Actress Zoe Saldaña, known for her iconic roles as Neytiri in Avatar and Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy, has expressed growing concerns about the delayed production of Star Trek 4. During her recent interview with Deadline, Saldaña reflected on the prolonged hiatus since the last Star Trek film, Star Trek Beyond, which was released back in 2016. The actress highlighted the urgency of scheduling the next installment, fearing the original cast, including herself, might age out of their roles.
"I wish we were able to do it sooner rather than later," Saldaña conveyed. "I feel like a lot of us have a full head of gray hair, so we need to do this quickly if this is the same cast that's going to reprise it again." Her comments tap directly to the heart of the situation; after nearly eight years without new Star Trek content on the big screen, time is slipping away for the original cast to return.
The wait for Star Trek 4 has become the longest gap between films in the franchise's history. Saldaña's concerns signal the growing anxiety among the cast and fans alike about the film's development. The project has seen many starts and stops since it was first announced, with multiple directors and screenwriters drafting and then departing from the project.
Initially, J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay were engaged to write the script, later overshadowed by Quentin Tarantino's alternate vision for the series. Yet, with Tarantino deciding against directing, the film stalled again. Most recently, Steve Yockey has been tasked with penning what is being described as the "final chapter" of the reboot series. The numerous changes and delays have fueled speculation about whether Star Trek 4 will ever come to fruition.
Saldaña's comments echo worries echoed by her co-stars. Zachary Quinto, who portrays Spock, previously suggested there is "no cutoff" for when the film could happen, pointing to the original Star Trek cast who successfully reprised their roles well beyond their 40s. Still, the longer Star Trek 4 takes to develop, the more distant the cast seems from their youthful days aboard the USS Enterprise.
Despite Star Trek's rich legacy on television, with numerous series currently airing on Paramount+, the film branch of the franchise seems to struggle more than ever. Fans have been left to ponder what themes might surface should the film finally be produced. The original series successfully explored complex topics such as aging, mortality, and the passage of time.
One particularly notable notion Saldaña brought up is the exploration of her character Uhura's relationship with Spock. "It's been a minute since I reconnected with Star Trek and all the characters' journeys," she admitted. Reflecting on the chemistry between her character and Spock, she noted, "It just makes sense to see what is the next step in their relationship and their work relationship as well." The deepening of relationships could lead to rich storytelling, provided the film materializes.
Financial performance has also been on everyone's minds. While the two earlier films directed by J.J. Abrams enjoyed immense box office success, Star Trek Beyond fell short of expectations, prompting concerns within Paramount about the viability of continuing the series. Many fear the franchise may have stalled at the outset of its potential new phase.
On the cinematic side of things, the big-screen iteration of Star Trek faces formidable challenges, as shown by the multitude of creative shifts the film has undergone since 2015. No script has been finalized, and it is uncertain when the cast, who signed new contracts as recently as 2022, will return to filming. With discussions about release dates ranging from 2025 to 2026, coinciding with the franchise's 60th anniversary, there remains uncertainty whether the film can be completed anytime soon.
Despite Star Trek 4’s struggles, the franchise continues to thrive on television. Upcoming projects include Section 31, starring Michelle Yeoh, premiering January 24, 2025, and the latest installments of Strange New Worlds, as well as the much-anticipated Starfleet Academy. These projects show signs of vibrancy and growth within the Star Trek universe, but the looming question remains how much longer the film side can sustain itself without new entries.
Saldaña’s anxieties about timing reflect broader sentiments from the Star Trek family and fanbase alike. After showcasing both the promise of beloved characters and captivating narratives, it seems many share the verbatim wish for new adventures through the stars — sooner rather than later. The reality, though, may challenge this urgency, and as time marches on, the future of Star Trek 4 remains tethered to hopes and dreams rather than concrete plans.
Despite Saldaña's encouraging openness about her passion for the franchise, both she and her castmates find themselves at the mercy of the industry's winding path toward the next Star Trek tale. All fans can do is wait and hope – for gray-haired and all, new journeys await them among the stars.
