One of the most dependable rules in Hollywood used to be that every second Star Trek film sucked. Specifically, every odd-numbered Star Trek film. And then Star Trek: Nemesis (number ten) came along to terrible reviews and lacklustre box-office and nearly killed the franchise, throwing the world into chaos, causing rain to fall upwards and lions to lay down with lambs. Now all our hopes are pinned on Star Trek XI, because if it’s good perhaps the balance can be restored and the Apocalypse averted.
The news today is that producer JJ Abrams, who many still suspect of plans to direct XI, has confirmed that the film is due for release in 2008, after rumours had begun to circulate that it would not be out until 2009.
OK, it’s not big news, but that’s still news to the fans waiting for their next fix, without even episodes of Voyager or Enterprise to keep them going. Abrams is still not confirmed to direct, and given his concurrent deal with Warner TV to develop new shows for them, as well as continuing to keep a finger in the Lost pie, he may be keeping his options open for some time to come. That said, if we are looking at a 2008 release, expect concrete word in the next few months on any directing plans.