Could We See STAR TREK 3 Released In 2016?

DigitalSpy has spoken to Star Trek producer Bryan Burk about the possibility of the next Star Trek film being released in time for Trek's 50th anniversary (1966 - 2016) in 2016. A similar marketing campaign used to help the promote the release of Skyfall which also fell on Bond's 50th anniversary. Depending on when production begins on Episode VII (hopefully by the end of the year) it could actually all work out. Allowing Abrams enough time to make both films, if Disney and Paramount can figure out how to share the director's time. Even if he doesn't return to direct, J.J. and Bad Robot will stay on as producers.

Digital Spy: Given that the Gene Roddenberry series debuted in 1966 and we’ve just had a huge Bond 50-year anniversary celebration – has Paramount been talking to you about making a 2016 release date for the next Star Trek film?

Bryan Burk: We’re definitely talking about the next one, but we haven’t talked about a release date. We don’t want to wait four years, the same amount of time between the last one and this one, but it’s going to be a big year to celebrate, hopefully.


To say Paramount is hot to make another film is an understatement. The studio already sees dollar signs as curious Trek and Star Wars fans will be both dying to see what Abrams has done with Into Darkness. Along with the general audience who should be dazzled by the marketing campaign. The Trek fans are invested because it's expected to be bigger and more action driven than the last installment. Star Wars fans will be analyzing the film piece by piece to discover if Abrams is the right person to take over the franchise from a very tired George Lucas.

Abrams' commitments to Star Wars might put him out of the picture for Star Trek 3. Actually, that might not be the case. If they're aiming for a 2016 release date it could allow Abrams enough time to at least complete principle photography because ILM comes in to fill in the special effects. Giving a window in late 2014 or 2015 too shoot photography on Trek 3 allowing for a possible release in 2016 (Summer or Winter). The only issue at the moment the film's writers aren't exactly talking up a script for a third installment beyond ideas and possible outlines.