How would you have done the new movie?

[Vincent Law]

If Paramount had come to you, and asked you to do STXI instead of JJ Abrams, what would you have done? Would you have done a origin story as well, or something different? The only requirement here is that it would have to feature the original crew somehow, even if not all or even most of them. Paramount seemed to think it was important to go back to the original series in some way. And while I'm sure some of you thought the movie JJ Abrams made was just fine, I would prefer if you didn't simply reply with, "exactly what JJ Abrams did," or something else along those lines. That would make discussion rather bland and pointless.


What follows here is just my own personal musing.

I kind of liked the idea of doing an origin story, but in my opinion the new movie tried to do too much at once, among other things I found myself dissatisfied with. Would it be better to feature Kirk and possibly Spock during their times at the academy, or would it be better to start later, say when Kirk first took command of the Enterprise? Or possibly some point in between? Would flashbacks along the lines of what was done in Batman Begins be a good alternative to the standard chronological style of storytelling?

I also have to admit that I am evenly split between the idea of attempting to follow established continuity, and simply doing a Battlestar Galactica style reboot.

 

[Mr Silver]

I'd do the Reboot, most likely with the Alternate Universe, however I'd change the storyline slightly...

*No Nero or Exploding Planets (Vulcan still remains as does Romulus in the Prime Timeline)

*The Borg would be responsible for the differences in the timelines, in this Universe, the Borg would have invaded during Archer's time and as a result, the Federation, lucky to survive, would have stepped up a gear and improved their Technology significantly

* A Time Travelling Romulan (Perhaps a descendant of Mark Lenard's Romulan Commander as a little nod to TOS fans) would be responsible for the crisis in the film, in an experiment gone wrong, the Romulan and Spock Prime would end up in the alternate Universe, apparently stuck the Romulan maroons Spock and goes about making the Romulan Empire strong, in order to lead a war against the Federation

*Kirk would be more "Intelligent", he'd do something less "Arrogant" and "Sarcastic" during the Kobayashi Maru simulation, he would also be more confrontational with Spock

*Spock wouldn't be as Emotional as he was in the JJ Movie, I'd also scrap the Spock/Uhura relationship (because it sucked)

*Warp Drive would be less "Star Wars" and more "Star Trek"

 

[AstroSmurf]

I don't think this belongs here. Moving...

 

[Admiral Buzzkill]

My version would have looked more like the original Star Trek in terms of visual design.

This is reason #157 that I have lots of time to chat on the Internet instead of being busy and in demand to produce Hollywood movies.

 

[CaptainStoner]

I'd do the Reboot, most likely with the Alternate Universe, however I'd change the storyline slightly...

*No Nero or Exploding Planets (Vulcan still remains as does Romulus in the Prime Timeline)

*The Borg would be responsible for the differences in the timelines, in this Universe, the Borg would have invaded during Archer's time and as a result, the Federation, lucky to survive, would have stepped up a gear and improved their Technology significantly

* A Time Travelling Romulan (Perhaps a descendant of Mark Lenard's Romulan Commander as a little nod to TOS fans) would be responsible for the crisis in the film, in an experiment gone wrong, the Romulan and Spock Prime would end up in the alternate Universe, apparently stuck the Romulan maroons Spock and goes about making the Romulan Empire strong, in order to lead a war against the Federation

*Kirk would be more "Intelligent", he'd do something less "Arrogant" and "Sarcastic" during the Kobayashi Maru simulation, he would also be more confrontational with Spock

*Spock wouldn't be as Emotional as he was in the JJ Movie, I'd also scrap the Spock/Uhura relationship (because it sucked)

*Warp Drive would be less "Star Wars" and more "Star Trek"

I like all of this.
Along with your ideas for Kirk, I would scrap the entire Kirk origin storyline, which is, along with Nero, the weakest and stupidest part of the film. He would not go from Cadet to Captain.
Kirk would probably already be an officer, like Spock was. Scotty, and probably Uhura, wouldn't start as cadets, but I might have been fun to have Sulu & Chekov coming in as new cadets, having them serve as a sort of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern role, though not as incompetent cartoons a la STV.

 

[OneBuckFilms]

Vincent,

To tell the story in flahsback form may have worked to a degree, but that would require the "present-day" story to serve as a framing device.

Might have been an interesting episode 2-parter in a series, but is not really very cinematic.

