Tarantino Trek - what could we expect?

[fireproof78]

I don't believe he's ever done space opera before.

So, when he calls in "Pulp Fiction in space"

"I get annoyed at Simon Pegg. He doesn’t know anything about what’s going on and he keeps making all these comments as if he knows about stuff. One of the comments he said, he’s like ‘Well, look, it’s not going to be Pulp Fiction in space.’ Yes, it is! [laughs hard]. If I do it, that’s exactly what it’ll be. It’ll be Pulp Fiction in space.

That Pulp Fiction-y aspect, when I read the script, I felt, I have never read a science fiction movie that has this s–t in it, ever. There’s no science fiction movie that has this in it. And they said, I know, that’s why we want to make it. It’s, at the very least, unique in that regard… There is a gangster element to what we’re doing withthe Star Trek thing that works out pretty good.”

people are going to judge those statements. Some are encouraged and others are disheartened.

 

[Malaika]

He is right about one thing: Pegg (and the others) shouldn't pretend to know things that he doesn't know. That is annoying for fans too because actors usually really are the least to know what's the story. In this case it's kind of funny because Pegg was trying to reassure us and maybe himself by making that assumption, but he still created the illusion of knowing things he didn't know. That adds perspective to his other comments too as I remember he pretended to know about Orci's script too but that wasn't true either.



Anyway, the deflecting continues.
I don't get the power this guy (tarantino) has and why everyone ostensibly gives him a pass and makes excuses for him. Had jj or others said what he said, everyone would collectively lose their sh*t, lol. After all the hate jj gets from fans who claim he doesn't get 'trek values' it's beyond comical to see them defend Tarantino's 'pulp fiction in space' now.

 

[Dales]

He is right about one thing: Pegg (and the others) shouldn't pretend to know things that he doesn't know. That is annoying for fans too because actors usually really are the least to know what's the story. In this case it's kind of funny because Pegg was trying to reassure us and maybe himself by making that assumption, but he still created the illusion of knowing things he didn't know. That adds perspective to his other comments too as I remember he pretended to know about Orci's script too but that wasn't true either.



Anyway, the deflecting continues.
I don't get the power this guy (tarantino) has and why everyone ostensibly gives him a pass and makes excuses for him. Had jj or others said what he said, everyone would collectively lose their sh*t, lol. After all the hate jj gets from fans who claim he doesn't get 'trek values' it's beyond comical to see them defend Tarantino's 'pulp fiction in space' now.

Two things gives Tarantino power.

His body of work is one of the greatest in hollywood. JJ Abrams is nowhere close to the respect Tarantino has and has proven why he deserves it.

secondly trek can still be morphed into anything and can cross part with many genres. TNG is a good example, it had an elementary sherlock episode, it had a western episode. so a pulp fiction trek could work if it is executed well and who better to do that than Tarantino


Right now Trek is a desperate franchise, Paramount needs anything..just anything to keep trek relevant in movies. its better to still have a Tarantino trek movie than nothing.

 

[fireproof78]

I don't get the power this guy (tarantino) has and why everyone ostensibly gives him a pass and makes excuses for him. Had jj or others said what he said, everyone would collectively lose their sh*t, lol. After all the hate jj gets from fans who claim he doesn't get 'trek values' it's beyond comical to see them defend Tarantino's 'pulp fiction in space' now.

Exactly, especially after Tarantino goes on about Shatner being the main draw for him for Star Trek. This isn't some superfan who "totally gets Star Trek." This is a Hollywood director whom Hollywood has determined deserves nothing but power and people fear saying no to him. So, if this is the case then I do not see how this is additive to the franchise as a whole.

Right now Trek is a desperate franchise, Paramount needs anything..just anything to keep trek relevant in movies. its better to still have a Tarantino trek movie than nothing.

No, they don't need to do that. They have many other properties they are working with (Transformers and Mission: Impossible among them) and Star Trek is currently being firmly handled by CBS. With an upcoming merger, there is no need for Paramount to pour in more money into a brand they are not in full control of.

