The latest entry in the "Star Trek" saga, titled "Section 31," premiered on Paramount in January of 2025. Unfortunately, it left both die-hard Trekkies and casual viewers feeling underwhelmed. Directed by Olatunde Osunsanmi, the film was a whirlwind of vibrant visuals and relentless action, attempting to present itself as a lighthearted caper. However, it strayed far from the core ideals that have defined "Star Trek" since its inception, leaving fans yearning for something more meaningful.
Before "Section 31," the last cinematic journey audiences embarked on with the franchise was "Star Trek Beyond," released back in 2016. This marked the third—and perhaps final—film set within the alternate Kelvin timeline. For those unfamiliar, the Kelvin timeline represents a parallel universe within the "Star Trek" multiverse, where the iconic crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise is portrayed by younger, fresher faces. Among these newcomers was Simon Pegg, who took on the role of Scotty, originally immortalized by the late James Doohan. Pegg brought a charming nerdiness to the character, infusing it with his own unique flair.
Pegg's passion for "Star Trek" runs deep; he even penned a memoir about his youthful obsessions with pop culture, so being part of the franchise was a dream come true. When it came time to craft "Star Trek Beyond," Pegg didn't just act—he co-wrote the screenplay alongside Doug Jung. The result? A film that stood slightly taller than its predecessors in the Kelvin series, offering a less brooding and aggressive tone while still delivering plenty of action. Despite this, "Beyond" failed to replicate the box office success of its earlier counterparts, effectively bringing the Kelvin movie series to a close—or so it seemed.
Paramount has hinted at the possibility of a fourth Kelvin film as recently as May 2024, though many Trekkies remain skeptical, adopting a "we'll believe it when we see it" attitude. In a recent Variety video interview, Simon Pegg weighed in on the future of "Star Trek" movies. He expressed a strong preference for filmmakers to steer clear of the overused trend of making films "gritty" or "dark." As Pegg astutely points out, maturity does not equate to darkness.
This shift toward grittiness began with the first two Kelvin-era films directed by J.J. Abrams in 2009 and 2013. These films embraced violence and action over the philosophical depth that had long been a hallmark of "Star Trek." They diverged significantly from the earlier films in the franchise, focusing heavily on combat and destruction, particularly in "Star Trek Into Darkness."
In the mid-2000s, the "grim and gritty" aesthetic became a dominant force in entertainment, influencing everything from "King Arthur" (2004) and "Batman Begins" (2005) to "Casino Royale" (2006). Even beloved franchises like "Harry Potter" gradually adopted darker tones. "Star Trek" followed suit in 2009, trading its optimistic vision for a more violent one—a move aimed at appealing to adolescent audiences.
Yet, as Pegg argues, "Star Trek" was never childish. Its original series, which aired in 1966, was sophisticated and thought-provoking. There's no need to cloak its stories in darkness to make them relevant for adults. Instead, they should be intelligent, gentle, and imaginative. Pegg fondly recalls the spirit of the original series and hopes future films will recapture that essence.
"Science fiction doesn’t need to be riddled with death, profanity, or questionable morals to resonate with adults," Pegg asserts. "It simply needs to be thoughtful and imaginative." He envisions a return to the pacifist roots of "Star Trek," where compelling narratives don't rely on killing characters or revenge-driven villains. After all, the franchise's mission has always been one of exploration and understanding, not destruction.
If the seven-year gap between Abrams' "Star Trek" and "Beyond" felt long, the wait for what comes next feels even longer. Multiple "Star Trek" projects are reportedly in development, but none are imminent. Meanwhile, Paramount continues to expand the franchise through television, with upcoming seasons of "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" and a new series, "Starfleet Academy," set to debut soon.
As Pegg reflects, "If we embark on another mission, it’ll be fascinating to see where we go next." With any luck, the future of "Star Trek" will honor its legacy of optimism, curiosity, and hope—a testament to the enduring power of imagination.
