Chris Pine gives an update on ‘cursed’ Star Trek franchise

Virgin Radio

3 Mar 2023, 12:28

Credit: Rex

Sorry Star Trek fans, it looks like we’re no closer to seeing the USS Enterprise back on the big screen, according to Chris Pine.

The Don’t Worry Darling star played Captain Kirk in the 2009 reboot of the sci-fi franchise, which was helmed by JJ Abrams.

Star Trek returned with 2013’s Into Darkness and 2016’s Beyond, but while director Abrams had previously confirmed a fourth movie in the works in February 2022, Kirk star Pine doesn’t seem so sure about that release, or if the movie will even happen.

In a new interview with Esquire, he explained: “After the last one came out and didn't do the $1 billion that everyone wanted it to do, and then Anton (Yelchin) passed away, I don't know, it just... feels like it's cursed."

While he wasn’t able to give clear details about the fourth Star Trek film, Pine did say that "actors are usually the last people to find out anything.”

He added: “I know costume designers that have read scripts before the actors. I would say it's frustrating. It doesn't really foster the greatest sense of partnership, but it's how it's always been.

“I love the character. I love the people. I love the franchise. But to try to change the system in which things are created – I just can't do it. I don't have the energy."

Abrams was due to be producing the next Star Trek film with Matt Shakman directing, but Shakman left the film in August to direct the next Fantastic Four film.

According to Variety when Abrams confirmed the news last year, Paramount, the studio behind the films, were in talks to bring back to the original cast members, including Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, John Cho and Simon Pegg.

Star Trek (2009) was effectively a prequel to the story fans knew and love, setting up the origins of the team on the USS Enterprise, freeing JJ and the cast from the restraints of already decades worth of films and TV shows.

Speaking of all things Trek, Tom Hanks recently revealed he would have loved to be in Star Trek: First Contact and is a massive fan of the movies.