It’s the tenth anniversary of the release of Star Trek: Beyond, and Simon Pegg paid tribute to the last theatrical release for the storied sci-fi franchise. Now, as recent headlines detail plans for the next Trek movie, Pegg has me in my feelings with his bittersweet message celebrating his film’s release.
Of every actor involved in Star Trek‘s Kelvin universe, Pegg has been the most optimistic about a fourth film happening. Unfortunately, amidst celebrating its anniversary, his latest comments feel like a white flag admitting we’ll likely never see that movie happen. Check out the caption he attached to his Instagram post that featured several photos from behind the scenes:
Ten years ago, Star Trek Beyond was released in theatres and remains one of the proudest moments of my career. A collaboration of so many people from a screenplay by myself and Doug Jung, brought to life by Justin Lin and his incredible crew. 50 new alien species for the 50 years Star Trek has offered a rare and hopeful future for humanity. If it debuted today the cynics would decry it as woke but Star Trek was offering infinite diversity 60 years before tolerance and unity were dismissed by those openly espouse prejudice and isolationism. It speaks volumes to the extraordinary optimism and progressive thinking of the late Gene Roddenberry.
He went on to reflect on what’s happened since the film’s release, and the potential for more, saying:
Though we haven’t embarked upon an adventure since and may never again, the Kelvin crew remain my dear friends through a bond that cannot be broken, even by tragedy. Here’s to boldly going for another 60 years, in whatever form that may take. Live long and prosper. 🖖🏻 ❤️
I didn’t need to hear it from Simon Pegg that the fourth Kelvin movie likely wasn’t happening, but it stung just a bit more. Many Star Trek fans would’ve loved to see this movie happen, and we’ve been strung along for years as scripts came and went with no forward progress.
While this post is meant to be celebratory, it also feels like a eulogy, celebrating what might be the end of the Kelvin universe in Star Trek. However, I do love seeing all the pictures he shared from filming, all of which can be found below:
As a Star Trek fan, this has me a bit emotional. And I think it’s hitting extra hard right now because there is so much uncertainty in the franchise as of late, with no new shows on the horizon, and stars saying the franchise may be taking a break. Overall, it’s been hard to stay optimistic.
Star Trek: Beyond stands as evidence of that challenge, as we never saw a fourth movie despite critical acclaim. The underperforming box office returns might’ve been a factor, but it’s not like it was a flop. Even if it was, Simon Pegg was one of the first to say it was poorly marketed.
“Beyond” that, the star power of the ensemble only grew over the years, and interest in seeing a new Star Trek movie remained high. Unfortunately, none of those ideas ever panned out, and now ten years later, it feels more impossible than ever that we’ll see a movie with them happen simply because of how much time has passed. It’s bittersweet, but at least we got three special films out of it.
Star Trek will return to theaters eventually, though we don’t have a release date yet. Watch Beyond on Paramount+ right now, and reminisce on how great this movie was. Also watch it for Anton Yelchin, whose unfortunate death will always be tied to this release.
