Star Trek may be heading into a production lull, but Jonathan Frakes is still looking ahead with cautious confidence. In a recent interview promoting this year's upcoming PurpleStride walk against pancreatic cancer, The Next Generation legend lays out why he’s “very optimistic about the future” of the franchise, even as active development feels oddly quiet right now. Frakes said via TrekMovie.com:
“I’m very optimistic about the future. I just wish that something was percolating now. I know that there’s talk of another movie. I don’t think it’s going to be one of the J.J. [Abrams] movies. It seems it’s going to be a brand-new [idea]."
Frakes continued by saying:
"I know that there’s also a percolating idea about the Paul Wesley [Star Trek: Year One], which would be the origin of Kirk, but that’s all I’ve got. All I’ve got is rumor and innuendo, and none of it is encouraging… But in truth, there will be a Star Trek on the air through 2027. That gives us a lot of time to get something else in the oven, if you will.”
Frakes is referring to several topics that fans have been following for months: a possible Paul Wesley-led Star Trek: Year One and a new Star Trek movie distinct from the J.J. Abrams Kelvin Timeline.
Frakes also points out that although no fresh filming is currently underway, Trek is still slated to air through 2027, giving the creative team a window to plan the next stage.
Frakes' confidence stems from optimism, not naive cheerleading. Frakes says he's hearing "rumor and innuendo" and little of it sounds definite, echoing fans' worries as shows end and plans alter.
This is breathing room instead of a death sentence as Trek should regroup, reassess, and possibly launch something new in the near future.
From someone who's starred in and directed Star Trek throughout its history, that mix of concern and hope seems like a fair way for fans to approach the next several years: vigilant, wary, but not ready to give up.
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