Star Trek

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Movie News

So William Shatner Never Attended Leonard Nimoy’s Funeral After All

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Leonard Nimoy passed away last month, February 27th, due to complications from end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Nimoy played Spock for the Star Trek franchise.

The next day following Nimoy’s passing, William Shatner took to his Twitter account to post that he won’t be attending Leonard Nimoy’s funeral, but instead, would be attending a charity dinner.

The news saw some on the internet explode with outrage as they claimed Shatner was doing the wrong thing by attending an exclusive expensive dinner instead of paying respects to Nimoy’s legacy and family.

The Hollywood trade sites then reported that Shatner had arrived Sunday afternoon in Los Angeles, with the various articles spinning it like Shatner grabbed an earlier flight and would be attending Nimoy’s funeral.

However, that doesn’t appear to be the case as in a tribute on StarTrek.com, Shatner offers that he thinks Nimoy would have done the same thing, and that would be not attending a friend’s funeral to go to a upscale Red Cross dinner.

Shatner also didn’t attend the funeral of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry.

The Red Cross had asked me some months ago to appear, and they built the evening around the celebrity appearance. Leonard died and, faced with that choice, I didn’t think anybody would notice one way or the other, quite frankly. But on Friday, when I was in Florida, I thought I’d better say something on Twitter. So I said, “I’m honoring the dead, but I’m celebrating the living by doing a good deed.” I didn’t think that anybody would notice. Well, everyone got into a debate. But to my mind there’s no debate. You and I right now are celebrating Leonard’s memory, but we’re not raising any money for people who are suffering. But in that case I could celebrate his memory and raise money. At that event, which was a 1,000-person dinner, I said, “I’d like to take a moment and remember Leonard and Maurice Hurley.” I didn’t know yet about Harve Bennett. So I had about 1,000 people think about Leonard and Maurice. To me there was no question about what I had to do.

And you’re assuming that Leonard would have understood and that he’d probably have done the same thing?

SHATNER: Absolutely. At least I hope he would have.

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Movie News

Idris Elba Up For Star Trek 3 Villain

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It’s reported Idris Elba is in early talks to play the villain in Star Trek 3.

Variety reports the news with speculation the Klingons could be the main villains of the movie, but it’s noted the Klingon info is unconfirmed.

Idris Elba is known for playing Heimdall for the Marvel movies and for roles in Pacific Rim, Luthor and The Wire.

Star Trek 3 has a July 8, 2016 release directed By Justin Lin, with Simon Pegg writing the script. Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Pegg, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana and Anton Yelchin are all said to be on board to return.

Elba will be featured in this May’s Avengers 2.

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Movie News

Chris Pine Rumored For Green Lantern

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Rumors have been circulating regarding the next Green Lantern.

Some rumors have said Michelle Rodriguez is next in line (which she shot down) while others are stating John Stewart may be the character that Zack Snyder goes with in Justice League.

Now the latest is that Star Trek’s Chris Pine may be up for the role of Hal Jordan Green Lantern.

Latino Review is stating Chris Pine is a name they keep hearing and has been floating around for the new GL.

Pine, of course, is known for playing another outer space character with Captain Kirk in the new JJ Abrams’ Star Trek movies and will be starring in Star Trek 3.

More than likely, Pine as Green Lantern isn’t happening, would be my guess.

James Gunn Guardians of the Galaxy Star Wars
Movie News Star Wars

James Gunn Facebook QnA On Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers, Star Wars & More

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Earlier today saw Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn participate in a QnA on Facebook.

Below you can check out some of Gunn’s answers which range from topics including Guardians of the Galaxy, a sequel to Slither and Super, directing Star Wars or Star Trek, directing Avengers 3, favorite comic characters and lots more.

James Gunn is currently busy writing Guardians of the Galaxy 2, which has a May 5, 2017 release.

 

Question: I don’t know if it’s already been asked, but who would be your ideal actress for the role of Captain Marvel? (Dream Casting, I don’t want to intrude on the secrecy of Marvel.)

James Gunn: Paula Poundstone. I don’t know. I don’t think about casting movie characters who aren’t in my movies. Here’s the thing – a character takes on a lot of new attributes in a script, so I don’t think anyone but the filmmakers know who would be the ideal actress or actor for any role. I remember everyone sending me casting ideas for Rocket and I was, like, you guys, he’s a somewhat different in my movie than he’s been in the comics. He has a very particular way of speaking, so you don’t really know who the best casting is.

