Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley, the duo behind “Dungeons & Dragons” and “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” are enlisting in Starfleet. They’ve been hired to write, produce and direct a new “Star Trek” film that will seek to revitalize the franchise after it has languished for nearly a decade without a big screen adventure.
However, as Variety previously reported, the new film will not be a continuation of the J.J. Abrams-led reboot of the series and won’t feature Chris Pine or any of the actors from those movies (Pine starred in Goldstein and Daley’s “D&D” film). In fact, while plot details are being kept under wraps, this project is not connected to any previous or current television series, movie, or prior movie development projects. So you’re out of luck Jean-Luc Picard and Kathryn Janeway!
Since “Star Trek Beyond” opened in 2016, the road to mounting a new film in the franchise has been bumpier than a Klingon’s forehead. Chris Hemsworth almost returned as the (seemingly deceased) father of Capt. Kirk from 2009’s “Star Trek.” Quentin Tarantino almost directed a “Star Trek” movie set in a world of 1930s gangsters. Noah Hawley and Matt Shakman each got so close to directing a “Star Trek” movie that sets were being built, but neither project came to fruition.
In 2024, Variety reported that Steve Yockey (“The Flight Attendant”) was writing a draft for the “final chapter” “Trek” movie starring the cast led by Pine, Zachary Quinto and Zoe Saldaña. And Toby Haynes (“Andor”) had been tapped to direct a “Star Trek” origin story written by Seth Grahame-Smith (“Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter”). But now both projects appear to be stranded in deep space with life support failing.
Getting a new “Star Trek” out of dry-dock has been a priority for Paramount since David Ellison’s Skydance took control of the company in August, because the series is one of the most enduring properties in the studio’s library. Daley and Jonathan Goldstein are known to Ellison and company, having recently written, directed, and produced the Skydance film “Mayday” starring Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh, which they produced through their GoldDay banner. It will premiere on Apple TV+.
Daley and Goldstein previously helmed New Line’s comedy “Game Night,” and wrote and directed the studio’s “Vacation” reboot. The duo’s additional writing credits include “Horrible Bosses” and “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2.”
Goldstein and Daley are represented by CAA, Fourth Wall Management, and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush, Kaller, Gellman, Meigs & Fox.