Directors Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley are developing a new Star Trek feature film for Paramount Skydance.. The project will introduce original characters in a future setting, utilizing a real-time narrative to explore the internal frictions of Starfleet.
The 'Bad Apples' of Starfleet's Institutional Culture
Rather than presenting the utopian vision typically associated with the franchise, Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley intend to examine Starfleet as a long-standing institution. according to the report, the filmmakers want to explore how the longevity of such an organization affects its internal culture, specifically acknowledging that "bad apples" exist within the ranks. This approach suggests a shift toward a more grounded, perhaps more critical, look at the galactic federation's governing body.
The narrative will not be nihilistic, but it will focus on how individuals with corrupt motives can wield significant influence over an organization and its values. By moving the setting further into the future than any previous Star Trek installment, the production can establish these systemic issues without being tethered to the established lore of preious captains or admirals.
Lessons from Crimson Tide and Training Day
To establish the film's tone, Jonathan Goldstein cited the Denzel Washington films Crimson Tide and Training Day as primary inspirations. These movies center on the volatile dynamic between a powerful, often corrupt mentor and a principled rookie. This tension mirrors the traditional Star Trek focus on moral and ethical dilemmas, but frames them within the high-pressure environment of a psychological thriller.
The influence of Crimson Tide is particularly poignant given that the 1995 film was written by Quentin Tarantino, who himself once attempted to create an R-rated Star Trek project before leaving it in 2019.. By adopting this "mentor vs. rookie" structure, Goldstein and Daley are pivoting the franchise away from ensemble exploration and toward a concentrated, character-driven conflict.
Justifying the Big Screen Against Paramount Plus
A significant challenge for the new movie is differentiating itself from the cinematic television series produced by Alex Kurtzman for Paramount Plus. John Francis Daley noted that because streaming quality has risen, a theatrical Star Trek film must provide a "genuine spectacle" that justifies the cost of a cinema ticket. The filmmakers are focusing on scale and visual impact that they believe only a feature film can deliver.
The goal is to replicate the success of the J.J. Abrams reboot trilogy, which expanded the Star Trek audience beyond the core fandom. As reported , the team aims to create a movie that is accessible to general audiences who have never seen the series, while still providing enough familiar world-building to satisfy longtime enthusiasts.
The Missing Cast and Release Date for the 2025 Project
Despite the detailed vision shared at San Diego Comic-Con, several critical pieces of the puzzle remain missing. While the project was first reported in 2025 and officially confirmed at CinemaCon 2026, Paramount Skydance has yet to announce a release date or a casting slate. It remains unclear who will fill the lead roles of the mentor and the rookie , or if the production will lean toward established A-list stars to attract the general audience Goldstein and Daley are targeting.
Furthermore, the source only provides the perspective of the filmmakers; there has been no official statement from Paramount Skydance regarding the budget or the specific timeline for the screenplay's completion. Whether the duo will officially helm the production as directors, or remain solely as writers, is also yet to be finalized.
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