After a period of uncertainty, we are now getting not one but two new cinematic outings for Gene Roddenberry's science-fiction franchise; the Mark L Smith written film based on a story pitch by Quentin Tarantino
, and a
Star Trek 4 to be helmed by the franchise's first female director, SJ Clarkson.
The film will reunite the Kelvin Universe crew of the previous three films in an adventure that is said to see James T Kirk come face-to-face with his deceased father George, as played by
Avengers: Infinity War star Chris Hemsworth. While Pegg doesn't have any further plot details regarding the film, he did reveal his excitement about Clarkson coming on board.
There's so much more to do with those characters. I'm very excited about SJ Clarkson being hired. JJ e-mailed us about that just before it was announced, everyone was so excited. I think Zach [Quinto] has actually worked with her. I've seen stuff she's done, and I think it's a great choice - and it's about time. The script is being done by Patrick McKay and John Payne, and I'm not sure what the status is at the moment. SJ just came on-board, so it feels like we've turned a corner toward production but I have no solid information.
Pegg also spoke about the milestone of Clarkson being the first woman to helm a Star Trek film, becoming only the third woman to direct a film budgeted at over $100 million following Patty Jenkins' Wonder Woman and A Wrinkle In Time's Ava DuVernay.
Obviously, the gender of a director shouldn't be important, but it is a nice change of energy. It feels good, because it feels less conventional in some respects - it shouldn't do. But with SJ being attached to Star Trek 4 it's something and it also means we've geared up again in terms of making it. That is another step towards us getting on set as well. I am super excited. I can't wait to hang out with her.
While looking ahead to future outings in the franchise Pegg also reflected on Star Trek Beyond, the last cinematic outing on which he also served as co-writer. Speaking to JoBlo Pegg spoke about what it was like for him and Doug Jung to write the film, specifically in the aftermath of 2013's Star Trek Into Darkness.
The thing with Beyond, I think the time is sort of born that out in terms of its popularity and the constant feedback I get from the Star Trek community, which seems very grateful, and that's who we...'Cause I felt they were done a slight disservice, maybe with Into Darkness because it was quite... It was divisive, I think... And so Doug and I tried to sort of pull it back to almost a giant episode, that was our agreement that we came up with.
The Hot Fuzz actor has no ill thoughts toward those fans who were less than enthused with Into Darkness, however, or indeed any project, as he went on to defend those who are sometimes derided for sharing their strong opinions.
People love their stuff and have their specific opinions, and now they can rally those opinions with people who feel the same way. It's the almost inevitable consequence of social media, really. It's always been like that - they just haven't had the ability to find each other and moan collectively. Well, it's not moaning; one of the things I find to be reductive is when there's a complaint about something, and it's dismissed as moaning or butt-hurt fanboys. In fact, people's opinions are valid. If someone doesn't like something, it doesn't mean they're being spoilers or ruining the fun. That's their opinion.
What do you think? Are you excited for Clarkson to direct Star Trek 4? What would you like to see for the film? And how did you feel about Star Trek Beyond? Leave your thoughts below.