Without spoling anything what would you say is the prevailing theme of Guardians 2?

SIT IN THE CORNER.

Was the decision to put Howard the Duck in Guardians a personal decision or will we be seeing more Howard across the Marvel cinematic universe?

It was a personal decision.

Mr gunn wud u want al Pacino in GOTG 2..

Only if we had the right role for him.

Hey James… any plans to visit England soon?

Maybe. I might have a reason to go in the near future.

Would you be interested in directing the next Star Trek movie if you were approached and are you a Star Trek fan?

I like Star Trek, but I would definitely not be interested in directing a Star Trek movie.

Do you think movie theaters will continue to evolve and improve or will home theater/streaming take over?

Both. The movie going experience is becoming more centralized around spectacle films and lower-budgeted, more independent films, are being relegated to home theater (and eaten up by quality TV).

Will you PLEASE write & direct the Toxic Avenger movie I’ve always dreamt of? Consider it

Sorry, but no [sad face]

Do you read Hickman’s fantastic four? If so what is your view on it?

Yes. I like almost everything Hickman does.

James, about how many questions per day do you get regarding Guardians of the Galaxy 2 and your favorite hero being involved?

Maybe 50?

Anymore video game stuff lined up??

No, too busy with movies right now

Vin Diesel recorded the “I am Groot” line in five different languages. Which one, besides English, is your favorite out of them?

Mandarin.

What is your favorite tv show right now?

Black Sails, Better Call Saul – cannot wait for Game of Thrones!!!

I heard that Livin’ Thing by ELO was almost a part of the Awesome Mix Vol 1 but got cut. Is it likely to show up in GOTG2? Any other bands/songs you’d (ideally) want for it that you can reveal at this point?

I consider this part of the plot of GotG2.

What Marvel or DC movies are you most excited to see, aside from GOTG? 

Ant-Man

Do you u currently read comics and if so, whats ur favorite ongoing series?

Silver Surfer.

Did marvel choose Howard the duck or did you?

I did.

Hi James. Who were your favourite writers/books as a kid?

Stan Lee!

Are you interested in directing either or both Avengers: Infinity War movies?

b) Can I come live with you?

Nope and nope.

Also, are you able to confirm or deny that Loki’s scepter is an Infinity Stone?

I am

Is there going to be a meet between GotG and the Avengers?

Perhaps someday at some point in time, perhaps not.

Also, I dunno if you’ve answered this one before or even if you’d want to, but what’s with the shot of Gamora with her bare back in the Guardians trailer(s)? Is this a deleted scene or something you shot just for the ads?



I mean no offense, I’m just trying to understand how these things work.

It was a deleted scene. It happened during the Livin Thing montage. Quill caught her getting dressed and gave her a smarmy look and she sneered and closed the door on him.

Do you think Spider-Gwen will get a feature film??

I think that’s extremely unlikely. But so was Groot being one of the most popular comics characters ever, so who knows.

Would you like to direct an horror/fantastic movie and present it to the BIFFF again ? We miss you here in Brussels.

How about Guardians 2?

Do you read comics? What’s your go to series?

Yes, many. Over the years, Daredevil has probably been the most consistently good.

What marvel movie are you most excited for this year?

I think people are going to be really surprised by Ant Man. But I’ve already seen AoU.

Scooby-Doo 3?

Nope.

Any chance of another Slither style horror movie?

Perhaps someday.

So are there any other actors from Tromeo and Juliet you plan to have in any future projects?

Yes

Next non marvel project?

Producing a movie in a couple months. You’ll hear more soon.

I read that your brother Sean did the stood-in for Thanos during Guardians with Josh Brolin doing the voice/motion capture… was it too much makeup/wardrobe for a single human being or Brolin couldn’t make it into the set?

Sean just read the lines of Thanos when we shot it, that’s all. We didn’t motion reference him like we did with Rocket. I don’t think Josh was even hired yet.

If you could adapt any video game into a movie, which would you do, and why?

It would have been Hitman.

Have you read Deadpool Kills the Marvel Universe and how do you think the guardians would do againts Deadpool?

He’d be dead in four seconds.

Have you ever considered doing a sequel to Slither or Super?

