New ‘Star Trek’ Film From ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ Directors Announced

Paramount Pictures is chart a new course for the Star Trek film franchise by enlisting the creative team behind Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley have been signed to direct, write, and produce a new feature film. This announcement comes shortly after reports confirmed the studio had scrapped the long-gestating “Star Trek 4,” which was intended to reunite the cast from the 2009 reboot.

The studio’s new strategy, led by Paramount CEO David Ellison, moves away from the Kelvin timeline. While specific plot details for the new film are being kept secret, it is confirmed to be a fresh take, unconnected to any existing Star Trek series or movie.

A New Direction for the Franchise

This decision marks a significant pivot for Paramount. The previously planned “Star Trek 4” had seen several directors, including S.J. Clarkson and Matt Shakman, attached at different points. Despite a major announcement in February 2022 confirming the return of the original cast, the project was ultimately shelved due to budget concerns and creative uncertainty.

Goldstein and Daley bring a proven track record with critically acclaimed films like Game Night and Honor Among Thieves. Although Honor Among Thieves was considered a box office disappointment, its strong reception and subsequent cult following demonstrated the directors’ ability to handle major franchises with a blend of action and comedy. Their other credits include co-writing Spider-Man: Homecoming.

The Long Road to a New Film

The live-action Star Trek film franchise has been dormant since 2016’s Star Trek Beyond, marking the longest gap between films since the series began in 1979. This is not the first attempt at a reboot; prior development included a project from Noah Hawley and a prequel film from director Toby Haynes with a script by Seth Grahame-Smith, which focused on the formation of Starfleet. The status of those projects remains unclear.

While the new film will not continue the adventures of Chris Pine’s Captain Kirk, Paramount’s decision to entrust Goldstein and Daley with the franchise signals a clear desire for a creative reset.

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