Potential Final Year of Conventions for Leonard Nimoy

In an interview with Big Fanboy, Leornard Nimoy briefly discusses how this will likely be his last year of Star Trek Conventions (so can be with his family) and a little on his role in the latest Transformers movie.



The "jackass" comment from the interview is shown here. As the interviewers expression shows, it was not a planned moment. Nimoy embraces "Live long and prosper" often signing off his tweets with LLAP so I guess he didn't appreciate the joke.

Kirk vs. Kirk

The image to the left was released to help promote William Shatner's documentary called "The Captains" where he interviews all the captains from the the five television series and the movies including J.J. Abrams Star Trek reboot with Chris Pine as the new Captain of the Enterprise. Considering both the occasional ego but humor that Shatner brings to his projects, it seems like it will be an entertaining movie. (via Bleeding Cool)

Star Trek: The Exhibition Videos

TrekMovie has posted several videos that show off STar Trek: The Exhibition that recently opened at the Kennedy Space Center. The first video is from Orlando Attractions Magazine which is an advertisement/show to highlights the various tourist attractions in Florida. It is a 30 minute program covers Discovery Cove's Grand Reef, World of Harry Potter but I have the video set to start at the Star Trek portion. After that, there is local station Channel 13 News coverage of the opening. TrekMovie has additional videos from when it was on display at Filmpark in Baselberg Germany.

From what I can tell, it looks like this is a much improved version of the Exhibition that use to be on display in Las Vegas. I saw that one and none of the sets and display items were available then. For more information go to Kennedy Space Center or call 1-877-313-2610.

Wong, Bakula Video Interviews

SyFy Germany has a prolific YouTube channel that posts from various events from around the world such as the Green Lantern world premiere, Star Trek cons and more. Below are two quick interviews they had with Star Trek Voyager's Garrett Wong and Star Trek: Enterprise's Scott Bakula. Even though the site is for their German audience most of the videos are in English.

IDW September Star Trek Comic

IDW Publishing has released their publishing plans for September. The month brings a single trade and the first ongoing Star Trek series in 15 years that is set in the ST2.0 universe (and so another nail in the Star Trek Prime universe). If you are interested in the books, just let your local comic book store know. For the full details of IDW's other books including GI Joe, Transformers, Angel and more click here.

IDW's New Star Trek Series

IDW has announced the first new Star Trek comic book series in fifteen years. Simply called "Star Trek" this series will take place in the new Star Trek 2.0 universe created by the J.J. Abrams reboot. Star Trek movies writer Roberto Orci will be consultant on the series as it reimagines classic Trek Prime episodes in this new universe. The first issue is scheduled for a release sometime in September 2011.

All-new ongoing series begins in September

Classic Star Trek: The Original Series episodes reimagined in the new universe

The Star Trek universe will never be the same following the events of the game-changing, blockbuster 2009 film. Beginning with STAR TREK #1 in September, IDW Publishing and CBS Consumer Products join forces with Star Trek writer/producer Roberto Orci to explore the vast implications of the alternate timeline created by the film in a new, monthly, ongoing comics series.

"Movies cost money. Lots and lots of money," said Orci. "But comics give us unlimited budgets to take the crew of the Enterprise farther than they've ever been. Join us!"

Interview with Star Trek 12 Writers

TrekMovie was able to score an exclusive interview (yep I am jealous) with the writers of Star Trek 12 - Damon Lindelof, Roberto Orci, and Alex Kurtzman. The video of the interview and the transcript can be found here.

The highlights:
- On rumor of meeting a September start principle photography start date, the answer was confusing but came down to if J.J. Abrams thinks it is ready.
- Writer's still determining what the line is on what and number of classic Trek elements to bring in as they try to create their own canon. Lindelof, "It is just finding that balance so it’s not too inside, but it inside enough so that the people that have invested the last forty years of their live in this incredible myth feel like they are getting their money’s worth."
- While they have worked on the script for technically 9 months, this is really the first time they have been able to work on it full time.
- Have no desire or intent to remake Wrath of Khan but will use it as a model for getting the characters right.

Abrams: Six Months Behind Schedule, Writers Talk Sequel

For the first time, J.J. Abrams admitted that Star Trek 2 might just have a scheduling problem. While making the rounds to promote Super 8, he stopped by the Howard Stern Show on June 14th (for probably the last time) as they drilled him on Star Trek and his various projects. The questions were more direct than Abrams was use to leading to a probably unintended admission that "We are probably six months behind." A few more details from the interview can be found here.

