Zoe Saldaña Warns Time is Running Out for ‘Star Trek 4’ as Cast Ages: “we need to do this quickly”

The development of Star Trek 4′ has faced many delays and changes since 2015. Several versions of the film have been attempted, but none have worked out. Initially, J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay were hired to write the script.

Then, Quentin Tarantino pitched his own idea in 2017, but he later decided not to direct. Multiple directors, including S. J. Clarkson, Noah Hawley, Matt Shakman, and others, have come and gone due to various issues like actor negotiations and scheduling conflicts.

As of March 2024, Steve Yockey is writing a new version, which is described as the “final chapter” of the reboot series, but the project has faced many setbacks. There were also quite a few problems with the cast, mostly due to schedules and the numerous delays, but ultimately by 2022 new contracts were signed for the original core crew to return.

Zoe Saldaña, who played Nyota Uhura in ‘Star Trek Beyond’ has expressed concerns about the long delay of ‘Star Trek 4,’ worrying that the original cast might be too old to return to their roles if the film takes much longer to make.

She mentioned this during an interview while promoting her Golden Globe-nominated performance in ‘Emilia Pérez.’

“I wish we were able to do it sooner rather than later,” she said. “I feel like a lot of us have a full head of gray hair, so we need to do this quickly if this is the same cast that’s going to reprise it again.”

The actress also said she would like to explore her character’s relationship with Spock. She mentioned that Uhura and Spock have always had a special connection, and it would be interesting to see how their relationship develops in the next movie.

“It’s been a minute since I reconnected with Star Trek and all the characters’ journeys, but Uhura and Spock were always sort of drawn to each other, it just makes sense to see what is the next step in their relationship and their work relationship as well,”

While the future of ‘Star Trek’ movies is uncertain, the franchise is still growing on TV. The Paramount+ movie ‘Section 31,’ starring Michelle Yeoh, will premiere on January 24, 2025. ‘Strange New Worlds’ Season 3 is coming soon, and ‘Starfleet Academy’ is currently being filmed, with a possible release in 2025 or 2026.

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