Intense Star Trek movie inspired by Training Day and Crimson Tide
The Bad Apples of Starfleet: New Star Trek Movie Teases Deep Dive into Starfleet’s Darker Side
While the future of Star Trek on the small screen remains somewhat ambiguous, there is a fresh cinematic opportunity brewing. Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley, the creative duo behind the critically acclaimed Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, are channeling their talents toward a new Star Trek feature film. This upcoming project is not just another space adventure; it promises a compelling exploration of the institution itself, hinting at the complex, often imperfect reality of Starfleet.
In conversation about their upcoming work, the filmmakers dropped some intriguing tidbits about their vision. They suggested the new movie will delve into the dynamics of Starfleet and the people who occupy positions within it. They argue that while the idealizations of Starfleet often presented in the franchise are attractive, they don’t capture the full picture. Instead, they envision a story that acknowledges the existence of “bad apples” within any long-standing institution—individuals who can wield significant influence and fundamentally change what an institution stands for.
To capture this thematic tension, Goldstein cited two films as key inspirations for the tone and dynamic of the new project: Training Day and Crimson Tide. Both movies center on intense, often conflicting relationships between a seasoned veteran and a younger subordinate, a dynamic that perfectly mirrors the potential for conflict and internal struggle within the rigid structure of Starfleet.
Daley further teased the film’s approach, noting that it aims to take place almost in real time, offering a fresh perspective on what a Star Trek movie can be without sacrificing the foundational principles of the franchise. This suggests a narrative that prioritizes character drama and institutional realism alongside the interstellar spectacle.
This thematic focus is rich with potential, drawing on the well-established lore of Starfleet’s history, which includes numerous examples of internal conflict and moral gray areas. From Admiral Marcus in Star Trek Into Darkness to Admiral Pressman in The Next Generation, the history of Starfleet is populated by figures who exemplify the complexity of leadership, demonstrating that even the highest ranks can harbor deep flaws.
Beyond the narrative substance, the goal of the new film is ambitious: to appeal to both established fans and a broader new audience. Goldstein emphasized that they do not want to rely solely on existing fandom to drive the success of the movie. Instead, they aim to create a truly great cinematic experience that allows viewers who are new to the franchise to discover the world, while simultaneously satisfying long-time fans.
Of course, a blockbuster must deliver more than just compelling storytelling; it needs a spectacle. Recognizing the visual advancements made in the streaming era, Daley stressed that any new Star Trek feature must possess a visual spectacle sufficient to justify the theatrical experience. The challenge for the creators is to balance deep, character-driven storytelling with the cinematic grandeur that the franchise demands.
The promise of this new film lies in its ability to blend the familiar wonder of space exploration with gritty, human drama. By exploring the internal conflicts of Starfleet, Goldstein and Daley are aiming to deliver a visual spectacle backed by a story that feels both familiar and fresh—a true look at the people, not just the ships, that make up the Federation.
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