‘Star Trek 3’ Film Rumors Are Abundant While ‘Star Trek’ TV Rumors Are Crushed

Star Trek fans are riding the emotional roller coaster this week as rumors regarding the third installment of the new Star Trek film series began to surface, while Commander Riker of Star Trek: The Next Generation informed Trekkies that a new television show based on the sci-fi classic will most likely never happen.

According to TrekNews, actor Jonathan Frakes, who portrayed Commander Riker, discussed the possibility of a new Star Trek series during the Q&A segment at last weekend’s Fan Expo Regina. Frakes stated that when he approached CBS with a pitch for a new show based on the beloved sci-fi series, the network who currently owns the Star Trek rights had no interest in developing it but rather was set on harnessing all that Trekkie energy (and presumably dollars) into the Star Trek films.

The thought that Star Trek has made its last debut on the small screen may be enough to cause some Trekkies to shed a few tears. It’s okay. If we are to believe the Alien movies, in space no one can hear you scream (or cry), and there is a bright side to this dark news. The film Star Trek 3 is set to be released July 8, 2016, and it sounds like it is shaping up to be a great addition.

Star Trek fans were a little dismayed to learn that director J.J. Abrams had gone to the dark side, ditching the Trek series for another little-known sci-fi series by the name of Star Wars. That being said, the franchise has chosen director Justin Lin to replace Abrams in Star Trek 3. Lin is a veteran of special effects and action, best known for directing several of the fast paced, adrenaline charged Fast & Furious films.

Rumors circulating around the latest Trek installment suggest a possible shoot in Dubai, a possible cameo by the original Captain Kirk himself — William Shatner — and the expectation that the cast of the last two Star Treks, including Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, and Simon Pegg will reunite for number three. Simon Pegg is also said to be donning the writer’s hat for this flick. Star Trek fans will also probably be curious to see how and if Trek legend Leonard Nimoy is honored.

So it seems Trekkies do have something to look forward to on the big screen, even if the small screen continues to deny them a new fix. And if nothing else, Star Trek can continue to, in the words of Spock, “live long and prosper” in reruns.

[Image courtesy of Screen Rant]