The last thing Paramount needs to do is make a decision based upon desperation. That does not make for good business decisions.

 

[Tenacity]

especially after Tarantino goes on about Shatner being the main draw for him for Star Trek.

How is that different than the same feeling among many other dedicated fans? Sorry to break it to you, but to a large number of people (and not just the fans) Shatner is Kirk.

And Kirk is Star Trek to the general audience.

This isn't some superfan who "totally gets Star Trek."

And that is the most exciting thing about Tarantino doing a Star Trek movie, that he is a knowledgeable fan, and will bring passion to the Trek movie he makes, because he always brings passion to his movies.

It won't be a generic sci-fi movie, with a couple of character labeled "Kirk and Spock."

This is a Hollywood director whom Hollywood has determined ...

No, this is a director who has earned his place through hard work and vision.

people fear saying no to him

Tarantino isn't the director you bring in for just any movie. No one was kicking down his door to do the latest Marvel movie, that isn't his thing.

I do not see how this is additive to the franchise as a whole.

If this happens (and there's no guarantee at this point that it will) Tarantino will definitely stir up the pot, and we'll get a Trek movie like nothing before, at the same time it won't be disconnected from the past.

 

[fireproof78]

How is that different than the same feeling among many other dedicated fans? Sorry to break it to you, but to a large number of people (and not just the fans) Shatner is Kirk.

And Kirk is Star Trek to the general audience.

But Kirk is not Star Trek. When we have that emphasis on how great the Kirk character is (and how great Shater is as Kirk) we got Star Trek V.

And you didn't break anything to me. There is a reason why Star Trek keeps doing prequels like Discovery and Kelvin Trek.

And that is the most exciting thing about Tarantino doing a Star Trek movie, that he is a knowledgeable fan, and will bring passion to the Trek movie he makes, because he always brings passion to his movies.

It won't be a generic sci-fi movie, with a couple of character labeled "Kirk and Spock."

I don't think that Tarantino is a knowledgeable fan and I don't have proof otherwise. He is knowledgable about Kirk. And Kirk is not all Star Trek is.

No, this is a director who has earned his place through hard work and vision.

That doesn't make him the right fit for Star Trek.

Tarantino isn't the director you bring in for just any movie. No one was kicking down his door to do the latest Marvel movie, that isn't his thing.

Ok...? Don't care. Don't want Marvel in my Star Trek, thanks.

If this happens (and there's no guarantee at this point that it will) Tarantino will definitely stir up the pot, and we'll get a Trek movie like nothing before, at the same time it won't be disconnected from the past.

So far we haven't had a Star Trek that is "disconnected from the past" and we have Tarantino saying "It will be Pulp Fiction in space." None of that is encouraging for me.

I'm glad your excited and I appreciate your passionate defense. But, Tarantino doesn't feel right to me.

 

[Malaika]

And Kirk is Star Trek to the general audience.

I will argue that Spock is star trek to the general audience more than Kirk (who, after all, is a stereotyped, archetypal male lead that even at the time was built on the success of other characters). Roddenberry himself and Shatner were "annoyed" by that fact; the found solution suggested by Asimov was making Spock the captain's friend but that made people fans of their duo, not really fans Kirk because of Spock, like Roddenberry hoped.

Spock is the most popular and iconic character, that's why when Nimoy started to fight to get what he deserved, they had to find a deal with him. That's why they had to bring him back from the dead in St3, that's why jj&co made their Spock more a co-protagonist than just Kirk's sidekick, and that's why Discovery made Michael Spock's sister, not Kirk's. It's also why JJ deemed it more a priority to give Nimoy (thus Spock Prime) a role in his movie than give one to Shatner.

I might also argue that Spock is more relatable to people than Kirk and the other male characters. The fact he's mixed and his conflict between two cultures had always been symbolic and inspiring to many people and still is.
Tl dr, being an iconic character that pop culture associates a franchise with or gives importance to isn't something limited to the protagonist; sometimes a franchise' success surpasses that of its main guy. I will also argue that nowadays audiences wouldn't be interested about a Kirk solo movie. At this point, the general interest is more on the ensemble than Kirk being the Luke Skywalker of the situation.


