In an interview with Deadline, Zoe Saldaña, who is promoting her Golden Globe-nominated performance in Emilia Pérez, discussed the status of the long-awaited sequel to 2016’s ‘Star Trek Beyond.’ She expressed concerns that the cast might age out of their roles if the film isn’t made soon.
“I wish we were able to do it sooner rather than later,” she said. “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.”
Saldaña also mentioned her interest in further exploring her character Uhura’s relationship with Spock if ‘Star Trek 4’ eventually moves forward.
“It’s been a minute since I reconnected with Star Trek and all the characters’ journeys, but Uhura and Spock were always sort of drawn to each other, it just makes sense to see what is the next step in their relationship and their work relationship as well,” she said.
Co-star Zachary Quinto, who portrays Spock, previously told Variety that he believes there is still time to make ‘Star Trek 4,’ citing the original series’ cast continuing their roles “well into their 50s and 60s.” His comments appear to contradict Saldaña’s concerns about the cast aging out of their roles.
The first two ‘Star Trek’ films directed by J.J. Abrams were major box office successes, with ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ still holding the distinction of being the highest-grossing film in the franchise’s history. However, ‘Star Trek Beyond’ was considered a financial disappointment, leading Paramount to reevaluate future installments.
While the big-screen future remains uncertain, the ‘Star Trek’ franchise continues to expand on television. The Paramount+ exclusive movie Section 31, starring Michelle Yeoh, Omari Hardwick, Kacey Rohl, Sam Richardson, Sven Ruygrok, and Robert Kazinsky, is set to premiere on January 24, 2025. Additionally, ‘Strange New Worlds’ Season 3 is next in the TV lineup, and Starfleet Academy is currently in production for a potential 2025 or 2026 release. Another theatrical project, described as a ‘Star Trek’ “origins” movie, is also slated for the 2025 movie schedule.
