Star Trek Beams Up Dungeons & Dragons Directors for a Truly Fresh Cinematic Voyage

After nearly a decade in cinematic dry-dock, the Star Trek universe is finally charting a bold new course with a brand-new movie from the acclaimed director duo Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley.

TL;DR: The Latest Star Trek Film Updates

• Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley (Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves) are set to write, produce, and direct a completely original Star Trek film.
• This new movie will feature an entirely new cast and story, officially moving on from the Chris Pine-led Kelvin Timeline films.
• Paramount's new vision aims to revitalize the cinematic franchise, with development underway and an anticipated release as early as 2027 or 2028.

The Long and Bumpy Road to a New Star Trek Movie Finally Sees a Clear Horizon

For years, the question of "When's the next Star Trek Movie?" has hung heavy in the air, a query often met with a shrug or news of yet another project stalling. Since Star Trek Beyond hit theaters in 2016, the path to a new big-screen adventure has been bumpier than a Klingon’s forehead. We’ve seen many promising ideas come and go, from Chris Hemsworth nearly returning as Captain Kirk’s father to Quentin Tarantino almost directing a 1930s gangster-themed Trek.

Even seasoned filmmakers like Noah Hawley and Matt Shakman came incredibly close, with sets even reportedly being built before their projects, too, vanished into deep space. Fans have watched countless rumors of "Star Trek 4" with the familiar Kelvin Timeline cast—Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldaña—peter out. Now, however, there’s concrete news, and it signals a completely new direction.

Boldly Going Where Directors Goldstein and Daley Have Gone Before: Revitalizing Beloved IP

Paramount Pictures and Skydance have officially tapped Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley to helm an entirely new Star Trek feature. This duo is no stranger to breathing fresh life into major intellectual properties; they were behind the screenplay for the fan-favorite Spider-Man: Homecoming and wrote and directed the critically acclaimed Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.

Their approach to Dungeons & Dragons earned strong marks from both critics (91% approval) and audience members (92% approval) in 2023, showcasing their knack for blending humor, heart, and respect for the source material while making it accessible to a wide audience. Source: [Deadline, Justin Kroll, "New 'Star Trek' Movie In Works At Paramount From Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley," November 14, 2025]. They also directed the beloved comedy Game Night and recently finished Mayday, an original Cold War action comedy starring Ryan Reynolds, which reportedly tested through the roof for Skydance and Apple.

A Completely New Vision for the Star Trek Cinematic Universe

This new Star Trek film is explicitly described as "a completely new take on the Star Trek universe." This means it won't be connected to any previous or current television series, movie, or even prior movie development projects. Translation for fans: the Chris Pine-led Kelvin Timeline, which started with J.J. Abrams’ 2009 reboot, is officially over. David Ellison, Skydance's founder, confirmed this pivot on an earnings call, stating the next film would be "something different with new actors." Source: [Variety, Brent Lang, "New 'Star Trek' Movie in the Works From 'Dungeons & Dragons' Duo Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley," November 14, 2025].

While unconfirmed, sources indicate the film is likely to feature entirely new characters, rather than recasting familiar ones. This decision represents a significant shift, prioritizing creative freedom and a fresh narrative over leaning on established fan expectations. For example, imagine a fan who adored how Goldstein and Daley made Dungeons & Dragons exciting and humorous without alienating hardcore fans. That same fan might now feel a renewed sense of optimism that Star Trek can capture that same blend of wit and adventure with entirely new faces.

The Trade-Offs and Opportunities of Embracing the Unknown

Steering clear of existing canon and familiar faces certainly comes with its own set of challenges. Some longtime fans might initially be wary of a Star Trek movie without Kirk, Spock, or Picard, especially after a decade of waiting. The franchise has a rich history, and saying goodbye to beloved interpretations can be tough. The previous Kelvin timeline films, despite their mixed reception, offered a consistent cast that many had grown fond of, including the late Anton Yelchin, whose absence was a deeply felt loss for the cast and fans alike.

However, this bold move also opens up immense creative opportunities. By unburdening themselves from decades of continuity and previous iterations, Goldstein and Daley can truly explore new corners of the galaxy, introduce compelling new alien species, and craft narratives that resonate with contemporary audiences without needing to meticulously fit into a pre-existing puzzle. This aligns with Star Trek's core ethos of exploration and discovery – not just of space, but of new ideas and new storytelling approaches.

