New Star Trek’s Big Opening Ensures Sequel

Perhaps Star Trek is not dead after all. The release of Star Trek on May 8th, the eleventh feature film in the Star Trek series, brought many sci-fi fans joy with the idea that the franchise would be relaunched. However, industry observers noted that the film was a major risk for parent studio Paramount. It was further argued that even though previous Star Trek films had been hits, none had been a blockbuster. Clearly these nabobs of negativism loved to point out that the most recent Trek adventure, Star Trek: Nemesis, had failed to break $25 million in its opening weekend.

There was no shortage of ammunition for those that wanted to argue that this film would lose millions at the box office. Despite the fact that only one Star Trek movie (in ten tries) had broken $100 million in U.S. box office receipts, Paramount cleared a $150 million production budget for the new Star Trek. It was clear that even a strong return at the box office for this move, something along the lines of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, could still result in major losses. Everyone believed that to relaunch the Star Trek franchise with a huge budget was a very risky proposition. With the benefit of the first week’s box office behind us, it has become clear that the doomsayers were a bit gloomy in their predictions.

Besting the previous record by $45 million this new Star Trek became (by far) the highest grossing opening weekend in the franchise’s 30 year history. Season movie analysts were stunned by the numbers for that opening weekend. The film has gone on to become the highest grossing Star Trek movie in history in only 7 days according to industry insiders.

Sources at Paramount Pictures have confirmed that there will be another Star Trek movie, tentatively scheduled for release in the summer of 2011. The scribes behind Star Trek have already signed on to write the next adventure in the space saga. It is unknown at this point if the director, J.J. Abrams will reprise his role in the directorial chair. Reports have surfaced that Mr. Abrams will be involved in any further Star Trek films at the producing level should he decide not to direct.

This news comes as music to the ears of Star Trek fans everywhere who have been nearly unanimous in their praise of the new Star Trek movie. The fact that many in the media pronounced Star Trek dead several years ago has made the return of James T. Kirk and crew so satisfying to Star Trek fans everywhere.

There have not been any leaks regarding the plotline of the next movie in the franchise. What is clear, after the developments that took place in Star Trek, is that the writers will have the artistic license to take the franchise anywhere there imagination can lead them. Also, expect to see at least one more Star Trek film after the next Star Trek movie as the principal cast all have deals in place for three pictures. It is, once again, a very exciting time to be a Star Trek fan.