J.J. Abrams Talks Star Trek 3 And The Future Of The Franchise
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With the release of Star Trek Into Darkness firmly in all U.S. theaters, it’s time to start the countdown to its sequel film, Star Trek 3. Although J.J. Abrams next film will be Star Wars: Episode VII for Disney and Lucasfilm, the 46-year-old director haven’t completely ruled out returning to the director’s chair for Star Trek 3.
In an interview with TrekMovie.com, J.J. Abrams confirmed that there have been no formal discussions of Star Trek 3, despite what his producing-partner has said about the third film in the Star Trek reboot film series. If there were a third film in the works (and honestly why wouldn’t there be considering that the main cast has signed on for three Star Trek movies), a 2016 release date would be ideal for the upcoming 50th anniversary of Star Trek. Abrams explained:
“What I would say is that it feels like 2016 would be a great year given the celebration of the anniversary. But again I am open to whatever is the best possible version of the movie. Meaning if there is a great script and the story is there and it’s possible to release that movie in 2015, then great. If we don’t figure it out until a release for 2017–we don’t want a bad movie to come out just because there is a release date. That is true with everything. I would hope the right movie would come out in the right time.”
One of the reasons Star Trek Into Darkness was released in 2013 instead of 2012 like originally expected was that J.J. Abrams didn’t want to rush the film’s production if the story and script weren’t up to his standards. It’s reasonable to believe that same idea would be extended to Star Wars: Episode VII and Star Trek 3.
When asked about directing Star Trek 3 after Star Wars: Episode VII, Abrams offered up his take on the situation. He explains if the timetable on the films goes according to plan without any delays, then most likely there would be a new face in the director’s chair for Star Trek 3. Abrams continued:
“If they want in that period of time and if Star Wars goes forward as planned, it would obviously be a conflict. It depends when this movie would happen. And again as no formal discussions have started it is impossible to know. But in all likelihood if there is a movie sooner, there will be a different director on the film. It would be something we would all get together and agree on. We love this and care about it too much and want to make sure it is handled correctly. But I would say that having directed pilots and movies and then having seen subsequent directors work on those shows or do their own versions of those films – time and again I have seen it done better. And so I’m looking forward–if there is another director–it will be interesting to see. I am certain I will learn lessons watching their work.”
It doesn’t seem like it would be possible for J.J. Abrams to direct both Star Wars: Episode VII and Star Trek 3, so maybe it’s a good idea to see someone else take over the Star Trek franchise. There are plenty of other great genre directors to take Abrams’ place if need be.
