Star Trek 4 gets a new update, with a report claiming that Zoe Saldaña is now signed on to star in the project. After two successful Star Trek reboot films starring Chris Pine as Captain Kirk, Star Trek Beyond hit theaters in 2016. Despite positive reviews, the film was a soft performer at the box office, and a potential Star Trek 4 has been stuck in development hell ever since, with conflicting updates emerging about the project over the past few years.
A new report from Variety now sheds some light on Star Trek 4, claiming that Saldaña is signed on to return as Lt. Nyota Uhura in the film. Saldaña also shares some of what she hopes to see from Uhura in the upcoming sequel, which includes more of an exploration of her dynamic with Zachary Quinto's Spock:
“She’s a xenolinguistics master, but I would like her doing something else. I’m curious to see her relationship with Spock and how that has evolved.”
As for the status of the Star Trek 4 script, the actor hasn't read it yet, and she makes clear that she won't be putting her life on hold waiting for the project to come to life:
"In the first years when these sequels were becoming a thing in my life, I wouldn’t do anything. I would just live my life and wait. Now I’m learning that there’s so many things I want to do. I’m like ‘Hey, what’s out there?’”
What Saldaña's Update Means For Star Trek 4
What Is The Status Of The Long-Awaited Sequel?
Star Trek 4 has experienced a number of false starts over the last few years, but the fact that Saldaña hasn't yet read a script means that things still seemingly haven't progressed a great deal with the sequel. It was reported earlier this year that Steve Yockey, creator of The Flight Attendant for Max, was writing the script, but it's not clear if this is still the case or if the project has pivoted again. Though the film was once slated to release in December 2023, that date came and went, and the movie has no new confirmed release date.
At this point, factoring in completing the script and getting actors' schedules lined up, the soonest Star Trek 4 could be hitting theaters is probably 2027, but 2028 is more likely. As for who would be involved in the film, core Star Trek cast members like Pine, Quinto, Simon Pegg (Montgomery Scott), Karl Urban (Dr. Leonard McCoy), and John Cho (Lt. Hikaru Sulu) would seemingly all be returning. Though most of these stars have expressed interest in returning for another film, they generally seem to be just as in the dark about the project as fans are.
Our Take On The Latest Star Trek 4 Update
What Challenges The New Movie Faces
It's been more than eight years since the release of Star Trek Beyond, and, despite Paramount's efforts, it wouldn't be surprising if the film doesn't end up happening. At a certain point, continuing the story of a film that was only marginally successful at the box office becomes a questionable commercial venture. That being said, there is clear love for this particular iteration of characters like Kirk, Spock, and Uhura, and it would be exciting to see the gang get back together for one last adventure.
While many questions remain about the upcoming film, it likely won't be made at the same budget level as Star Trek Beyond, which had an estimated price tag of $185 million. This will be particularly challenging to achieve not just because of the spectacle expected of the franchise, but because the salaries for all the very famous cast members will eat up a large chunk of the budget. Though Star Trek 4 seemingly still has a ways to go, Saldaña being signed on is a positive sign, and hopefully, more updates will emerge about the film in the near future.
