Star Trek: The Next Generation alum Jonathan Frakes approached J.J. Abrams about directing Star Trek 4.
In a new interview with TrekMovie.com, the actor best known for his role as Commander William Ryker revealed how he approached the producer/director of 2009's Star Trek reboot about helming the sequel. "I actually wrote to J.J. to say 'If you need an experienced guy to take over Star Trek 4, I’m available,'" Frakes said. "He said, 'You are certainly experienced.'"
Frakes had established directing success in the franchise with 1996's Star Trek: First Contact and 1998's Star Trek: Insurrection. When asked if the talks with Abrams had made any progress, Frakes dampened Trekkie expectations while speaking highly of other filmmakers who took a stab at the project. "Well no, that’s not going to happen," Frakes said. "But I was fascinated when [Quentin] Tarantino wanted to do a Star Trek movie. And Noah Hawley too, I am a huge Fargo fan. His brain with our characters in our world, and what would Tarantino do? Just the idea of it is wild."
Where Is Star Trek 4?
Star Trek 4 has been stuck in development hell since the release of 2016's Star Trek: Beyond. Abrams initially announced the sequel in 2016 with Chris Hemsworth reprising his role as George Kirk and S.J. Clarkson (Jessica Jones) set to direct. However, when negotiations with Hemsworth as well as star Chris Pine broke down, the project stalled. In 2019, Hemsworth cited the film's underwhelming script as a reason for his departure.
In 2020, Fargo showrunner Noah Hawley took over Star Trek 4 with a completely new storyline. By the end of the year, Hawley said studio politics at Paramount further stalled the project. "I think when [new Paramount Pictures president Emma Watts] came in, she took a look at the franchise and wanted to go in a different direction with it," Hawley said at the time.
At Paramount Investor Day 2022, Abrams announced Star Trek 4 once again with WandaVision director Matt Shakman set to helm. The film was also given a December 2023 release date. The cast was caught off-guard by Paramount's announcement as they had not agreed to a script at the time. By September, Shakman dropped out in favor of directing Marvel Studios' Fantastic Four reboot and the studio pulled Star Trek 4 from its 2023 schedule.
Frakes will reunite with his Star Trek: TNG co-stars in the third and final season of Picard on Paramount+. The actor hinted it may not be the last time audiences see Ryker in the franchise. "Maybe not final...," he teased.
Star Trek: Picard Seasons 1 and 2 are currently streaming on Paramount+. Season 3 arrives on the platform on Feb. 16, 2023.
Source: TrekMovie.com