J.J. Abrams achieved peak geekdom when he was chosen to reboot the Star Trek franchise and adapt it to the big screen. Starting with 2009’s Star Trek, the filmmaker reintroduced Captain Kirk and Spock to a new generation of fans while simultaneously angering old fans of the franchise. The two films he directed were box-office successes nonetheless.
After being entrusted to direct Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, Abrams chose to remain only as a producer on the third film Star Trek Beyond, with Justin Lin taking over the reins. Despite positive reviews from critics, the film underperformed at the box office. Still, some fans seem to consider the film to be the most accurate adaptation of the original.
Star Trek Beyond Had An Underwhelming Box Office Run Despite Positive Reviews
Every Star Trek fan knows that the franchise works best on TV. The Gene Roddenberry-created series is not the kind that benefits from action blocks and huge explosions but is a story that celebrates adventure and explores philosophical themes. Nonetheless, the franchise was given the Star Wars treatment with a film reboot.
J.J. Abrams was chosen to be the man to bring this reboot to life. The Lost creator directed the first two films himself, casting Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto as Captain Kirk and Spock respectively. The first two films in the Kelvin Timeline as it was called, produced good results at the box office, earning $385 million and $467 million respectively.
However, by the third film, Star Wars began developing feature films again with Abrams himself being tapped to direct the seventh episode in the Skywalker Saga. Justin Lin was roped in to direct after he rejected the seventh installment of the Fast and Furious franchise and replaced Robert Orci (via Deadline).
With Simon Pegg and Doug Jung taking on writing duties, Star Trek Beyond garnered rave reviews from critics who praised its storyline which felt more true to the original series than the previous two films. However, the film seemed to have not impressed most fans as it turned out to be a disappointing commercial affair, earning only $343 million (via Box Office Mojo).
Fans Express Renewed Liking To Star Trek Beyond
J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek Into Darkness had Benedict Cumberbatch’s Khan as the antagonist. With most of the marketing material focused on Khan’s inclusion, the film no doubt performed better than its predecessor at the box office. Plus Abrams’ blockbuster treatment made it out to be a better big-screen adventure.
However, apart from a weak villain, Justin Lin’s Star Trek Beyond seems to have captured the spirit of adventure and space exploration better than its predecessors. As Abrams left to revive the Star Wars franchise, Simon Pegg, Lin, and Doug Jung took over the reins and delivered a Star Trek film that got Kirk and Spock right and was not set on Earth.
Fans seemed to have renewed their love for the film in recent years despite the film not working at the box office (via Reddit),
Easily my favorite of the three Kelvin movies. Felt the most like a Star Trek adventure, and finally had a story that looked forward, as well as backwards.
-g1SuperLuigi64
It’s a good film and easily better than STID, but Krall’s a weak villain.
-WoundedSacrifice
It was much tighter than the other Kelvin movies, of which the first I thought was alright, and the second I absolutely hate. They got a lot right – away team, alien girl that helps them out, not set on earth, etc. It’s not bad, but I do dislike Kelvin.
-MrFiendish
Best of the three but shame on them for utterly wasting Idris Elba.
-jfenton4
I liked that it respects the characters more than the first two. There are no long Kirk/Spock shouting matches and they nailed Spock and McCoy’s rapport. Love that Kirk is more competent and self-reflective.
-grandmofftalkin
While some blamed the marketing material which positioned the film as a blockbuster action flick, Forbes mentioned that the timing of the release could have been better as only a few months later Star Trek would be celebrating its 50th anniversary. The film was released during the summer season.
Star Trek Beyond is available to stream on Paramount+.
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