Is Star Trek 5 a Reality? Debunking the Myth
It's a question many Trekkies often ask: 'Will there be a Star Trek 5?' The short answer is yes, but if you're referring to a new Star Trek 5 film, you might be confused. Let's clarify this and explore the timeline and current status of Star Trek sequels.
Star Trek V: The Final Frontier - The Existing Fifth Film
Contrary to popular belief, Star Trek 5 already exists! It's called Star Trek V: The Final Frontier and it was released on June 9, 1989. This movie, however, is quite controversial and not recommended for viewers. While the original Star Trek V is considered one of the poorer entries in the franchise, it still holds a place in the series history.
You can watch the trailer for Star Trek V: The Final Frontier on Paramount Plus and on YouTube.
The Kelvin Timeline and Reboots
With the release of the Kelvin Timeline films, many believe that these films are a reboot of the franchise. However, they are not truly reboots but rather new entries in a continuity that began after the VIACOM split. The Kelvin Timeline films are numbered differently to differentiate them from the original series and previous films.
Here’s how these films are numbered:
Star Trek: Star Trek 11 2009 Star Trek: Into Darkness - Star Trek 12 12 Star Trek Beyond - Star Trek 13 3While the official numbering would make the fifth Kelvin Timeline film Star Trek 15, the being-planned fourth Kelvin Timeline film would be Star Trek 14. These numbers reflect the true sequence of these films and not the common misnumbering from the original series.
The JJ Abrams Universe: Is a Fifth Film Possible?
When discussing the future of Star Trek, one often considers the films directed by JJ Abrams. In my opinion, a fifth film with the current cast, including Chris Pine as Captain Kirk, is highly unlikely. Chris Pine's departure from the franchise was a significant setback, and while there are rumors of offering him a massive sum to return, the likelihood of this happening is very low.
The first four films in the JJ Abrams continuity are considered critiques of their own execution. Any suggestion of a fifth film would need to be truly spectacular to bring the franchise back to the heights of critical acclaim and audience satisfaction. This means they would have to think outside the box with a new Captain or an entirely different concept. However, given the history, it’s more probable that any future Star Trek film would not maintain the same cast.
So, to summarize, Star Trek 5—the actual film released in 1989—is indeed real. Regarding a hypothetical fifth film in the current Kelvin Timeline, the answer is no, at least not with the current cast and with the quality of the previous films.
If you’re a Trekkie passionate about the franchise, it’s fascinating to explore the history and the current status of Star Trek sequels. The franchise has a rich history and continues to evolve, offering endless opportunities for storytelling and fan engagement.
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References
Trailer for Star Trek V: The Final Frontier - YouTube
Paramount Plus: Official Website
Star Trek Movies Numbering -