk’s father from the 2009 film—a version that ultimately fell apart. So, is a fresh start the right call, or is this a missed opportunity to give fans closure with the original crew?
Meanwhile, Paramount isn’t abandoning Star Trek entirely. A prequel film is in the works, helmed by Andor director Toby Haynes, with Seth Grahame-Smith writing and J.J. Abrams producing. Set decades before the 2009 reboot, this project is rumored to explore the origins of Starfleet and humanity’s first contact with alien life. But here’s the real question: Can a prequel capture the magic of the Pine-led crew, or is it a risky gamble?
While the theatrical side of Star Trek has been stagnant, the franchise has thrived on the small screen. With three live-action series (and another on the way, including Star Trek: Starfleet Academy (https://www.joblo.com/tag/star-trek-starfleet-academy/)), two animated series, and even a streaming movie like Star Trek: Section 31 (https://www.joblo.com/star-trek-section-31-review/), the TV universe is booming. So, is Paramount making the right move by focusing on TV and rebooting the films, or are they leaving a loyal fanbase behind?
What do you think? Is it time to boldly go where no one has gone before with a new cast, or should Paramount have fought harder to bring back the original crew? Let us know in the comments—this debate is just getting started!
