Star Trek 2023 Movie: 8 Things We Want To See
What's the best way to follow up Star Trek Beyond?
Paramount Pictures revealed last week that a brand new Star Trek film is officially in production, and with a release date of June 9th, 2023 locked in, it's time to let the wild speculation begin.
J.J. Abrams will be producing, which leads one to believe that this film will be revisiting the Kelvin Timeline last seen in 2016's Star Trek Beyond. If that is indeed the case, what else could be in store for Chris Pine's Captain Kirk and the rest of the Enterprise's crew?
There are many assumptions being made at present, including that big one above (that Chris Pine is returning). That may not necessarily be the case, though it does seem like the most likely outcome of the ongoing contract talks.
Other appearances, such as one by a certain God of Thunder (Chris Hemsworth, who played Kirk's father George in the 2009 reboot), are far less certain, though Zachary Quinto and Simon Pegg are almost certainly safe-bets to appear.
But what in particular should the next Star Trek film include? The Kelvin Timeline is divisive amongst the Trek faithful, but there are certain things the next film could do that would be sure to make it an intriguing prospect for fans new and old...
8. Chekov's Storyline Resolved
Anton Yelchin's tragic passing in 2016 was felt by everyone involved in Star Trek, and it has also sadly left a narrative issue for the films to resolve.
Chekov has always been one of the core members of the Enterprise's crew, so what can the new film do, if anything, to acknowledge his absence?
They may decide to give him an off-screen death, similar to their handling of Leonard Nimoy's passing in Star Trek Beyond. That wouldn't be a bad option, and it could provide a fitting tribute to Yelchin's Chekov, but there are other avenues to consider.
It could be the case that Chekov will be reassigned. In this event, there will surely be deleted or extended footage from the first three films that could be used.
Whether he is honoured on-screen with a virtual appearance or whether he is simply spoken about by the rest of the crew though, the film absolutely needs to shine a light on his absence. Yelchin was a fantastic addition to the cast back in 2009, and is sorely missed.