When it was originally announced that Quentin Tarantino, famed director of films such as “Pulp Fiction,” “Reservoir Dogs,” “Inglourious Basterds,” and more, would be working with Paramount on a new “Star Trek” film, people were either confused and worried or completely excited by the prospect. Of course, it doesn’t appear that the studio is actually moving forward with Tarantino’s vision of what a “Star Trek” film could look like, and according to Roddenberry Entertainment CEO, that’s not a bad thing.
Speaking to Forbes, Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry, CEO of Roddenberry Entertainment and son of “Star Trek” creator Gene Roddenberry, while he is curious what a Tarantino ‘Trek’ film might be like, he isn’t quite sure the filmmaker’s more, uh, violent tastes would vibe with what “Star Trek” should be.
“I struggle with that because the way I’m pretty myopic with the way I see ‘Star Trek,’” Roddenberry said. “I mentioned that I grew up with fans coming up to me out saying how ‘Star Trek’ inspired them and gave them hope for the future. It’s the optimism and the messaging in there that make ‘Star Trek’ what it was. I truly believe that. If you create a ‘Star Trek,’ that is just action; that is not ‘Star Trek,’ in my opinion. That’s what makes it different than ‘Star Wars,’ and I love ‘Star Wars,’ but they can both coexist. And I love Tarantino’s work and the kind of films that he does. I am trying to have an open mind.”
He added, “I would be curious to read a script on his take. I do not think you could say we’re going to do a ‘Reservoir Dogs Star Trek.’ I’ll be honest, that doesn’t work for me, but he is a fan, and I think as a fan, he probably understands to some degree that ‘Star Trek’ has to have some of this messaging. I would be curious, and I would try to have an open mind, but I’m not sure what it would be. I am glad that people are willing to explore that at least.”
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While there are very few people that actually know the details about what Quentin Tarantino and writer Mark L. Smith came up with, from what the filmmaker said, the tone was going to be a mixture of his R-rated sensibilities with the classic ‘Trek’ episode feel. So, yes, that does make it sound a bit like “Reservoir Dogs Star Trek,” which Roddenberry is opposed to. Perhaps, it’s a good thing that the film didn’t get further along in the developmental process?
Alas, it probably doesn’t matter, as it appears Paramount is moving ahead with another ‘Trek’ film from director Matt Shakman. And that film is likely not going to be R-rated or Tarantino-esque.