A general audience would need an anchor beyond seeing old spock/kirk reminiscing about the past.

It also would be difficult to keep the fast pace necessary if the story is interrupted by too many time jumps between events.

Captain M,

The Borg idea sounds a little like fan indulgence to me, and requires too much knowledge of past continuity for a general audience unfamiliar with Star Trek lore.

It sounds more like an in-universe history to drive differences, but it lacks an immediate dramatic hook. A background detail is not dramatic enough to hold the audience's attention, and does nothing to further the characters or the core of the story.

Althouhg it could be possible to have Vulcan and Romulus survive, the question comes as to what the dramatic drive of your movie would be. Who/What would provide the adventure and pace needed to drive the story and draw your audience into the drama?

Dramatically, you need big stakes to drive big events.

 

[OneBuckFilms]

My version would have looked more like the original Star Trek in terms of visual design.

This is reason #157 that I have lots of time to chat on the Internet instead of being busy and in demand to produce Hollywood movies.

I personally like the idea of being closer to TOS, but the truth is, the TOS look and feel would not hold up as well on the big screen and be believable enough to carry a 2009 movie.

 

[Vincent Law]

I'd do the Reboot, most likely with the Alternate Universe, however I'd change the storyline slightly...

*No Nero or Exploding Planets (Vulcan still remains as does Romulus in the Prime Timeline)

*The Borg would be responsible for the differences in the timelines, in this Universe, the Borg would have invaded during Archer's time and as a result, the Federation, lucky to survive, would have stepped up a gear and improved their Technology significantly

* A Time Travelling Romulan (Perhaps a descendant of Mark Lenard's Romulan Commander as a little nod to TOS fans) would be responsible for the crisis in the film, in an experiment gone wrong, the Romulan and Spock Prime would end up in the alternate Universe, apparently stuck the Romulan maroons Spock and goes about making the Romulan Empire strong, in order to lead a war against the Federation

*Kirk would be more "Intelligent", he'd do something less "Arrogant" and "Sarcastic" during the Kobayashi Maru simulation, he would also be more confrontational with Spock

*Spock wouldn't be as Emotional as he was in the JJ Movie, I'd also scrap the Spock/Uhura relationship (because it sucked)

*Warp Drive would be less "Star Wars" and more "Star Trek"

But if you would reboot the franchise with the new movie, why would you need any kind of time-traveling plotline, or anything that changes how things were in the original?

Vincent,

To tell the story in flahsback form may have worked to a degree, but that would require the "present-day" story to serve as a framing device.

Might have been an interesting episode 2-parter in a series, but is not really very cinematic.

A general audience would need an anchor beyond seeing old spock/kirk reminiscing about the past.

It also would be difficult to keep the fast pace necessary if the story is interrupted by too many time jumps between events.

As I said, Batman Begins seemed to do this rather effectively, as there was only one instance of a flashback being used that had two characters sitting around talking as the framing reference for the flashback itself, at least as I can recall. From what I remember, most of the flashbacks took place as the character was unconscious and dreaming about the events. I believe I am Legend used the same method. As for pacing, I believe both those movies did an adequate job of keeping things moving without trying to go too fast, though Batman Begins was a better movie in my opinion.

 

[Gojira]

I love the Star Wars type of warp drive. IMHO that is the way it always should have been done!

The only thing I would have done differently would have been to be more clear and less ambiguous about the movie taking place in an a parallel universe. In other words, I would have made it a clear reboot possibly without the time travel (although I love the time travel) I would also have tried to fit both Nimoy and Shatner in the film.

 

[Captain Mike]

My version would have looked more like the original Star Trek in terms of visual design.

This is reason #157 that I have lots of time to chat on the Internet instead of being busy and in demand to produce Hollywood movies.

Well, hell Dennis. If you did that, with a better story I would have probably gotten hyped up about it at the beginning. Probably wou;d have enjoyed that better than what we got. Although you like this one....

 

[BillJ]

Drop the origin story and drop Spock Prime. Try to tell a more straight-forward story (hard reboot).

 

[JarodRussell]

A story that begins with Kirk, Spock & Crew in the 23rd century and is resolved by Picard and Nimoy Spock in the 24th century. No time travel, no "passing the torch" junk, just a linear storyline.
First hour is TOS, second hour is TNG, and the transition between both timeframes is a seamless blend from young Spock's face to Nimoy Spock's face.