This, however, isn't the point. Tarantino being a Shatner fanboy doesn't make him a trek fan who genuinely likes the thing for the thing. He admitted that he only prefers it to star wars because Shatner is there (irony is, he'd probably be a better fit for a star wars spin off). That's a limited reason... From his comments it seems sci-fi isn't his cuppa and he finds that trek lacks...the stuff you find in his movies. That's him watching wimbledon and complaining the players aren't playing football...
There is no hint he is a knowledgeable fan, whatever that means since for me someone shouldn't necessarily be a trek fan to work on this trek (hardcore fans tend to be too self indulgent and hindered by nostalgia, which already proved to be counterproductive for kelvin trek ). Does Tarantino even like space? Is he interested about aliens and trying to discover the secrets of the universe? Trek is tons of things but if you aren't even inspired by the basics ...
At the very least I think the next person who makes a sequel of this trek should be genuinely inspired by it. Also, better if they don't need to get the memo about abc stuff like the fact the characters are from another reality and the prime timeline still exists.
This trek deserves better.

 

[Smellmet]

But Kirk is not Star Trek. When we have that emphasis on how great the Kirk character is (and how great Shater is as Kirk) we got Star Trek V.

And you didn't break anything to me. There is a reason why Star Trek keeps doing prequels like Discovery and Kelvin Trek.

I don't think that Tarantino is a knowledgeable fan and I don't have proof otherwise. He is knowledgable about Kirk. And Kirk is not all Star Trek is.

That doesn't make him the right fit for Star Trek.

Ok...? Don't care. Don't want Marvel in my Star Trek, thanks.

So far we haven't had a Star Trek that is "disconnected from the past" and we have Tarantino saying "It will be Pulp Fiction in space." None of that is encouraging for me.

I'm glad your excited and I appreciate your passionate defense. But, Tarantino doesn't feel right to me.

I'm not sure if he feels right for me either. Could he inject some retro cool into things? Absolutely, in fact, I suspect that's one of the biggest things he brings to the table. Anything beyond that is pretty much an unknown quantity and depends on how many restrictions are placed on him with language and violence.

That being said I'd rather see some big screen trek than not, and the prospect of a world famous director does have a certain appeal. At least it signals a change in direction instead of ploughing ahead with the 'villain blockbuster' route. Who knows, it may work, it may crash and burn. I'm willing to give it a shot.

 

[VOODOOXI]

If one of the worlds greatest directors is willing to direct a film in this struggling franchise just get out of the way and let him do it.

A Tarantino ST film is sure to be a HUGE deal outside the usual hardcore fans and bring some much needed attention and box office to the series. I can’t wait to see what he comes up with. I’m sure it will be far more interesting than the cancelled Chris Hemsworth ST 4.

 

[fireproof78]

If one of the worlds greatest directors is willing to direct a film in this struggling franchise just get out of the way and let him do it.

I don't care who the director is. I would not give any director carte blanche on one of my flagship properties.

 

[Malaika]

If one of the worlds greatest directors is willing to direct a film in this struggling franchise just get out of the way and let him do it.

So if Almodóvar or Woody Allen wanted to do trek, they should just let them do what they want even if it looks like..everything but a trek movie?
I'm sorry but that's silly and desperate. No director should have this power. A franchise must have an integrity to respect and different genres exist for a reason, if the studio "gets out of the way" they deserve to be doomed. If they don't care about their own thing how can they expect the audience to care?

And again, you all overrate this guy and give him too much credit.
For one, his movies don't make more money than jj's movies did so far so if paramount&co want a box office hit like those at marvel, and this is exactly what they always wanted, hiring Tarantino isn't the solution because he doesn't produce those numbers and never will.
Who would watch his movie? His movies are only liked by a niche audience that is unlikely to watch a trek movie anyway, even if made by him, and again it is a small audience (relative to a franchise) so even if they all collectively watched this it wouldn't be enough for Paramount.