Slither, yes, Super, not really.

What do you think of the character Squirrel Girl and do you think she could get her own show/cartoon/movie?

I love her so much. I’d love to do a Squirrel Girl movie.

Do you and Sean work together a lot ? In a dream world what would your next project with your brother be? I love you both!

We’ve made at least three movies and video game and a web series together. My next project with him will be GotG2.

If you could do ANY other comic book movie, what would you choose?

We3

How long does it take for Groot to grow back? Lol

You’ll find out.

How much of the soundtrack for Guardians did you choose and do you wanna give us a song from part 2?

I chose every single song solely, with no input from anyone else, and no.

What future Marvel movie are you most looking forward to?

I’m dying to see Ant-Man.

Will we see more of Nebula in GOTG 2?

WHAT DID I SAY UP TOP? Go sit in the corner.

Dream project or something you’ve always wanted to do, but aren’t able to cause of rights or feasibility, ect?

Maybe We3.

How is it directing your brother? Does he try to get away with more?

Hell no, he’s the easiest of all my actors to work with, the most professional and the most prepared. He earned the act of the other actors on Guardians and they all love him – just read all the great things Zoe and Dave has said about him.

whats your thoughts on Spider-man now in the MCU?

would you helm Avengers 3 if Joss didnt want to/couldn’t?

It doesn’t really interest me, no, and I think Joss has already publicly said that’s not what he wants to do, yes?

What other projects would you like to work on other than GOTG? Could you see yourself doing something along the lines of a biopic?
 
I usually hate biopics unless they just take a small section – a single story – from a person’s life. I have another big movie I want to do outside Marvel, but it might be a while.
 
What’s up Gunn! What was your first reaction when you found out you would direct GotG and how did you feel when the fans ended up loving it even though it was a “risky” movie?
 
I felt like a girl winning American Idol with confetti coming down around me when I found out I got the gig. I was very happy that people loved the movie as much as I did.
 
Massive fan of your film Super….. Love it! My question is do you think we will see a sequel?
 
Nope.
 
What’s your favourite track off of the awesome mix Vol. 1?
 
Right now, Come and Get Your Love.
 
Will you be coming back to DragonCon?
 
Maybe. I’m gonna try. Because we’re filming in Atlanta, I hope it works out for my schedule.
 
If there was one superhero in the entire universe you could make a movie franchise for whom would you want it to be?
 
Rocket. Done.
 
Are you excited to see age of ultron?
 
Already have seen it. (smiles)
 
Did Marvel Comics gave you creative freedom for GOG?
 
Yes. And even more on GotG2. We have a really great relationship where they let me go and do my thing, and I truly listen to their notes and ideas. I’ve never been told to put in any character or plot element at all. I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve read stuff on the Internet from people who think they understand how Marvel works, when they don’t at all. When they trust you – and I think I’ve earned their trust over the past few years – they give you a wide berth. I truly love them and love working with them. Like a good marriage, we just fit.
 
how would you rate vin diesel’s abilities as an actor?
 
He’s amazing.
 
Do you think guardians would have worked as a film 30 years ago using star wars style cg and henson puppets?
 
No, for certain not. The only time the tone of Guardians would work was now. I don’t think it would have worked even five years ago, even if the VFX were the same.
 
Are you a WWE fan? Just curious if you were familiar with Dave’s work there before he was cast in Guardians.
 
I had no idea who Dave was when he auditioned – I only knew he was amazing.
 
How would you compare making Slither and Super to Guardians of The Galaxy? I’m pretty intrigued by your transition from diy indie films to a massive block buster space opera. 

Plus, how do you script? Like do you make it up as you go along? shuffle Index cards with plot details?
 
I find the process pretty much the same. You envision it all and make it. Most of it is drawing boxes and composing shots so that they work well as an overall story. I usually write out a very, very intricate treatment first – I get the story exactly as I want it every step of the way and try to fix all the plot problems (which are the hardest for me) at that stage. That will be like a sixty page treatment and will include every beat in the movie. Then I script. I’m always open to changes if they come along, and they will.
 
DId GotG start with I’m Not in Love because there’s the part in the song that says “Big boys don’t cry” and that’s why Peter was listening to that song in the beginning of the movie?
 
I’m Not in Love is a song about a person who clearly loves but is trying to deny it. That’s what Peter is doing in that moment.
 