Beyond the Big Screen: Starfleet Academy Sets Its Own Course

The spirit of reinvention isn't limited to the cinematic frontier. On television, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy is gearing up for its premiere on Paramount+ on January 15, 2026. This new series promises a coming-of-age drama set aboard the U.S.S. Athena, a unique vessel that serves as both a flying classroom and a launchpad for a new generation of Starfleet officers. Source: [Azat TV, "Star Trek Sets Bold Course: New Film, Fresh Faces, and 'Starfleet Academy' Redefine the Franchise for 2026," November 16, 2025].

In a fascinating casting choice, Brit Marling (known for The OA) will lend her voice as the Athena’s computer, joining a legacy of iconic ship voices. Adding a touch of familiar humor, Stephen Colbert will voice the digital dean of students. Co-showrunner Alex Kurtzman explained the vision: "making the ship itself a central character frees the writers to explore both episodic adventures and campus life, allowing for real Star Trek missions and real Star Trek peril while maintaining the spirit of mentorship and growth." The first season will span ten episodes, with a second season already in production, signaling strong confidence from Paramount.

From the Bridge: Alex Kurtzman on Starfleet Academy's Innovative Structure

"Making the ship itself a central character frees the writers to explore both episodic adventures and campus life, allowing for real Star Trek missions and real Star Trek peril while maintaining the spirit of mentorship and growth."

— Alex Kurtzman, Co-Showrunner, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy

What This Means for the Future of a Sci-Fi Titan

With both film and television projects embracing fresh perspectives and new characters, Star Trek is undergoing a significant transformation. This commitment to original storytelling, untethered from past iterations, offers a chance to reignite the franchise's core appeal: exploring the unknown, challenging societal norms, and envisioning a hopeful future.

While the risk of alienating some traditionalists is present, the track record of Goldstein and Daley in revitalizing major IPs suggests they can successfully balance innovation with the essence of what makes Star Trek resonate. The franchise has always evolved, from the campy charm of the Original Series to the philosophical depths of The Next Generation, proving its strength lies in its adaptability. This new era, with its blank slate, positions Star Trek to once again define the frontier of science fiction for a new generation.

Practical Takeaways for Star Trek Fans

• Prepare for a fresh start: This new movie is not a sequel; it’s an entirely new narrative with new characters, so manage expectations accordingly.
• Keep an eye on Goldstein & Daley: Their work on Dungeons & Dragons and Spider-Man: Homecoming offers a good glimpse into the tone and quality they might bring to Star Trek.
• Stay tuned for casting and plot details: With development underway, expect more announcements regarding the new crew and their mission in 2026.
• Don't forget the small screen: Starfleet Academy launches in January 2026, offering a unique take on cadet life and new adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions About the New Star Trek Movie When will the new Star Trek movie be released? While no official release date has been announced, insiders anticipate casting announcements in 2026, with a theatrical release as early as 2027 or 2028. Will Chris Pine and the Kelvin Timeline cast return? No, the new film is a "completely new take" and will not feature Chris Pine or any of the actors from the previous J.J. Abrams-led movies. It will introduce new characters. Is this movie connected to any Star Trek TV shows like Discovery or Strange New Worlds? No, this film is explicitly stated to be unconnected to any previous or current television series, movie, or prior movie development projects, offering a truly standalone story. Will the new film be rated PG-13? While not confirmed, given the directors' previous work on films like Dungeons & Dragons and Spider-Man: Homecoming, a PG-13 rating is highly probable, aligning with recent franchise entries.

Sources

• Deadline: "New 'Star Trek' Movie In Works At Paramount From Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley" by Justin Kroll (November 14, 2025)
• Variety: "New 'Star Trek' Movie in the Works From 'Dungeons & Dragons' Duo Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley" by Brent Lang (November 14, 2025)
• The Verge: "Paramount Skydance is working on a new Star Trek movie" by Charles Pulliam-Moore (November 14, 2025)
• TrekCore: "'Spider-Man: Homecoming' Writers Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley Developing New STAR TREK Film Project" by TrekCore Staff (November 14, 2025)
• SlashFilm: "Paramount's Next Star Trek Movie Beams Up Dungeons & Dragons Directors" by Ben Pearson (November 14, 2025)
• Azat TV: "Star Trek Sets Bold Course: New Film, Fresh Faces, and 'Starfleet Academy' Redefine the Franchise for 2026" (November 16, 2025)