Upcoming Star Trek Origin Film Premise Shows Why Franchise Keeps Losing Long-Time Fans

Upcoming Star Trek Origin Film Premise Shows Why Franchise Keeps Losing Long-Time Fans

As a long-time Star Trek fan with over three decades of emotional investment in this universe, I can’t help but feel disheartened by Paramount’s continuous efforts to create origin stories as their next installment in the franchise. Having grown up watching The Original Series and later discovering The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and Enterprise, I have witnessed the evolution of Star Trek through various eras. Each new series introduced me to new characters, new worlds, and new adventures that expanded my horizons and broadened my perspective.


Paramount has faced challenges in producing a new “Star Trek” film since the release of “Beyond” in 2016, which underperformed at the box office. As a result, the development of the fourth Abramsverse film has been delayed significantly. Consequently, it seems that the upcoming “Star Trek” movie will be an origin story to attract new audience members with minimal prior knowledge about the franchise. However, this approach may disappoint long-time fans who are eager for something more innovative and want the series to move forward rather than rehashing old stories.

We don’t need another Star Trek origin story

Based on information from The Hollywood Reporter, the upcoming Star Trek film is set to be a prequel that centers around humanity’s initial encounter with extraterrestrial beings and the establishment of the Federation. This origin tale is reportedly primarily set on Earth, making it an appealing introduction for new fans to the series.

If the plans for this film pan out, it will be the fifth “entry-point” in the franchise, joining:

  • The Original Series
  • Star Trek: The Next Generation
  • Star Trek (2009)
  • Star Trek: Discovery

From my perspective as a gamer and newcomer to the Star Trek universe, these shows, apart from The Original Series, were marketed as accessible entry points for us, ensuring we wouldn’t be overwhelmed by the extensive backstory and decades of established canon that come with this iconic franchise.

The Next Generation set itself apart from The Original Series by advancing the storyline a full century, offering fresh and engaging content that didn’t rely solely on past nostalgia for appeal. Despite incorporating nods to the earlier series, the writing was clear and captivating enough to bring new viewers up to speed.

In the 2009 Star Trek film, the creators deviated significantly from established lore by introducing an alternate timeline, yet they took a questionable action: destroying Romulus in the original continuity.

In the end, Discovery managed to secure a place in the pantheon despite its initial clumsy appearances and anachronistic additions. Thankfully, the writers acknowledged the success of The Next Generation’s approach and advanced Burnham and her team over a millennium, sparing them further potential damage.

Star Trek: Picard, designed primarily to draw in fans of The Next Generation, initially shied away from delving deeply into established lore beyond surface level. Seasons 1 and 2 presented a bleak future filled with nonsensical grimdark elements, resulting in the demise of Data and other cherished characters from earlier shows, as well as a misrepresentation of the Borg. However, with Terry Matalas taking charge as showrunner in Season 3, Picard became an ode to The Next Generation, albeit with its flaws. This heartfelt homage sparked immense enthusiasm among long-time fans and fueled discussions about a potential “Star Trek Legacy” spin-off, continuing the narrative from where Picard concluded.

When The Original Series ended after its third season, the backlash was intense, leading to the birth of the first fan community. Sadly, the upcoming Star Trek origin movie and Starfleet Academy series suggest that those running the franchise prioritize gaining new fans over fostering existing ones. Rather than advancing the franchise with a show deeply connected to its 70-year history, such as Star Trek Legacy, we’ll likely keep seeing beginner-friendly projects.

As a long-time devoted fan of Star Trek, I must express my deep concern for the future of this beloved franchise. Having grown up watching reruns of The Original Series and TNG, I’ve witnessed the highs and lows of Star Trek’s journey through space. The cancellation of Enterprise left me feeling lost and disconnected, and now, with Strange New Worlds potentially facing a similar fate after Season 5, my heart is heavy.

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2024-07-18 22:10