Who would you like to see play Spider-man?
 
No idea.
 
I want to go out but I’m wasted an it’s nearly 9pm. Any advice? What would Star Lord do?
 
He probably wouldn’t be wasted. He’s not a big drinker.
 
Was the scene at the casino for rocket Racoon hard to get right? Because it’s so well balanced
 
It was hard to get right because the scenes around it were so hard. It itself came together fairly easily.
 
who of the five core guardians did you NOT personally cast?
 
 I cast every single role in the movie personally.
 
favourite marvel movie apart from GOTG
 
Iron Man.
 
Futur projects that you are working on (not Marvels) that you plan to reveal this year
 
I’m producing a movie I’ve written, which we just hired a director on. Look forward to news soon. Other than that, all GotG2 all the time.
 
If you could’ve directed any other of the superhero movies, which would you have chosen?
 
Well I tried to direct Hit Monkey before Gotg2. Does that count.
 
What was your favorite part about the film
 
Drax petting Rocket
 
I know you’ve said that Howard the Duck was just a joke you put into the end credits, but given the response, if Marvel was interested would you do a new Howard the Duck movie?
 
No, probably not. A movie is two years of my life or more. I would like to make a Howard movie – enough to take up that much of my life? I have to have it in every fiber of my being to do it.
 
Would you ever direct a horror movie, a musical or a Star Wars movie?
 
Horror movie maybe, musical for sure, Star Wars film probably not
 
After watching GoTG Behind the Scenes, I can see you like video games a lot, which ones are your personal favorite?
 
Knighs of the Old Republic!
 
Are there going to be any major crew changes to Guardians 2 or are you sticking with the same team?
 
Major crew changes
 
Will you ever plan working with Nathan Fillion in a lead role again?
 
 Yep.
 
Who was your favorite character in GotG to write for?
 
Rocket and Groot
 
Will Von Spears rock another cameo in GOTG2?
 
 Maybe
 
Favorite childhood superhero?
 
Spider-Man and Batman probably.
 
Favorite female superhero?
 
Tricky.
 
 If you could make an R rated film set in the Marvel Universe, which characters would it be about…?
 
Maybe. Maybe Moon Knight. I don’t know how much it appeals to me to make an R rated Marvel film right now. So many people who wanted to see it wouldn’t be able, and that would make me sad.
 
Hi james, searching for the answer to which got you started. Star trek or star wars?
 
Wars.
 
Favorite DC character?
 
Batman
 
After a couple cult hits (and faves of mine) how has your life changed after directing a film that made 3/4 of a billion dollars?
 
Not really. I do the same stuff. People treat me slightly differently, but I’m surrounded by all the same friends and family I was beforehand.
 
Any info on the film you want to make after GOTG2?
 
I have two choices – not sure which one I’ll choose yet.
 
How did you chose the soundtrack for GOTG?
 
Instinct, what I personally liked, and what best told the story I was trying to tell.
 
How was it having Lloyd Kaufman in Guardians? Also how big of a response did that get?
 
People recognize him all the time. He’s the closest thing I have to a father outside of a father, so I always love hanging out with him. It was fun having him on set.
 
Which upcoming film are you most looking forward to?
 
STAR WARS by 1000. Mostly because I’ve already seen Age of Ultron.
 
If you could direct a movie about a DC character, who would be and why?
 
Shazam. I like the “Big” aspect of it.
 
Describe Joss in one sentence??
 
He always looks like he just finished a marathon seconds ago, and I’ve known the man for fifteen years.
 
What’s the plot and who will be in Guardians of the Galaxy 3?
 
Spider-Ham, Popeye, and Skeletor will by the guardians.
 
Where can fan mail be sent? When does GOTG filming plan to start?
 
I don’t have a public mailing address because the Internet
 
Okay, thanks for all the questions, guys. Sorry if I didn’t get to yours. This was the break my brain needed. Now back to writing. Have a great day.
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TV News

William Shatner Arrives In LA; Unconfirmed For Nimoy’s Funeral

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William Shatner previously tweeted he would be unable to attend the funeral of Leonard Nimoy, who passed away due to complications from end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Shatner let it be known he was going to a Red Cross charity ball on Saturday night instead of the funeral.

Now Shatner may have had a change of heart as it’s reported that William Shatner landed in Los Angeles around noon.

