Quentin Tarantino wanted to turn one ofStar Trek: The Original Series’funniest episodes into an R-ratedStar Trekgangster movie. In 2009, J.J. Abrams broughtStar Trekback to the big screen, introducing a whole new generation to the beloved franchise.Set in the alternate Kelvin universe,Star Trek(2009) and its two sequels performed well at the box office and helped launch a new era ofStar Trektelevision. SinceStar Trek Beyondpremiered in 2016, there have been numerous pitches and storylines suggested for the fourth Kelvin timelineStar Trekfilm, but Tarantino’s plans offered a very different vision.
In 2017, the news thatQuentin Tarantino had pitched an idea for aStar Trekfilmsent the fanbase into a frenzy. In many ways,Tarantino’s hyper-violent profanity-filled films feel likeStar Trek’sopposite.WhileJ.J. Abrams’Star Trekfilmsrelied more on sci-fi action than many of the earlierTrekfilms, they remained humorous and family-friendly. Tarantino’sStar Trekscript was inspired byTOSseason 2, episode 17, “A Piece of the Action,” which sees the Enterprise crew visit a planet with a culture based on 1920s gangster-era Chicago. This setting could explain why the episode could suit Tarantino’s style.
Why Quentin Tarantino Wanted Star Trek 4 To Be A Remake Of TOS “A Piece Of The Action”
It Would Have Repeated Another Star Trek Movie’s Trick
Having directed films likeReservoir DogsandPulp Fiction,Tarantino is no stranger to crime drama, so it makes sense that he would choose “A Piece of the Action” as hisStar Trekinspiration. With a screenplay penned byThe Revenantscreenwriter Mark L. Smith,Quentin Tarantino’sStar Trekmovie was reportedly set mostly on Earth in a 1930s gangster setting.Because of the changes in the Kelvin timeline, the events ofStar Trek: The Original Series'“A Piece of the Action” never happened to Chris Pine’s Captain James T. Kirk and his crew.
Tarantino has stated that he lovesStar Trek: The Original Seriesbecause of William Shatner’s performance as James T. Kirk. The director has also praised Chris Pine’s performance as Kirk.
In much the same way thatStar Trek Into DarknessreimaginedStar Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,Tarantino’sStar Trekmovie could have reimagined the story from “A Piece of the Action.” Interestingly,“A Piece of the Action” is also one ofStar Trek’sfunniest episodes,with Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy) doing their best impressions of 1920s Chicago gangsters. AlthoughPulp Fictionincorporates dark comedy, Tarantino’s films are not exactly known for their humor. It’s difficult to imagine how Tarantino’s proposed film would have fit into theStar Trekuniverse, but it undoubtedly would have been, as Spock would say, “fascinating".
Why Quentin Tarantino Decided Not To Make His Gangster Star Trek 4
Tarantino Didn’t Want Star Trek To Be His Final Film
Quentin Tarantino has stated that he intends to retire after directing his tenth film. With 2019’sOnce Upon a Time in Hollywoodas his ninth film (Tarantino considers theKill Billmovies to be one film), aStar Treksequel would have come in at number 10. According to screenwriterMark L. Smith in a 2023Varietyinterview,Tarantino did not want his final film to be part of a major franchise likeStar Trek.In January 2020, Tarantino finally confirmed that he would not be directing aStar Trekfilm, but still encouraged the studios to make the movie.
Quentin Tarantino Shuts Down Hopes His Star Trek Movie Will Happen
Quentin Tarantino finally addresses his rumored Star Trek movie plan and gives a definite answer to Bill Maher about whether he’ll ever make it.
In March 2020, the world ground to a halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic, placing an indefinite hold on anyStar Treksequel, including Tarantino’s idea.Star Trek 4has been in some form of development for nearly a decade,and most of the main cast have stated their desire to return. Despite this, it remains unknown whether Chris Pine and his Enterprise crew will ever get a proper send-off. But even if they do return for a final adventure, it seems highly unlikely that Tarantino’sStar Trek: The OriginalSeries-inspired gangster film will ever happen.
