For the past several years, Paramount Pictures has been trying to mount Star Trek 4 with the Kelvin timeline cast. Unfortunately, the project is nowhere closer to reality as it is currently looking for a new director after the exit of Matt Shakman last year.
So far, none of the people involved in the project have declared that the project has been shelved and they are still keen to do the movie despite the several setbacks. Now, a key figure from the franchise has publicly volunteered for the job that would hopefully put the project in motion.
Speaking with Screen Rant, Jonathan Frakes, who plays William Riker and has directed various Star Trek episodes and films throughout the course of the franchise's history, expressed his interest to helm Star Trek 4. He revealed that he already contacted J.J. Abrams for the job, but he also admitted that he is not privy about the project's current state.
"I don't know much about that... the guy who was due to direct it [Matt Shakman] has gone off to do Fantastic Four, I think... And I'm not sure if they have a script, or if they had a script or a budget... I'm not sure at what stage Star Trek 4 is [in]," he said.
"I did write an email to J.J. [Abrams] and said, 'If you need an experienced old white guy, I'm available.' He wrote back and [said], 'You certainly are experienced.' So it's not for lack of asking, but I'm not sure what stage that movie is in. I love that cast."
Given that Frakes has experience directing a Star Trek feature film with First Contact and Insurrection, he is definitely the ideal person to helm the movie based on his qualifications. He is also active in the franchise at the moment both in front and behind the camera.
However, based on the response that he got, it also sounds like Frakes' wishes might not happen at all since Abrams didn't assure him that they'll keep an eye on him for the job. There have also been rumors that Abrams himself might direct the movie instead.
For now, let's just wait and see what will happen about the long-gestated Star Trek 4 with the setbacks and delays that it experienced. If Frakes does end up taking the job, a lot of fans will certainly be game with the idea since we know that it will be in the hands of someone who has been a pivotal part of the franchise.
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For now, you can catch Frakes' potentially last turn as William Riker in the final episode of Star Trek: Picard which is slated to release on Paramount+ this Thursday.
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