Kelvin trek fans will probably feel alienated and not watch it. I mean, a lot of those already skipped Beyond because JJ wasn't directing and they got the impression, from promotion, what the creative team said, and what critics were saying, that the movie ignored the other two and was only made to please haters. Completely true or not it doesn't matter, the result was beyond becoming the least successful of the 3. It also failed to overcome people's prejudice that Lin did 'fast and furious in space'. How do you expect that audience to watch 'pulp fiction in space'?

Tarantino isn't universally loved. There are many who dislike his movies and even those who recognize he isn't bad still recognize that his movies are repetitive and are becoming predictable. How many times his stories revolve around revenge and other familiar patterns?
Ironically, his movies do have those elements that people already criticized in jj's trek, but they are even worse in his movies. So, again, why are kelvin trek critics on board with Tarantino?
From what he is saying, he isn't even giving us hope that he can use trek as a pretext to do something very different and prove he is very versatile by surprising those with prejudice... Nope, he is being predictable by saying that if he makes this movie, it will be just like his other movies because he isn't able to do different things nor he wants to.

Your argument that 'it's Tarantino' so no matter what, he gets a pass and we are supposed to find him good on principle is, I'm sorry, very weak.
I think the story and the integrity of a franchise and its characters should matter more than the director's name.

 

[Smellmet]

I think if it has to be QT directing, then there has to be a balance struck with what is produced, let him put his stamp/creativity on it but surely no one wants to see kirk spouting motherf**cker whilst killing an alien in a gory fashion do they?

I'm willing to be open minded about it but until we see the content then I will be cautious with my optimism.

 

[fireproof78]

Your argument that 'it's Tarantino' so no matter what, he gets a pass and we are supposed to find him good on principle is, I'm sorry, very weak.
I think the story and the integrity of a franchise and its characters should matter more than the director's name.

Exactly.

 

[johnjm22]

I think Tarantino is joking in that interview about "Pulp Fiction in Space" and being annoyed with Pegg.

 

[fireproof78]

I think Tarantino is joking in that interview about "Pulp Fiction in Space" and being annoyed with Pegg.

That does nothing to inspire confidence.

 

[johnjm22]

That does nothing to inspire confidence.

He's talented. That's why I have some confidence in him.

I worry that he'll be too retro. That's my main concern.

If I was Paramount I'd love to have Tarantino. He could do a ST film with a lower budget than the previous Kelvinverse films because his movies are about the dialog. Actors even lower their fees just to work with him.

And the movie kind of markets itself. His name being on it makes it a story. The Trek audience will go see it, plus people who just want to see a Tarantino film. They'll be a lot of curiosity about it IMO. Tarantino's last film.

 

[fireproof78]

He's talented. That's why I have some confidence in him.

So are many other directors. Not all are a good fit for Trek. I don't doubt Tarantino's talents. I have concerns that he is an appropriate fit for Trek.

The Trek audience will go see it

After what he said, I will not.

Please enjoy

 

[Tenacity]

hardcore fans tend to be too self indulgent and hindered by nostalgia, which already proved to be counterproductive for kelvin trek

The scenes where Pine/Kirk spoke of being bored with being captain of the Enterprise and later sought a promotion in order to get away from the ship filled me with nostalgia.

 

[fireproof78]

The scenes where Pine/Kirk spoke of being bored with being captain of the Enterprise and later sought a promotion in order to get away from the ship filled me with nostalgia.

Honestly, this is one part of Kelvin Trek that I really liked. It struck a balance of warming the nostalgia part because of knowing Prime Kirk, while feeling very much connected with Kelvin Kirk.

 

[ISS Enterprise]

IF QT makes this movie he's making a ST movie not Kelvin Trek. Even if this crew/cast is in it, he's using the actors not the specific JJ iterations.
it will be n should be his vision & frankly Kelvin Trek ran it's course. I'm a ST fan n guess older by some definitions, but I desire to see a quality ST film.