Chris Pine Wishes Paramount’s New Leaders Success with ‘Star Trek’ Franchise
Chris Pine recently shared his thoughts on the future of the “Star Trek” franchise amid leadership changes at Paramount. During his interview at the Sundance Film Festival, Pine expressed uncertainty about upcoming developments. When asked about Paramount’s new direction for the franchise, he quipped, “You probably know more than I do.”
New Direction for Star Trek Franchise
As reported by Variety, the new film in the “Star Trek” universe is being penned by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley. The duo, known for their work on “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” is set to write, produce, and direct this ambitious project. It aims to revitalize the “Star Trek” brand but will not continue the J.J. Abrams-led reboot saga. Additionally, Pine will not reprise his role as Captain Kirk in this upcoming installment.
Pine’s Advice to New Leadership
When asked for advice for the new Paramount leaders regarding “Star Trek,” Pine offered a lighthearted response: “Have fun, good luck, live long and prosper.” His comments reflect both humor and encouragement as the franchise transitions to a new creative team.
Highlights from the 2026 Sundance Film Festival
Pine recently opened the 2026 Sundance Film Festival with his latest film, “Carousel.” This romantic drama features Jenny Slate and is directed by Rachel Lambert. In the film, Pine portrays a single father whose world is turned upside down by the return of his high school ex-girlfriend.
Character Exploration
Pine described his character’s struggle with emotional communication, noting how it presents challenges in both film and life. He remarked, “Many a male character… there is a difficulty for men to communicate feelings with clarity.” He explained how Slate’s character helps him confront these emotions in a tumultuous yet transformative way.
Slate shared her excitement about the script, highlighting the opportunity for deep character exploration. She noted, “I think it’s a real opportunity when you get a full interiority. That makes for good drama.” Slate reflected on her journey from comedy to tackling more complex roles as she grows as a performer.
With new ventures on the horizon, both Pine and the creative teams behind “Star Trek” and “Carousel” are eager to contribute to the evolving landscape of modern cinema.