I'd also be okay with a full reboot. Originally they wanted to blow up the Enterprise under Captain April, which would have explained any changes to the universe much better.

And visually... the TMP era designs, those are timeless. No huge shitfuck of reimagined stuff and barcode scanners and crap.

 

[Avon]

i would have remade 'the cage' with perhaps a moderate amount of lens flair.

 

[OneBuckFilms]

Drop the origin story and drop Spock Prime. Try to tell a more straight-forward story (hard reboot).

Some merit to this, but it would mean alienating fans who want the story to fit in with existing continuity. Six of one, half dozen of the other.

 

[OneBuckFilms]

A story that begins with Kirk, Spock & Crew in the 23rd century and is resolved by Picard and Nimoy Spock in the 24th century. No time travel, no "passing the torch" junk, just a linear storyline.

This would involve the TNG crew, and not make for a good setup for future adventures. It would also require non-fans to have a familiarity with both crews from the start, thus defeating the entire reason Paramount wanted the movie in the first place.

First hour is TOS, second hour is TNG, and the transition between both timeframes is a seamless blend from young Spock's face to Nimoy Spock's face.

Nice given the premise above, but losing half of your cast halfway through a movie is not wise. Again, if the TNG crew are the endpoint of the movie, it sets up future adventures with the TNG crew, and the TOS crew serve no function to the end of the movie dramatically.

I'd also be okay with a full reboot. Originally they wanted to blow up the Enterprise under Captain April, which would have explained any changes to the universe much better.

This would have been met with cries from fans who would likely reject the full reboot, and wonder why it would be necessary to destroy the Enterprise if it was a true reboot.

And visually... the TMP era designs, those are timeless. No huge shitfuck of reimagined stuff and barcode scanners and crap.

The Barcode Scanners are only apparent when pointed out, IMHO, and most of the time, I don't see them, but YMMV.

The TMP Era designs were fantastic, but if this was a TOS movie, it is TOS that should vaguely be the design model, no?

If it is a true reboot, then re-using existing designs would be the laziest, least creative option.

If it is NOT a reboot, the TMP designs would have been seen as an egregious breach of continuity, and creatively lazy.

The TOS designs would have been laughed off the screen by general audiences.

Star Trek would die as a franchise in your hands.

 

[JarodRussell]

A story that begins with Kirk, Spock & Crew in the 23rd century and is resolved by Picard and Nimoy Spock in the 24th century. No time travel, no "passing the torch" junk, just a linear storyline.

This would involve the TNG crew, and not make for a good setup for future adventures. It would also require non-fans to have a familiarity with both crews from the start, thus defeating the entire reason Paramount wanted the movie in the first place.

First hour is TOS, second hour is TNG, and the transition between both timeframes is a seamless blend from young Spock's face to Nimoy Spock's face.

Nice given the premise above, but losing half of your cast halfway through a movie is not wise. Again, if the TNG crew are the endpoint of the movie, it sets up future adventures with the TNG crew, and the TOS crew serve no function to the end of the movie dramatically.

I'd also be okay with a full reboot. Originally they wanted to blow up the Enterprise under Captain April, which would have explained any changes to the universe much better.

This would have been met with cries from fans who would likely reject the full reboot, and wonder why it would be necessary to destroy the Enterprise if it was a true reboot.

And visually... the TMP era designs, those are timeless. No huge shitfuck of reimagined stuff and barcode scanners and crap.

The Barcode Scanners are only apparent when pointed out, IMHO, and most of the time, I don't see them, but YMMV.

The TMP Era designs were fantastic, but if this was a TOS movie, it is TOS that should vaguely be the design model, no?

If it is a true reboot, then re-using existing designs would be the laziest, least creative option.

If it is NOT a reboot, the TMP designs would have been seen as an egregious breach of continuity, and creatively lazy.

The TOS designs would have been laughed off the screen by general audiences.

Star Trek would die as a franchise in your hands.

Oh, sorry, is this supposed to be an argument? None of us can back up either position with anything.

 

[ChristopherPike]

A film that covers several crossroads in the life and career of James T Kirk, each years apart but connected in some way by the same human antagonist. Once a childhood hero – someone who then goes off the rails and becomes a final hurdle to overcome before he takes command of the Enterprise.

I’d have preferred to connect dots in the Prime Timeline and just not bothered explaining inconsistencies in the updated set designs and FX. Roughly I imagine the last quarter of the film fitting between The Cage and WNMHGB, well at least in spirit.

