Whatever the future plans for Star Trek may be, former franchise star Chris Pine has apparently been left in the dark. Speaking to Variety at Sundance, Pine, who played James T. Kirk in the modern Star Trek movies, was asked what Paramount's new leader has in store for the franchise.
"You probably know more than I do," the actor responded, suggesting he hasn't been contacted about any future movies.
Last year it was reported that Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley, the creative duo behind Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves and the screenplay for Spider-Man: Homecoming, were tapped to write, produce, and direct a new Star Trek movie with the aim of revitalizing the franchise. Despite Pine having a connection with the duo, having starred in Dungeons & Dragons, he doesn't appear to be returning to the franchise. That's because this new film reportedly will not be a continuation of the J.J. Abrams-led reboot.
Pine played James T. Kirk in the modern Star Trek movies, often referred to as the Kelvin Timeline. He played the iconic ship captain in three films: 2009's Star Trek, 2013's Star Trek Into Darkness, and 2016's Star Trek Beyond. His take on the character, which leaned into a younger, cockier, and more impulsive Kirk, was well received by critics and fans alike.
The movies themselves were also fairly successful. Star Trek was praised by many for its fresh energy that helped revitalize the franchise for modern audiences, and Pine's performance was especially well received. The film grossed around $385 million, a strong opening for the franchise that helped successfully relaunch the series.
Star Trek Into Darkness received a bit more of a mixed response, particularly for its portrayal of Khan, though Pine's performance was still praised. The sequel earned $467.3 million, making it the highest-grossing Star Trek film of all time.
2016's Star Trek Beyond was a return to form for the franchise with many believing it fully captured the spirit of classic Star Trek. Unfortunately, it only brought it $335.7 million worldwide, a respectable total, but lower than the first two movies. Having made the least money of the trilogy, these diminishing returns are likely what caused Paramount to rethink its strategy for theatrical releases of Star Trek movies.
With Pine's Kirk now seemingly in the rearview mirror, the actor was asked if he had any advice for Paramount leadership in terms of handling the future of the franchise.
“Advice? Have fun, good luck, live long and prosper," he offered.
Did you enjoy Pine's take on the iconic Captain James T. Kirk in the modern Star Trek films? Would you have liked to see him return for another movie?