It’s unclear if Shatner arrived in time for Leonard Nimoy’s funeral or if that was just his normal landing time, which may have been after the funeral.

Twitter and social media sites have been ablaze with with comments from fans regarding Shatner’s decision (possibly) not to attend.

On one hand, Shatner claims Nimoy is like a brother to him, yet how many out there wouldn’t attend their brother’s funeral?

On the other hand, fans argue to leave Shatner alone and let him mourn in his own way (he didn’t attend Gene Roddenberry’s funeral, either).

Of course, there is the argument that Shatner could have just kept quiet through the whole thing and not turned it into a Twitter spectacle by announcing he wouldn’t be able to attend the funeral, but offering instead, to have a Twitter tribute to Nimoy.

Regardless what’s what, Shatner may have rectified the situation by attending the funeral of Leonard Nimoy, but again, it’s not yet confirmed that he has.

This is the cover to today’s edition of the NY Daily News:

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A tweet from the NY Post stating Shatner arrived in LA:

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Movie News

William Shatner Not Attending Leonard Nimoy’s Funeral

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Star Trek’s Leonard Nimoy passed away yesterday due to end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The funeral is being held tomorrow, and now it’s learned that William Shatner, who played Spock’s commanding officer on Star Trek, will not be able to attend.

William Shatner tweeted out that he is attending a charity even in Florida and won’t be able to make it in time for Spock’s funeral.

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TV News

SyFy To Hold 5 Hour Leonard Nimoy Tribute

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Leonard Nimoy passed away earlier today at the age of 83.

SyFy has announced they are airing a 5 hour Leonard Nimoy tribute for this Sunday.

Here are the details:

Syfy will honor the extraordinary legacy of Leonard Nimoy with a special five hour programming salute this Sunday, March 1 from 9AM-2PM (ET/PT), kicking off with his role in an episode of the original Twilight Zone series; his guest star arc on Star Trek: The Next Generation, and the final Star Trek original cast movie, Star Trek 6: The Undiscovered Country.

9:00AM           The Twilight Zone/”A Quality of Mercy”

9:30AM           Star Trek: The Next Generation/”Unification: Part I”

10:30AM         Star Trek: The Next Generation/”Unification: Part 2”

11:30AM         Star Trek 6: The Undiscovered Country

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TV News

Star Trek’s Leonard Nimoy Dies At Age 83

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Leonard Nimoy passed away earlier this morning at his Bel Air home at the age of 83.

Nimoy, known for playing Mr. Spock on Star Trek, died due to end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Susan Bay Nimoy, Leonard’s wife, confirmed the news (via NY Times).

Leonard Nimoy was recently hospitalized with chest pain due to the illness, which Nimoy stated was a result of a smoking habit that he had given up 30 years prior.

Following Nimoy’s hospitalization, the actor tweeted on February 23rd: “A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP

Cosmic Book News would like to extend our condolences to the Nimoy family.

Live long and prosper in your new life, Mr. Nimoy.

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Movie Trailers Star Wars

Watch: Star Wars Vs. Star Trek Trailer

Check out the latest “epic” trailer from YouTuber Alex Luthor which pits the two fan-favorite franchises, Star Wars and Star Trek, against each other.

Star Wars Vs. Star Trek has long been a heated debate amongst the fans, and even William Shatner has been involved on occasion.

William Shatner has called J.J. Abrams a pig for taking on both franchises, has called the Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer ridiculous, and said Star Wars was nothing more than special effects.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens hits December of this year, with a third Star Trek due out in 2015.

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Movie News Star Wars

J.J. Abrams Talks New Star Wars Lightsaber: Star Trek 3 Still Set In Space

Fans of Star Wars nervous about the new lightsaber seen in the first Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer may be relieved to hear what J.J. Abrams says in the above video.

It turns out that all the reactions to the lightsaber – whether it works or not – were already thought of by Abrams and the crew working on Star Wars. Abrams says it was funny to see everyone talking about it.

“It’s been the funniest thing to see the arguments that have developed over this thing,” Abrams said. “It was a sketch that became a whole thing. This was not done without a lot of conversation, and it’s fun to see people have the conversation that we had, but in reverse.”

Abrams also lets it be known that he will be onboard Episodes VIII and IX as an executive producer and stated Rian Johnson is at least directing Star Wars: Episode VIII.

