As a passionate fan of both franchises, it’s hard not to feel a twinge of envy watching the upcoming resurgence of Star Wars, especially with its latest movies poised to return to the big screen while Star Trek remains stuck in developmental limbo. Recent highlights from Star Wars Celebration Japan showcased thrilling updates, including the exciting revelation of two new films. The first, titled The Mandalorian & Grogu, is set to premiere in May 2026, followed by Star Wars: Starfighter in May 2027. Meanwhile, Star Trek fans have yet to receive any good news regarding their beloved franchise.
The Mandalorian & Grogu, directed by Jon Favreau, promises to reunite audiences with Pedro Pascal’s Din Djarin and the fan-favorite character Grogu. Adding to the excitement, Sigourney Weaver is set to star as a starfighter pilot in this installment. Furthermore, director Shawn Levy announced Ryan Gosling as the lead in Star Wars: Starfighter, which takes place after Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. This renewed focus on cinematic storytelling marks a shift in Lucasfilm and Disney’s strategy, fostering optimism within the Star Wars community.
Star Trek Movies: Still in Development Hell
Theatrical & Streaming Star Trek Movies: A Big Question Mark
Despite the exhilarating news from the Star Wars universe, Star Trek remains in a state of uncertainty. The franchise’s last theatrical entry, Star Trek Beyond, debuted in 2016, and since then, numerous filmmakers, including the likes of Noah Hawley and Quentin Tarantino, have stepped away from potential projects due to creative conflicts with Paramount Studios. This has left fans questioning when—or if—Star Trek will regain its footing in the cinematic landscape.
An encouraging sign for Trekkers was the introduction of streaming films via Paramount+. While sequels like Star Trek: Section 31 aimed to fill the void, the initial response was lukewarm at best, failing to resonate with audiences despite featuring Academy Award-winning actress Michelle Yeoh. The future of Star Trek films, whether on the big screen or streaming platform, appears increasingly uncertain.
The rejuvenation of Star Wars presents a stark contrast to Star Trek’s struggles. It appears that Lucasfilm and Disney have identified the key to revitalizing the franchise by redirecting their efforts toward theatrical releases, which are regarded as the cornerstone of the Star Wars legacy. Although recent Disney+ shows, such as The Acolyte and Skeleton Crew, have not garnered the same enthusiasm as the earlier seasons of The Mandalorian, the planned Star Wars films signal rejuvenated hope for fans.
Star Wars: Celebrating 50 Years with New Films
Star Trek’s 60th Anniversary: A Potential Miss
As 2026 approaches, a notable absence arises: the possibility of a new Star Trek film to celebrate its 60th anniversary. While Star Trek Beyond marked the franchise’s 50th anniversary in 2016, fans may be left wanting this time around, as speculation builds around TV projects such as Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 4 and Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Season 1, which are slated for release on Paramount+. Unfortunately, it seems unlikely that a blockbuster film will be ready to capture public attention like J.J. Abrams’ successful 2009 reboot.
Will Another Star Trek Movie Be Made?
Long Time Since a Star Trek Movie Update
It’s been quite some time since any substantial updates on upcoming Star Trek films were shared with fans. In April 2024, Paramount announced an Untitled Star Trek Origin movie, set to be directed by Toby Haynes, known for his work on Star Wars: Andor and the highly regarded episodes of Black Mirror. However, there was no mention of Haynes’ project during CinemaCon 2025, leaving fans in the dark regarding its development progress.
The anticipated Star Trek 4, featuring Chris Pine reprising his role as Captain Kirk alongside Zachary Quinto as Spock, remains just a dream. Pine and his colleagues have publicly expressed their eagerness to return, yet concrete details are absent. Steve Yockey was supposed to write the screenplay, but updates have been scarce, leading to concerns over whether this project will ever materialize.
The silence is disheartening, especially when excitement for a new Star Trek film could potentially align with the franchise’s upcoming anniversary. However, given that the Star Trek Origin movie was reportedly more advanced in development than Star Trek 4, there is a slight hope for a new film to debut during Star Trek’s milestone year. It would undoubtedly be a delight for fans to celebrate with a new adventure, ideally alongside Star Wars’ resurgence into theaters.
The Importance of Movies to Star Trek
Star Trek: More Than Just a TV Franchise
Though Star Trek’s foundation is rooted in television, and it is celebrated for its storytelling on the small screen, the cinematic entries hold a unique significance for the franchise. Movies, such as Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and Star Trek: First Contact, created unforgettable moments that remain vital to its legacy. The films, particularly those of the Abrams trilogy, introduced the franchise to a broader, mainstream audience, providing a more accessible entry point compared to the extensive catalogue of television episodes.
Director J.J. Abrams revitalized Star Trek, implementing modern visual effects and fast-paced action typically associated with summer blockbusters, a strategy that proved effective in attracting new fans. With the anticipation of both The Mandalorian & Grogu and Star Wars: Starfighter due in theaters in 2026 and 2027, the absence of a Star Trek cinematic project is disheartening. As much as I’m thrilled to experience the revival of Star Wars in theaters, I hold out hope for a bright future for Star Trek as well.