Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley Announce Major Update on Upcoming Star Trek Film
Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley, the dynamic duo behind the film Dungeon and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, have recently shared an exciting update regarding the new Star Trek movie under development by Paramount Skydance. This new installment in the Star Trek saga is slated to break new ground by not being directly linked to any previous television shows or movies.
During their appearance at CinemaCon 2026, followed by San Diego Comic-Con, the pair confirmed that their vision for Star Trek would explore new territories and timelines, setting the narrative slightly further into the future than previous iterations. They are not only writing but also hoping to direct this fresh take on the iconic series.
Insights into the New Star Trek Film
In a detailed discussion with Inverse about their latest movie, Mayday, Daley and Goldstein provided the most comprehensive update yet on their version of Star Trek. Daley emphasized that the film would almost unfold in real time and would delve deeply into the essence of Starfleet as an institution. He highlighted that while Starfleet has traditionally been portrayed in an idealistic light, their script would address the reality of imperfections within long-standing institutions, including the impact of misconduct by a few on the larger body.
John Francis Daley explained, “It’s really kind of a look at the institution of Starfleet and any institution as a whole that has existed for a long time and what that does. The portrayal of Starfleet and the people that work within it have always been generally idealized versions of what the future could be. And while this isn’t a cynical or nihilistic take on it, it does acknowledge that there are some bad apples in every institution that can have a strong voice and can really make an impact on that institution and everything it stands for.”
Jonathan Goldstein added, “Two movies we cite as comps for what we’re hoping to do are Training Day and Crimson Tide.”
John Francis Daley further commented, “It takes place almost in real time, and it just is a whole other look at what a Star Trek movie could be without betraying the fundamentals of what it should be.”
The filmmakers drew inspiration from Denzel Washington’s roles in the movies Crimson Tide and Training Day, both of which explore themes of authority, mentorship, and ethical dilemmas within powerful institutions. These themes seem to parallel the direction Goldstein and Daley are steering their Star Trek narrative.
Expanding the Scope of Star Trek
Daley and Goldstein also spoke about their ambitions for the Star Trek movie to ensure it stands out as a cinematic spectacle, especially in an era where television has reached cinematic quality. “With the advent of truly cinematic television, I think the challenge then is to have it justify its place as a feature, a theatrical feature that, in a perfect world, is on the biggest screens possible. And that requires looking at it in a sort of larger sense than any kind of television show could do. It’s definitely something that we are hyper-cognizant of as well. There has to be a spectacle to it,” Daley stated.
Goldstein mentioned their goal to make a compelling movie that appeals not only to Star Trek enthusiasts but also attracts a general audience. This approach aims to rejuvenate the franchise much like J.J. Abrams did with his Star Trek reboot trilogy, which successfully drew in new fans.
As of now, the new Star Trek movie is still in the development phase with no confirmed production start date or release. However, the thoughtful insights shared by Daley and Goldstein provide a promising glimpse into what could potentially be a refreshing and engaging addition to the Star Trek universe.
If the project proceeds, it might be an excellent excuse for fans to indulge in a Denzel Washington film marathon, given the thematic connections and inspirations mentioned by the filmmakers.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
