I’m still waiting for JJ Abrams’Star Trek 4to happen to find out what’s been happening in the Kelvin Timeline since theend of 2016’sStar Trek Beyond, and although I’ve always wanted a fourth movie from the franchise’s softly-rebooted reality, there’s been a real-world development that has made me even more certain it should happen. Although 2009’sStar Trekand the two following movies were already packed with star power, the years that have passed since the trilogy’s end have resulted in them all becoming even more established actors. So,Star Trek 4would be especially high-profile.
There’s a lot to recognize for long-standing fans in Abrams’Star Trekmovies, butthe Kelvin Timeline series has replaced every main actorwho appeared as part of thecast ofStar Trek: The Original Series- although Leonard Nimoy did also return as Prime Spock in the first installment. Set roughly alongside the same period as the Prime Universe’sTOS-era,Chris Pine’s time as Captain Kirktakes his crew through a reimagined set of events that often have nods to William Shatner’s original version of the character.Star Trek 4would likely continue this formula, but with a notable change.
Zoe Saldaña’s Oscar Win Is Further Proof That Star Trek 4 Needs To Happen
Star Trek 4 would now have an Oscar winner among its cast
The acting talent on show in Abrams’Star Trekmovies was never in doubt. I’d long been a Chris Pine fan before his 2009 franchise debut, and his interpretation of James T. Kirk was equally respectful of Shatner’s efforts as it was true to Pine’s own choices. Zachary Quinto’s version of Spock also boasted similar qualities.Zoe Saldaña was another star who shone immediately inStar Trek, replacing Nichelle Nichols as Lt. Nyota Uhura. Also appearing inAvatarthat same year, 2009 was enormous for Saldaña, but 2025 is arguably even bigger thanks to her first Oscar win.
Saldaña was presented with the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress due to her performance as Rita Mora Castro in 2024’sEmeila Pérez.
Saldaña was presented with the Oscar for Best Supporting Actressdue to her performance as Rita Mora Castro in 2024’sEmeila Pérez. AlthoughSaldaña isn’t the firstStar Trekactor to win an Oscar, it puts her in an exclusive group. One of the most recent examples is Michelle Yeoh earning the Best Actress award at the 2023 Oscars for 2022’sEverything, Everywhere, All at Once. This achievement arguably went some way to Yeoh going on to lead thecast ofStar Trek: Section 31. So,Star Trek 4should be Saldaña’s post-Oscar outing within the franchise.
If Star Trek 4 Happens, Uhura Must Be As Prominent As Kirk, Spock & McCoy
Saldaña’s Oscar win should bring her to the forefront of Star Trek 4
The Kelvin Timelines movies replicateStar Trek: The Original Series' ensemble cast approach, although more focus is put on certain characters more than others. Pine’s Kirk is one of the biggest stars of the trilogy, but Quinto’s Spock and Karl Urban’s Dr. McCoy also receive huge amounts of attention. Zoe Saldaña does get a good amount of time on screen as Uhura, but nowhere near as much as other members of the Enterprise crew. So, now armed with an Oscar win, Saldaña has to be placed front and center with the other prominent characters inStar Trek 4.
J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek 2009 Movie Has A Secret Captain Kirk Callback From The Original Series
J.J. Abrams' Star Trek (2009) sends Captain Kirk to a snowy planet that harkens back to the second pilot episode of Star Trek: The Original Series.
Uhura had some very important episodes inStar Trek: The Original Series, and Celia Rose Gooding’s younger version of the character inStar Trek: Strange New Worldsis similarly instrumental to how the story is told. So,it wouldn’t be anything new to give Kelvin Uhura a bigger platformthan she has already enjoyed in the previous three films. Plus, delving further into the version of the character in the Abrams movies also keeps things interesting while also acknowledging Saldaña’s Oscar win and allowing her to further display the talent that earned her the Academy Award.
Where Star Trek 4 Stands In 2025
Plans for the fourth Kelvin Timeline movie have been delayed for a while
News on another Kelvin Timeline movie set afterStar Trek Beyondhas been fluid and hard to parse for years now. Although there is a clear desire from those involved with the original trilogy to continue the story, it remains unclear whether Paramount has officially greenlit the project. However, other sources stateStar Trek 4is still on the cards, and that it’s just stuck in production hell. The movie has had several writers and directors attached, but none have seemingly been a fit for what is being labeled by some as the series' “Final chapter.”
2009
94%
2013
84%
2016
86%
With almost a decade having passed sinceStar TrekBeyond, the writers would surely need to address the cast’s new ages, which would in turn impact the plot.There have been different concepts mentioned forStar Trek 4, with some plans involving what would technically be a prequel, bringing back Chris Hemsworth’s George Kirk in a time travel adventure. Unfortunately, nothing solid has yet been announced about if and when the movie will be finished or even made. Hopefully, it makes some real progress sooner rather than later.
Zoe Saldaña’s Oscar Win Might Make Star Trek 4 Even Less Likely
The actress may not want to make another Star Trek movie for various reasons stemming from her award
WithStar Trek 4already struggling, Saldaña’s well-earned Oscar win may be great news for her, but it could actually hurt the chances even further of the fourth movie ever happening. She has already been in demand for years, as proven by her jump to the MCU as Gamora in theGuardians of the GalaxymoviesafterStar Trek Beyond.There’s also the matter of her ongoing involvement in theAvatarfranchise, with the fifth installment not due to land until 2031, and two more between now and then. So, her Oscar could make her even more sought after.
Because the series lives and breathes by its tributes toStar Trek: The Original Series, a fourth movie without Uhura just wouldn’t be the same.
Even if Saldaña is available to reprise herStar Trekrole, it could come down to her having to decide between a very appealing-sounding project and a sci-fi sequel that’s arguably years past when it would have been its most successful - the latter, of course, beingStar Trek 4. Because the series lives and breathes by its tributes toStar Trek: The Original Series, a fourth movie without Uhura just wouldn’t be the same. Although recasting the character remains an option, such a decision seems likely.
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Zoe Saldana played Lieutenant Nyota Uhura in J.J. Abrams' rebooted Star Trek film franchise, revitalizing love for a classic Star Trek character.
There’s also the issue of what role Uhura would play inStar Trek 4. As mentioned, she’s rarely been at the forefront of the other Kelvin Timeline movies. With so many options presumably on the table in the actress' immediate future, accepting a secondary role in what is otherwise part of a massive franchise just may not be a very attractive prospect for Saldaña, especially when she could be the lead in other projects. Plus, it arguably wouldn’t be fair for her to remain in a supporting role forStar Trek 4after something as big as an Oscar win.
