The Trek XI Saga Continues

Posted by: Jerrica

The rumor mill around "Star Trek XI" is spinning enough to make the most hardcore Trekkie dizzy. After my last two articles running the gamut of gossip, there came the news that Paramount was giving the bridge to J.J. Abrams (the director of "Mission: Impossible III" and the man behind the television shows "Lost" and "Alias"). Now, the latest spoke in the wheel as it continues to turn is that Abrams claims this report was distorted.

Abrams was quoted on ComingSoon.net as saying, "The whole thing was reported entirely without our cooperation. People learned that I was producing a 'Star Trek' film, that I had an option to direct it, they hear rumors of what the thing was going to be and ran with a story that is not entirely accurate." His statement seems to imply that the information was announced without his knowledge. Whatever the case, it's not very encouraging to see that the people charged with bringing us the eleventh "Star Trek" film and updates on its progress seem just as confused and bewildered as the fans.

As for the film itself, the news that accompanied Abrams address of this inaccuracy points out that Abrams is a fan of the Original Series. This could be an indicator that "Variety" is the most credible source on this movie's premise yet, reporting that it will take place early on the lives and careers of James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock. The claim is made that it will cover their first meeting and first mission into the final frontier.

Putting aside that this is just the most recent glitch in the launch of a new "Trek" adventure, forgetting that tomorrow this could turn out to be just the latest letdown in a slew of them, I'm simultaneously excited and frightened by the mere prospect of casting a young Kirk and Spock that would do the characters justice. That could be wonderful and it could be terrible, depending on what is done with the characters and how. Unfortunately, that is impossible to foresee with this project stuck in the clouds.

Getting back to the part where the heads of fans are spinning, I have to wonder if this constant misdirection and redirection isn't disenchanting to the most faithful Trekkie. Paramount needs to decide on a vision for the next "Trek" soon and stick with it, because some fans will only be able to stand so many false leads before they start becoming indifferent.

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