Will there be a Star Trek 4 set in the Kelvin timeline?

Will the Star Trek 4 set in the Kelvin timeline ever get made? Will it have the same crew?

It is seeming increasingly unlikely, and frankly, I am happy with the new trilogy as it is. There is no need to keep going down a timeline that kind of feels pointless given that it doesn’t really tie into the rest of the Trek universe. Unless of course, they are travelling back in time to save whales, then I’ll be on board.

Why do people think there will even be a Star Trek 4 film?

Mostly because JJ Abrams said that it would. About a year ago JJ excitedly announced that Matt Shakman (WandaVision) would direct the film and he would produce it.

Abrams said:

We are thrilled to say that we are hard at work on a new Star Trek film that will be shooting by the end of the year that will be featuring our original cast and some new characters that I think are going to be really fun and exciting and help take Star Trek into areas that you’ve just never seen before. We’re thrilled about this film, we have a bunch of other stories that we’re talking about that we think will be really exciting, so can’t wait for you to see what we’re cooking up. But until then, live long and prosper.

He sounds pretty thrilled. But, as of early 2023, Star Trek 4 has yet to boldly go anywhere. 

This has recently become a bit more newsworthy, thanks to an interview with Chris Pine in Esquire. The interview is a great read, but Pine sounds a bit doubtful about the project about it even happening. He says that he currently doesn’t know anything about Star Trek 4, but adds:

In Star Trek land, the actors are usually the last people to find out anything. I know costume designers that have read scripts before the actors.

Pine does seem keen to do another Trek if the chance arises but doesn’t seem to have much faith in the studio process.

It doesn’t really foster the greatest sense of partnership, but it’s how it’s always been. I love the character. I love the people. I love the franchise. But to try to change the system in which things are created—I just can’t do it. I don’t have the energy.

Star Trek fans have never had it so good

If Star Trek 4 came out, I would be in the cinema like a shot, giggling excitedly the whole time. I loved all the first three – yes, even Into Darkness (just ignore a lot of stuff like super blood). They were a lot of fun.

Unfortunately, it could be argued that the cast is too big to easily bring together and the costs involved for the likely profits aren’t going to be high enough for producers. So maybe there won’t be any more big-budget movies. Which would be a shame. 

But it would still be ok. Star Trek works ridiculously well on TV, and there has never been a time when there is this much new Trek being made. And all the shows are surprisingly good; some are excellent.

I think future Star Trek series should stay in the original timeline and – drumroll – continue the story. No more reboots or prequels. A new cast and a new ship going on a new five-year mission. They can even have the odd spinoff movie. Make it so. Please. 

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