Why JJ Abrams Decided to Make a New Star Trek Movie
When it comes to crafting a film, the primary goal is often to engage a broad and diverse audience. This is particularly the case for a movie, where a high number of viewers is crucial for financial success. Unlike television, which can cater to niche audiences, a theatrical release requires appeal to a wider demographic. This article explores why J.J. Abrams, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, chose to rejuvenate the Star Trek franchise with a new movie.
The Need for Wide Appeal
A movie, by its nature, must have the potential to attract a large number of viewers. Unlike a television show, which can thrive on a passionate niche audience, a film needs to resonate with a broader audience to ensure financial success. In the context of Hollywood, this means that a movie has to strike a chord with audiences who may have never watched the original series, or a reboot that taps into the legions of Star Trek fans. J.J. Abrams, known for his ability to bring diverse storytelling to screen, proved once again why he is a key player in the industry when he decided to reboot the Star Trek franchise.
TV Shows and Theatrical Releases
TV shows can often thrive on a niche audience, where viewership is dedicated and passionate. Consider the case of Voyager and Enterprise. Despite being critically acclaimed, they never made the transition to feature films. What's the point of having a TV show that doesn’t make the jump to the big screen?
However, the Trekkies will tell you that the Star Trek franchise is synonymous with the Enterprise and captain Kirk. These characters are known worldwide, which explains their presence in popular culture. On the other hand, characters like Archer and the Voyager crew still aren't as widely recognized. ‘Enterprise’ was canceled after a seven-year run, and it never made it to feature films. Even the successful run of the Air Force One-style TNG movies couldn't sustain a franchise.
Reinvigorating the Brand
The original Star Trek is undeniably a beloved series, and it has sold the most merchandise and is the most familiar to the general audience. Rereleasing it, or rebooting it, would mean revisiting the original series and characters. The idea here is to harness the nostalgia and familiarity of the franchise while adding new elements to keep it fresh. A reboot can be a win-win scenario, providing both a nostalgic trip for the fanbase and a new beginning for a wider audience.
While the TNG movies were not successful, the original series and the characters they introduced remain a core aspect of the franchise. Despite the attempts at creating feature-length movies, they often failed to capture the essence of what made Star Trek unique – the spirit of exploration, innovation, and human connections. Even with a solid cast, the stories in these early films were often perceived as wanting, lacking the captivating narratives that made the TV series so compelling.
The Pull of Studio Decision
Ultimately, the decision to make a new Star Trek movie came down to the studio. The IP rights holder for the Star Trek franchise decided to hire J.J. Abrams for the role, and so the movie was made. Abrams, known for his visionary storytelling and ability to connect with audiences, was uniquely suited for this task. His experience with earlier Star Trek films, such as the Editon Q and B Shaw's Wrath, despite their mixed reviews, demonstrated his potential to bring the Star Trek universe to the big screen in a way that would captivate and engage a broader audience.
So, while the TV show Voyager and Enterprise were highly regarded, they never reached the heights of a theatrical release. The studio realized that Trekkies, and the general public, would be more inclined to watch a movie featuring the familiarity and excitement of the original series. After all, there’s no replacement for the wonders of the Starship Enterprise and the enduring legacy of captain Kirk.
In the end, the decision to make a new Star Trek movie was as much about appealing to a wide audience and tapping into the franchise's rich heritage as it was about leveraging Abrams' talent and vision to create a new chapter in an iconic series.