In an interview with MTV, Abrams again addressed the issue of getting Star Trek 2 out but by that point he was back to saying it was doable but was focused on putting out a great movie. He also has not made a decision on directing, making the reasonable argument "[I] want to make sure I know what I am being asked to direct before I do it."

Hanks up for Star Trek 12 Role

In an amusing guest appearance on BBC One's The Graham Norton Show, Tom Hanks and Simon Pegg talked about Star Trek and briefly quizzed each other. The news of note is the Academy Award winning actor expressed a wiliness to appear in the movie, suggesting the role of a "peaceful Romulan." While it is doubtful this will ever occur, it is always nice the know that Hanks is a proud Trekkie. Hanks joins Rosario Dawson, James McAvoy, Paul Giammatti, and Rachel Weisz in expressing interest in a role for the sequel. (via TrekMovie)

Nicholas Meyer's Roddenberry Regret

In a Q&A held after a screening of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Nicholas Meyer spoke of a regret he had in one of his last meetings with Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry. Meyer was there for The Hero Complex Film that is being held over the weekend and is the director of what could be argued the two best Star Trek films with Khan and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. He didn't give specific details on what was said, just expressed he could have handled the meeting better in part because Gene Roddenberry was ill at the time (and would die shortly after VI premiered). Below is the video thanks to Trek Movie and the transcript can be found at Hero Complex.

William Shatner's Star Trek Pitch

Blastr is reporting that around 2003 William Shatner pitched a new Star Trek series to replace Star Trek: Enterprise on then UPN. I remember the rumors at the time which indicated the series was set at Starfleet Academy but no real details. According to the site, that is actually true. Not only was the series at the Academy but would have focused on young Kirk and Spock's years there. An idea that probably was fleshed out in Shatner's novel "Star Trek: Academy - Collision Course" that was released in 2007. The description of the novel suggested that it was a beginning of a new series of Trek novels from Shatner but sadly the next book never materialized. This was probably due to the by then leaked description of the J.J. Abrams' reboot that would partially take place there and explore the early years of both characters.

As we know now, whatever direction Shatner might have gone in would not have stepped on any toes but I guess the publishers didn't want to take the risk or simply stopped caring. If the current novel publishing state is any indication, tragically for long time fans, the exploration of the Star Trek Prime universe is on its last legs. Later this year or sometime next year there is a plan for a series of books to explore Kirk and Spock's Academy days but those will take place in the Star Trek 2.0 universe.

Abrams Interview on Star Trek and Other Projects

In an interview with Collider, J.J. Abrams discusses many of the projects he is currently working on. He is about the wrap up promoting his latest movie Super 8, move into possibly directing Star Trek and executive produce new shows Alcatraz and Person of Interest. In the interview he discusses each of these projects. The Star Trek aspect doesn't cover any new ground, with him repeating that he isn't going to rush to movie and that it will not be in 3D. Below are a few highlights specific to Star Trek, with the full interview here.

Do you think it will be ready by its set release date?
ABRAMS: I care much more than it be good than it be ready. We’re obviously doing everything we can to make sure that schedules don’t get screwed up, but I don’t think anyone wants a movie on time that’s not worth your time.

Does pressure to do it in 3D have anything to do with the delay?
ABRAMS: Nothing at all.

Are you considering doing it in 3D?
ABRAMS: I’m not yet considering it, but I haven’t gotten that threatening phone call from people in suits saying, “If you know what’s good for you . . .”

Is it harder to nail down the story direction because this is really now a new Star Trek and anything goes?
ABRAMS: I don’t think that’s been any kind of hindrance, or additional problem. But, I certainly think that we want to make sure that it’s done right. The guys we’re working with are obviously brilliant, so I’m really excited to get back into it. Super 8 has been something that I’ve been working on pretty closely, so it’s been hard to find the leisure time to discuss Kirk and Spock.

Jeri Ryan Talks Star Trek: Nemesis

In an interview with the Nerdist Podcast, the gorgeous Jeri Ryan discussed some of her years with Star Trek (she played Seven of Nine on Star Trek: Voyager) and provided a little background on her near role in Star Trek: Nemesis and why it didn't work out. Quotes below, via TrekMovie, but what it worked out too was a schedule conflict with her role on Boston Public, a desire to break out of the Star Trek stereotype, and simply that the role was forced into the film.

