Bennett’s Academy film

[EnriqueH]

Based on what we know, good idea? Bad idea?

At the time, I didn’t like the idea so much. I remember going to a Takei convention in 1990 where he didn’t speak well of the idea.

Looking back with a more objective viewpoint, I liked the idea, but can understand how Paramount opted for a traditional TOS film for the 25th anniversary.

Too bad Bennett didn’t want to participate in VI.

I thought he did a lot of good for the franchise.

 

[StarCruiser]

I don't really think it would have worked well. I know what he was trying to do but...?

I think Bennett was actually semi-retired when STVI was in development.

 

[Khan Jr]

One of the things TOS did so artfully was imply a big universe. I really dislike the concept of rewinding decades and oh, it's still Kirk & Spock & Bones & Scotty together because they are The Main Characters.

Doing this because you can pay new actors less (while still benefiting from the roles the original performers popularized) also comes off as sleazy.

 

[Armus]

Bennett was not invited back to do Star Trek IV after the Academy film fell apart. He opens up to Shatner in Star Trek Movie Memories about that. Star Trek VI had to be fast tracked and rushed to be out for the 25th anniversary. Bennett was out and Nimoy and Nicholas Meyer were in.

 

[Ryan Thomas Riddle]

The badmouthing the supporting TOS cast did about Starfleet Academy was hardly accurate of the script, which I've read. It wasn't "Police Academy in Space."

Let's be honest, Takei and the rest were lobbying to keep their jobs, which they wouldn't if the Academy movie went forward. So badmouthing the project was in their best interest.

The script wasn't great, but it was more "Top Gun in Space".

The story had some good ideas and dealt with xenophobia and racism, so similar themes as TUC. And it had some great action moments. Trek 09 also shares a lot of similarities to Academy.

Another rewrite or two and the script might have been OK.

 

[Maurice]

It's a mediocre to bad script with a few good ideas clumsily executed. One saving grace it had was it didn't try to shoehorn in the entire TOS regular cast, and was largely about the big 3 + Scotty, if I remember correctly.

 

[EnriqueH]

Yeah looking back, I can understand why Takei and others bad mouthed it.

At the time, I was more interested in seeing the original cast back in action and viewed the Academy thing as a bit threatening.

But there’s no reason why they couldn’t have also done a traditional TOS film.

I think it was right to do a final TOS movie before the Academy thing because these guys were REALLY getting old, especially DeForest Kelley.

 

[JonnyQuest037]

The badmouthing the supporting TOS cast did about Starfleet Academy was hardly accurate of the script, which I've read.

Wow, I wasn't aware that the Academy script was floating around out there. I've read a review or two of the script, but never the script itself. I didn't think it had ever been released. Is it available anywhere online?

I'm not sure if it would've worked. From what I've heard about it, it sounds like they were writing more toward the cliched versions of the characters (young rebellious Kirk flying through haystacks at his family farm and stoic, emotionless Spock poo-poohing everything Kirk does) than what the characters were actually like on TOS. And I really don't know if recasting the characters would've worked in the early 90s.

I know that they took some inspiration from the 1940 film The Santa Fe Trail starring Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Raymond Massey, and Ronald Reagan. And the villain was an alien prince whose planet's economy was heavily dependent on slavery, which was about to be outlawed by the Federation (something you'd think they would've done ages before, but whatever).

 

[Ryan Thomas Riddle]

Wow, I wasn't aware that the Academy script was floating around out there. I've read a review or two of the script, but never the script itself. I didn't think it had ever been released. Is it available anywhere online?

I got it from one of my many sources. I don't think it's online anywhere unfortunately.

 

[BillJ]

I got it from one of my many sources. I don't think it's online anywhere unfortunately.

Boo!

 

[EnriqueH]

I got it from one of my many sources.

You’re so cool I’m going to call you “Culo”.

Look it up.

 

[captainkirk]

I got it from one of my many sources. I don't think it's online anywhere unfortunately.

Any chance you still have it and would be able to share?

 

[Peach Wookiee]

You’re so cool I’m going to call you “Culo”.

Look it up.

EnriqueH, flamear en español sigue ardiendo. In other words, warning for flaming. Comments to PM, please.

 

[F. King Daniel]

I've always been curious about this one. Of course, unmade movies always have that mystique. The concept art looks interesting, especially Mullet Spock and Cowboy McCoy. And the idea of them shoehorning another Enterprise and captain into the continuity in 1991 is crazy. Pretty sure it would have made a mess of "The Cage"/"The Minagerie"

I love the academy bit of the 2009 movie (well, I love all of that movie but still) and it's fascinating to think how it would be approached by different filmmakers at an earlier time.

 

[EnriqueH]

EnriqueH, flamear en español sigue ardiendo. In other words, warning for flaming. Comments to PM, please.

Is flaming the same as ball busting? I was breaking balls in a friendly way. Aggression was NOT intended, which is what you’re perceiving?

 

[JonnyQuest037]

The concept art looks interesting, especially Mullet Spock and Cowboy McCoy.

If you're referring to the art of the shirtless guy in the cowboy hat sacked out on the bed, I believe that was supposed to be Jim Kirk.

 

[JonnyQuest037]

BTW, the Academy Years script was reviewed about 10 years back on Ain't It Cool News by a poster called Merrick (Hmmm... Didn't we have a poster by that name? Is it the same person, I wonder?). You can read the review here (SPOILERS apply, of course).

 

[Maurice]

I've always been curious about this one. Of course, unmade movies always have that mystique. The concept art looks interesting, especially Mullet Spock and Cowboy McCoy.

Okay, I do not know that I've seen the concept art in question.

 

[F. King Daniel]

Okay, I do not know that I've seen the concept art in question.

They're near the bottom here[URL="http://"][/url]

 

[Nerys Myk]

They're near the bottom here

The fans would have stroked out seeing that Enterprise redesign and cowboy Kirk. I do like the very Journey To Babel look for the Vulcans.