J.J. Abrams was also asked about Star Trek 3 as the movie has a new co-writer on board with Simon Pegg. When the title “Star Trek 3” was brought up, Abrams dismissed the notion with a smile.

“I don’t know ‘Star Trek 3’ really, though,” Abrams said, insinuating it will instead have a subtitle.

It’s then brought up that an example for the title could be “Star Trek: Adventures In Space,” with J.J. Abrams stating, “That is actually a great title,” and looking directly into the camera.

When Robert Orci was still attached to direct Star Trek 3, previous story details he let be known for the movie included that it would be set in space as well as would be closest to the original series more than any of the other prior movies.

With Abrams confirming Star Trek 3 will be set in space, it seems at least they are sticking with that aspect.

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“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” has a December 18, 2015 release directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer.

Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Max von Sydow, Lupita Nyong’o and Gwendoline Christie will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Trailer:

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Movie News

Simon Pegg To Co-Write Star Trek 3

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Much to the delight of Trekkers everywhere, Roberto Orci stepped down from both directing and writing Star Trek 3.

Justin Lin has since been announced to be the new director, and now it’s learned Simon Pegg will co-write Star Trek 3 with Doug Jung.

Simon Pegg is no stranger to screenwriting as he has written the Edgar Wright Cornetto Trilogy, Shawn of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, and World’s End. In addition, Pegg wrote Paul with Nick Frost.

Doug Jung, a TV producer, is known for Dark Blue and Confidence.

Simon Pegg plays Scotty, the chief engineer of the Enterprise.

Star Trek 3 hits July 8, 2016 with J.J. Abrams and Orci onboard as producers.

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Movie News Reviews

Movie Review: Star Trek Into Darkness

Back to the Past and Into the Future

A Film Review of Star Trek Into Darkness

By: Lawrence Napoli

 

Before getting right into this review, I’d like to chalk up a victory to internet speculation; which is basically two thumbs way, way up to all of you.  Back when J.J. Abrams was tapped to reboot this franchise with a throw back perspective of the original crew’s adventures, message boards all over the net lit up with likely plot points, villains and scenarios.  Abrams’ first adaptation in 2009 gave the audience a fresh new take on Kirk, Spock and the rest, but its success as a story was heavily dependent on plot points made famous in both the original series and feature films.  This brings us to the images leaked from Star Trek Into Darkness while in production and even more specific predictions hit the internet thanks in large part to the manner in which Abrams’ first story played out.  J.J. certainly played coy in response to all the rumors and speculation, but the fact remains that several key predictions of the online community regarding this film are accurate.  So again, I say to you all: well done!  Your insight serves you well.

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Tron or Trek?

The basic plot for this film continues to make similar allusions to the past exploits of the original crew which is at times its greatest strength as well as its greatest weakness.  What’s good about this aspect to the screenplay is the fact that the nostalgia generated from the audience does much to bolster the sympathy factor for every character as well as the stakes they are contending.  Of course, what’s bad happens to be predictability; specifically in regards to new characters that are introduced and situations that come off as far too familiar.  J.J. went on Jon Stewart’s Daily Show talking about how he continued to want to make these reboots appealing to more than just “Trekkies,” which is all well and good seeing how the “money demographic” of males 18-25 is less likely to be familiar with Kirk and Spock’s original adventures.  If these tales worked once before, why wouldn’t they work again with an even bigger budget?  However, what’s most impressive about the script is that despite all the action and all the past references is that writers Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof still manage to make Star Trek Into Darkness an intimate exploration into both Kirk and Spock, what binds them together as well as what drives them forward.  This intimacy chains to the rest of the cast which really promotes a family dynamic amongst the crew and this makes the audience care that much more.  Overall, the script delivers a very accessible sci-fi adventure that focuses on action, but delivers dramatic character interplay minus the scientific jargon that tends to fill out the dialogue of standard issue Trek.  

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Star Trek’s version of WMDs perhaps?