Similar to the last film, I’d show key moments from Spock’s life in parallel to Kirk’s. Where George Kirk is hero to his son, Sarek is anything but to Spock. His origin story (what little there was) leading to the Kobayashi Maru seemed pretty much perfect.

The film opens with Kirk as a small child taken to Starfleet’s Construction Yards and Experimental Starship Complex. Simulated warp tests are being run on a primitive looking U.S.S. Constitution, housed in an enormous hangar. The youngster somehow manages to be separated from his father, who is conducting a VIP tour and almost has an accident. Fleet Captain Robert April notices the kid in over his head and manages to step in, keeping the young Kirk from serious harm.

George Kirk is a scientist working on the Constitution Class program. He’s close friends with April. Scenes of family life are mixed with the Enterprise beginning to take shape. James has a very close relationship with his Dad. He owns a futuristic telescope and they spend time together watching the night sky, talk about the history of space exploration.

The years pass, 20 minutes into the film and Kirk is now a teenager, he’s lost some of his cutesy enthusiasm and is as you’d expect – rebellious and a troublemaker. George has been transferred to the Engineering team supervising test-runs aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise. He invites his son along to the Christening Ceremony and there are all sorts of dignitaries attending, including one Jonathan Archer – famed Starfleet pioneer and former Federation President, there to see the NX-01’s namesake depart.

A catastrophic disaster happens a few hours out from space dock and George Kirk is trapped below decks, with his son powerless to help. Yet in the scenes which follow, despite being left physically disabled, his father continues to enthuse about space exploration. Even frail and beyond medical help, he urges his wayward son not to abandon his childhood dream to follow in his footsteps, to go out and explore. This leads James Kirk to straighten up and fly right. He’s got a purpose and signs up for Starfleet Academy.

The first major event in the movie was a set back which results in Robert April's Captaincy of the Enterprise going down in history as a failure. Lessons are learned enough for when Christopher Pike is appointed Captain 5 years later and the ship is successfully re-launched. An embittered April, found negligent and his career in ruins becomes the movie’s villain, with enough motivation to turn against Starfleet. He falls in with some bad company, having been broken out of prison by Andorian pirates.

Meanwhile the film reaches scenes of Kirk meeting McCoy and Spock at the Academy, with more time is devoted to the Kobayashi Maru and how he beat the “No-win scenario”. The Enterprise is currently between 5 year missions with Spock and Pike stationed there, with the vessel used for training cadets. Among the cadets putting in cameos would be Uhura and Sulu. Scotty is already the ship’s engineer. There’s no Chekov, who I wouldn’t introduce until a sequel or two down the line.

The classes split and go there separate ways. Kirk excels in his studies, promoted to Lieutenant and sent to serve aboard the Farragut… despite hoping for the ship his father served on.

April and his band of Andorians have been busy trading classified secrets to the highest bidder during the ensuing years… including at one point, Starfleet warp technology to a race who appear to be Vulcan. This briefly sets up a use of Romulans for another film.

The plot would climax with April and the Andorians confronted by several starships working together including Farragut (under Kirk, when the original skipper gets killed), Enterprise (under Pike, who similarly gets injured, leaving Spock as acting Captain).

Kirk's valour and tactics are so amazing; when Pike recovers he accepts a promotion to head up Starfleet Academy and recommends Kirk for Enterprise Captain.

 

[Bishop76]

Star Trek would die as a franchise in your hands.

Hear, hear. Also, there are barcode scanners in there? Never noticed.

 

[OneBuckFilms]

ChristopherPike,

Even a cursory glance at your proposed story reads like the biography of a character an unfamiliar audience has no reason to care about.

 

[C.E. Evans]

I would have done a straight reboot with Kirk coming aboard the Enterprise as the youngest captain in Starfleet history. Most of the movie would have focused on Kirk proving himself to his crew--especially to his half-Vulcan/half-Human first officer--as the right man for the job.

The bad guys would be the Orions, but they'd be reinvented as "space pirates" with a female Orion as their pirate queen. The Enterprise would be deployed to stop her from raiding Federation colonies along the frontier.

While there would definitely be some visual nods to the original series (uniforms and props), I probably would insist on the Enterprise being more rugged and less stylish in appearance--more like a ship with some 20 years of wear and tear on her (she ain't pretty, but she's a ball buster all the same).