Paramount develops new 'Star Trek' film

John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein to write and direct a new film unconnected to past entries

Paramount has commissioned a new 'Star Trek' film, appointing John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein to write and direct the project, the franchise's first confirmed cinematic step forward in nearly a decade.

The development offers clarity after ongoing speculation about the future of the franchise following David Ellison's arrival at the studio. The film is described as separate from previous entries, meaning it will not involve the Chris Pine-led cast.

Daley and Goldstein will also produce through their GoldDay banner. The announcement comes after years of uncertainty, during which several different projects were explored.

These included proposals to reunite the Pine ensemble and an R-rated script linked to Quentin Tarantino. None moved into production, with 'Star Trek' continuing primarily through a range of series on Paramount+.

Daley and Goldstein are known for combining comedy, high-concept ideas, and action. Their work includes 'Game Night' and 'Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves', the latter released by Paramount. They recently completed the Apple feature 'Mayday', starring Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh.

'Star Trek' last appeared in cinemas with 'Star Trek Beyond' in 2016. The film took $343.4 million worldwide but fell short of expectations, and subsequent attempts to revive the series on the big screen did not progress.

Industry observers have followed the franchise closely since Ellison's move to Paramount raised questions about whether existing ideas would be pursued or whether the studio would chart a new course.

The involvement of Daley and Goldstein offers the first concrete indication of Paramount's direction, with the project reportedly distinct from previous timelines and iterations.