Star Trek 4 is experiencing another colossal setback. The long-delayed film has lost its director Matt Shakman. Interestingly, it looks like the filmmaker is abandoning the Star Trek project for another major project which just happens to be Marvel Cinematic Universe's Fantastic Four reboot!
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Matt Shakman has stepped away from Star Trek 4. Although the reason behind Shakman's exit was not revealed, the report points out that the WandaVision director is currently in talks to work on the Fantastic Four reboot.
Paramount shared a statement regarding Shakman's departure from Star Trek 4.
"Matt Shakman is an incredibly talented filmmaker, and we regret the timing didn't align for him to direct our upcoming Star Trek film," the statement read. "We are grateful for his many contributions, are excited about the creative vision of this next chapter and look forward to bringing it to audiences all around the world."
Star Trek 4 has not yet been given an official title. However, the Kelvin timeline cast is expected to return for the project. This would include Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg, Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, and John Cho. It is not yet clear how Pavel Chekov's absence will be explained after Anton Yelchin's passing in 2016.
The Fantastic Four reboot is currently one of the most highly anticipated MCU projects. The film was initially set to be directed by Spider-Man: No Way Home director Jon Watts who had since left the project. Matt Shakman will be the second filmmaker to take on the movie if negotiations are successful. The main cast who will play Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, and The Thing has not yet been announced.
Star Trek 4 is already scheduled for release in December 2023. The Fantastic Four reboot has not yet been given an official release date.
Related: Star Trek: Nichelle Nichols' Ashes to be Sent Into Space
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