Goldstein and Daley Confirmed New Star Trek Movie Details

The upcoming science fiction film will break from existing timelines and move away from legacy characters.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Science Fiction

Graphic illustration of a sharp-edged space vessel silhouette against a deep void, evoke science-fiction film aesthetics. — Paramount Global announced a new Star Trek film project helmed by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley, focusing on a dark, future-set narrative. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you prefer movie franchises to continue using legacy characters or introduce entirely new stories?

Paramount Global has announced a new Star Trek film project helmed by writers and directors Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley. The duo confirmed the production will avoid the Kelvin timeline and exclude legacy characters in favor of a new direction.

Why it matters

The project represents a tonal shift for the franchise as filmmakers look to incorporate humor into dark, fraught scenarios. By drawing inspiration from thrillers like Crimson Tide and Training Day, the creative team aims to ground the narrative in realistic human conflict.

A recent poll found that 41.5% of franchise fans prefer legacy characters, while 14.1% favor a fresh cast. Meanwhile, 22.8% of respondents prefer connections to existing series and 21.5% prioritize ambitious science fiction storytelling.

The players

Jonathan Goldstein

He is a writer and director who previously worked on the film Mayday.

John Francis Daley

He is a writer and director known for his creative partnership with Jonathan Goldstein.

Paramount Global

This is the major media and entertainment conglomerate that is developing the new Star Trek project.

The details

The filmmakers are developing what they describe as the darkest project they have written, focusing on themes found in mentor-mentee conflicts. The script is expected to be set in a timeframe further in the future, utilizing research conducted on an aircraft carrier during the production of their previous film, Mayday.

In July 2026, Goldstein and Daley discussed the movie at Comic-Con.
Project details were confirmed in an article published on October 1, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

This project signals a major strategic shift in the Star Trek film franchise by moving away from the J.J. Abrams Kelvin timeline. By eschewing established legacy characters, the studio is attempting to redefine the brand's identity within an increasingly competitive cinematic landscape.

Because the film has not been greenlit for production, there is no set release date or confirmed cast for audiences to anticipate. Viewers interested in the project will need to wait for further updates from Paramount Skydance regarding theatrical release plans.

The takeaway

The decision to favor an original narrative over legacy characters suggests a new creative direction for the long-running franchise. Fans should expect a darker, more grounded tone that prioritizes thematic conflict over existing continuity.