Star Trek Video Game Teaser Trailer

E3 has begun this week and yesterday Sony held its E3 Press Conference where it showed off its year or so slate of games including announcing their next gen portable called PS Vita. Once of the games briefly shown off was Star Trek based on the ST2.0 universe started by the 2009 movie. As previously announced, the game lets you take control of Kirk and Spock as they fight off an unknown enemy.
In addition the PS3 version will come packaged with a Phaser attachment to use with the PlayStation Move. The game will have a prequel that will be released on the PlayStation Network that is also for the Move. Below is the teaser trailer for the game.

Abrams: Sequel "Worth the Wait"

As J.J. Abrams continues to promote Super 8, he gets asked about Star Trek. Each time it seems just a little bit more information leaks on how/if Star Trek 12 can hit its release date. Each time, it seems that Abrams is setting up everyone to not really be surprised when a delay is announced. This notion was repeated in two new articles.

Hitflix:

We are still working on story. Some super cool stuff — but I won’t be able to make a decision on directing until we have our script and I know what I’m being asked to direct. As for release date, that is not a concern of mine. Perhaps we could still make the date the studio wants. But we are focusing on making a great movie: the guys I’m collaborating with are the best and we all want the same thing.

CNN:

I’m not so sure, but I know that we’re trying. We’re working on the script and story and doing everything we can to make it well. I would just so much rather make a movie that’s worth people’s time than make a movie that’s on time…I’m not inclined to push it. I’m inclined to make a movie that’s good and if it works out in that timetable then we’ll all be thrilled. If it doesn’t, when the movie comes out it’ll be worth the wait.

Abrams Mini Updates on Sequel

While out promoting Super 8, J.J. Abrams discussed a little bit about Star Trek 12 including the writing status, if film will be in 3D, and hitting the release date.

Script staus via Dose.ca:

The writers are hard at work on it, and I am excited about getting back to it. We are taking our time, though, because I really do want make sure we do something that is worthy of the first one.

3D status via CinemaBlend:

I’m not yet considering [3D], but you know, I haven’t gotten any phone call from people in suits. I know what’s good for me.

Hitting release date via Collider:

I really don’t know [if Star Trek will make its release date], we will see. We are working really hard to try and get that movie made as soon as possible, but we don’t want to rush anything. The worst thing we could possibly do would be to put something into production to make a release date instead of a great movie.

In the same interview with Collider he also mentioned a Star Trek related Easter Egg, saying "There are a couple of here and there. I will say that Leonard Nimoy is in the movie, if you can find him." Abrams still has not announced if he will direct the film but it would be really surprising if he didn't. (via TrekMovie)

Star Trek Video Game Announced

Despite concerns that Star Trek 2 will not make its June 29th, 2012 release, that isn't stopping Paramount Digital Entertainment from announcing a new Star Trek game. The new game will be based on the Star Trek 2.0 universe created by the relaunch and give players the chance to play as Kirk and Spock.

The game will be released on the XBox 360, PS3, and PC with next week's E3 providing the first chance for the media to get a look at the early work on the title. The game is based on a story from God of War writer Marianne Krawczyk with input from Star Trek 1 & 2 writers Bob Orci and Alex Kurtzman. The story follows the duo as they learn to work as a team to stop an "infamous enemy race from conquering the galaxy."

“ Star Trek challenges the boundaries of co-op gameplay with a galactic adventure gamers and fans have never experienced,” said Tom Lesinski, President, Paramount Digital Entertainment. “Working closely with the Star Trek filmmaking team throughout development, the game is sure to deliver AAA production values, a wide variety of gameplay and all the action you would expect from the hit franchise. This will be the definitive Star Trek gaming experience.”

While the idea of a decent Star Trek game might actually be made, I still find it bittersweet. For long time Star Trek fans, this is yet further proof that the Star Trek Prime universe is quickly going to fade into the past as even the books are starting to wind down publishing in favor of the 2.0 universe.

Malcolm McDowell Talks Kirk's Death

Malcolm McDowell, the actor that played Dr. Soran, the alien that killed James T. Kirk in Star Trek: Generations looked back on his career and his dissatisfaction with how poorly executed the iconic character's death was handled. In short, he is just as unhappy with it as most fans, much like director David Carson was. The two part interview is worth reading not just because his memorials of filming the sequence but also his thoughts on his long storied career. Below is some of the interview, click the links for the rest - Part 1 | Part 2.