As for the action, it is a cavalcade of CG wizardry, wire-work and wreaking havoc with pyro which is exactly what this rebooting effort has been all about thus far.  What’s interesting, though, is that Into Darkness continues to not favor starship warfare as the de facto action option.  Certainly a budget of $190 million dollars can afford us a glimpse into futuristic people doing futuristic things without the aid of toy models.  Just about every character gets put into harm’s way with their boots on the ground which makes for some satisfying chase sequences and hand-to-hand fisticuffs at various points throughout.  As important as those elements to a Star Trek adventure may or may not be, seeing the Enterprise (or its respective counterpart) in action has always been a mainstay.  As iconic a vessel as that starship will always be, it is severely underused in this film.  Granted, the plot gives the audience a myriad of exposition to explain this little detail away, but the Enterprise is still vital in our protagonists accomplishing their goals.  I would have liked to see a lot more space ship action, and I’d really like for the production team to dim the lighting and décor on the bridge a bit.  For crying out loud, it seems like the command crew is operating within a tanning booth in the middle of an Apple Store!

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More Enterprise please.

Star Trek Into Darkness continues to showcase some of the best examples of ensemble performances you’ll find in blockbuster films thanks to a number of larger names such as Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg and Karl Urban being comfortable with the smaller, support roles of Uhura, Scotty and “Bones” McCoy, respectively.  As much as I’d like to see more of the command crew stand out, shifting the focus of a Star Trek movie away from Kirk and Spock is like shifting the focus of an X-Men film away from Wolverine: It just isn’t going to happen.  Still, J.J. seemed very diplomatic in partitioning specific moments for everyone to shine as well as bringing new characters such as Alice Eve’s Carol into the fold who will undoubtedly play a more significant role in Treks to come.  Peter Weller (a.k.a. Robocop) takes a break from his voice over work to do some live action as the fairly creepy Admiral Marcus.  His talents are better served behind a microphone.

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Was this moment the real reason Alice Eve was tapped for this role?

And speaking of creepers, Benedict Cumberbatch as XXXX equates to the best performance you’ll see from a villain this entire summer.  Of course, I refer to his character as XXXX because it’s a major spoiler who he really is, and that gets instantly spoiled if anyone checks out imdb.com.  If you know your Trek mythos, allow yourself this additional little surprise by limiting your spoiler-free research to right here at cosmicbooknews.com.  That being said, this man has an incredibly intimidating voice that could redefine what it means to be a villain these days in Hollywood (and it already seems to be paying dividends in his additional film work as he has also been cast as the Necromancer in The Hobbit sequels). He doesn’t seem much to look at, but his domineering presence exudes from his dulcet tones.  Cumberbatch’s performance was a welcome return to respectable villainy unlike Eric Bana’s Nero in the last film which amounted to one of the worst villains ever conceived in the realm of science fiction.   

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This is how you do the stare down.

Chris Pine does a respectable job as he continues to embody a young James Tiberius Kirk, and Zachary Quinto continues to amaze with his various reproductions and slight alterations to Leonard Nimoy’s performance during the original television series.  Separately, these men accomplish everything required of their characters, but in the scenes they share, I seem somewhat lost in buying their friendship has evolved to such a degree in such a short time to make their decisions in the third act come from a natural place.  It’s not exactly a lack of chemistry I am describing as Pine and Quinto nail the knucklehead/straight man routine quite well, but with only the plots of two films to build their camaraderie, it feels like Kirk and Spock are still feeling each other out and this uncertainty would not translate to such reckless abandon, both exhibit towards the end of the film.  Still, their evolution as Kirk and Spock progresses despite the fact they take a giant step forward in their shared “bromance” here.  I’d like to see Pine take it down a notch in terms of projecting Kirk as a hot-head, so as to accentuate his suave and smarmy appeal.  But perhaps this balance is only attributable to the unique efforts of Mr. William Shatner

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Hunny, what if it was just us?  Would J.J.’s Star Treks still hold water?

Star Trek Into Darknessis a very fun adventure for both adults and kids, men and women.  There’s lots of CG eye candy, action and character intrigue.  It is a fine example of popcorn films doing their best to entertain.  A third Star Trek adaptation from Bad Robot and J.J. Abrams is inevitable, but that film will most certainly have to take more steps into uncharted territory than its brethren in terms of plot points.  It’s not enough for J.J. Abrams to remix the tales of old with the aid of youthful exuberance and an old Vulcan from the future giving you tips along the way.  There needs to be more separation before anyone with a cursory knowledge of Trek knows the entire story before it even hits the theatres.  Outside of this dependence on the past, the Star Trek reboots continue to prove as worthy diversions of summer fun.

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