Saturday, September 01, 2007

Two-Timer

As JJ Abrams continues to prep the latest Star Trek feature film to go before the cameras in late fall--The rumor mill is a-buzz with the possible plot for the movie and more main character casting.



Normally, I would shy away from any major plot spoilers, particularly this early in the process, but this first item has caused quite a stir--it's impossible to ignore.

In an exclusive post, Moriarity of Ain't it Cool outlines the potential plan to reboot the franchise and in turn, explains why there hasn't been any new Captain Kirk casting rumor lately.

The story as summarized has a group of Romulans being thrown back in time after an accident. Once there, they hatch a plan to kill James T. Kirk's father, and as a result Spock (Leonard Nimoy) must somehow protect the timeline. In the process Trek continuity is somehow made to proceed along an alternate timeline, essentially rebooting the entire franchise.

Let's assume that AICN has it right here...It would explain why William Shatner isn't in the film. As to the premise. Some quick observations:

Time travel again! The tried and true sci-fi plot device has been used countless times throughout Trek's nearly 41 year history, notably for two of the best feature films in the franchise--Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home and Star Trek: First Contact...

The alternate timeline sounds interesting in theory. But raises lots of questions. For the new history to even exist, I take it Spock the elder, is not entirely successful at trying to preserve what we the audience knows as fact. Does it mean that the 24th century era Trek--beginning with Star Trek: The Next Generation--is gone for good? How can both time lines exist, protecting canon while at same time re writing it?

I can't say that I am totally on board with the idea as presented. But if this is indeed the way the film is set to go--It's a bold choice nonetheless. I would like to think that J.J and Co. have worked out all the kinks.

Meanwhile TrekMovie.com claims that 29-year-old actress Zoe Saldana ("Haven") has been offered the part of Uhura, communications officer aboard the USS Enterprise originally played by Nichelle Nichols.



Saldana (pictured) was great in Haven opposite Orlando Bloom. She would make a fine choice for Uhura...

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