Summary
- J.J. Abrams reinvigorated Star Trek with the Kelvin Universe, introducing an alternate timeline and respectfully preserving the franchise’s legacy.
- The movies offered character origin stories, significant character development across the cast’s main USS Enterprise crew, and action-packed drama.
- The reboot influenced later shows, leading to a new era of “Modern Star Trek.”
J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek (2009) rebooted the stalled science fiction franchise and cleverly introduced a new alternate timeline as part of Star Trek’s multiverse. Establishing the Kelvin Timeline alongside Star Trek‘s Prime and lesser-seen Mirror Universes, Abrams intelligently sidestepped the issue of inevitable predictability while preserving Star Trek‘s already established and canonical legacy. Minor changes to the characters and their respective inherent behaviors echoed grander, more-encompassing divergences in the Kelvin Timeline’s course, with many of the original facets somewhat reversed. The movies made respectful reference in multiple ways to the franchise’s other shows, movies, and series, ultimately inspiring a new era of modern Star Trek.
Introducing a younger, less experienced Captain James T. Kirk (Chris Pine) and the cast of the Kelvin Timeline’s USS Enterprise, J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek movies provided character origin stories and significant growth for the main characters over the (so far) span of three films as they come together and save worlds. To positive and mixed responses, the Kelvin Timeline movies demonstrate a different tone from the original Star Trek. Abrams’ films eloquently update previously established viewing experiences for a modern Marvel Cinematic Universe-experienced audience and pair IDIC-inspired, retro vibes with a stream of high-energy blockbuster action sequences. Fifteen years on, here are ten positives you only notice rewatching J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek movies.
I.D.I.C. stands for “Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations” and is a foundational tenet of Vulcan philosophy.
With 13 entries in the Star Trek movie series from 1979-2006, there are a couple of ways to watch the films chronologically.
10 J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek Movies Were A Fun, Relevant Addition To The Franchise
Star Trek (2009), Star Trek Into Darkness (2013), Star Trek Beyond (2016)
J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek movies successfully rebooted the franchise’s stalled run of feature films, bringing fun and a fast-paced flair to the space-faring show’s modern audiences. Blending what went before with a future yet to come, the movies’ distinctive style and epic feel reimagined classic characters in a blockbuster setting. Building on Star Trek‘s previous legacy and established events, J.J. Abrams’ movies established an alternate parallel timeline and opened a future of possibilities where anything could happen. The movies’ successes led to a new era of Star Trek on the small screen, further developing legacy characters and progressing the franchise’s multiverse timeline, with further films currently in the works.
9 J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek Movies Blended The Old With The New
Abrams’ Star Trek Movies Cast Actors From Star Trek: The Original Series
J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek movies carefully honored established franchise history while simultaneously becoming something entirely new – reimagining Star Trek‘s core values of hope, optimism, a sense of family, and the USS Enterprise as home. A hybrid of these mixed realities, Abrams’ updated settings and approach to storytelling cast previously established characters – and actors – into a familiar setting in an alternate realm. Among multiple nods to the past, Star Trek: The Original Series actors were cast to support the new crew. Including Leonard Nimoy as the Prime Universe’s Ambassador Spock allowed for a dignified and respectful passing of the baton, simultaneously acknowledging that what went before still mattered.
Majel Barrett provided the voice of the USS Enterprise’s onboard computer in Star Trek: The Original Series and Star Trek (2009), as well as several of the franchise’s other shows and movies.
8 J.J. Abrams Mixed Big Action With Significant Character-Based Drama
Chris Pine’s James T. Kirk Transitions From Civilian To Cadet To Captain
Star Trek (2009) established a precedent for character-driven storytelling alongside breathtaking action sequences and bold big-screen drama, the film’s conflict coming primarily from the crew’s struggle towards formation. While Star Trek Into Darkness admittedly missed the opportunity to capitalize on creating an alternate timeline and create something entirely new, it still focused on character growth and moral themes in longstanding Star Trek tradition alongside tense twists and impressive cinematographic visuals. Star Trek Beyond felt like a great, old-school episode spanning the length of a feature film. With Abrams’ movies leaning into the sensational and exciting, the focus on an action-heavy narrative driven by significant character drama is dynamic and refreshing.
7 J.J. Abrams Brought Star Trek To A New Audience & A New Generation
Star Trek (2009) Allowed An Accessible Entry To The Franchise
Star Trek (2009) introduced the franchise to a new, modern audience of all ages, offering an accessible entry point to an increasingly complex timeline of movies and shows. Directly leading to the franchise’s return to the small screen, Abrams’ Star Trek movies offered viewers dramatic character conflict and daring, meaningful science-fiction. The film’s tight script and keen pacing provided an exciting and audacious experience with Star Trek‘s first and most famous crew. Committed fans and non-fans alike came together to enjoy Star Trek‘s latest installment, with those who hadn’t previously seen it and those too young going on to discover the franchise’s notable earlier series.
The Star Trek TV franchise has existed for 57 years and consists of 12 shows (and counting). Here’s how to watch them all in timeline order.
6 J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek Introduced Origin Stories & Important Character Growth
Star Trek (2009) Explores The Origin Stories Of Captain James T. Kirk & Commander Spock
Star Trek‘s Kelvin Timeline movies explore the backstories and personal growth of the USS Enterprise’s young crew. The focus on character-driven storytelling in Star Trek (2009) illuminates the early histories of Captain James T. Kirk and Commander Spock (Zachary Quinto). Chris Pine’s portrayal of James T. Kirk showcases compelling evolution from directionless and damaged to confident and capable, while Karl Urban’s nuanced embodiment of Dr. Leonard McCoy blends homage and originality. Quinto’s Spock undergoes significant emotional development, enriching the character’s layered arc. The crew’s evolving bonds evoke classic Star Trek moments, subtly honoring the past while fleshing out character details like the origin of McCoy’s nickname and Uhura’s (Zoe Saldana) first name.
Lieutenant Uhura’s first name, Nyota, means ‘Star’ in Swahili. The name ‘Uhura’ was adapted from the Swahili word ‘Uhuru’, meaning ‘Freedom’.
5 J.J. Abrams’ Movies Influenced Later Star Trek Shows
Star Trek: Discovery and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds followed Abrams’ reboot movies
Star Trek Into Darkness influenced the appearance of the Klingon species in Star Trek: Discovery, with the USS Enterprise bridge in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds evoking a similar design to that in J.J. Abrams’ Kelvin Timeline movies. Star Trek: Picard makes mention of the 2387 supernova that destroyed Romulus, as seen in Star Trek (2009), which indirectly led to the formation of the Kelvin alternate reality. Star Trek: Discovery further confirmed the existence of the Kelvin Timeline in its third season. Abrams’ movies paid particular attention to respecting previous franchise history, influencing subsequent shows, with Star Trek Beyond making particular reference to Star Trek: Enterprise.
4 J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek Featured A Great Musical Score & Visual Appeal
Michael Giacchino Composed The Score For Star Trek (2009), Star Trek Into Darkness & Star Trek Beyond
Reminiscent of Star Trek‘s earlier movie scores and updated for a modern setting and new audience, Michael Giacchino expertly weaves a series of musical masterpieces that are instantly identifiable, nostalgic, uplifting, rich, intense, and noteworthy. The movies’ scale, cinematic effects, and artistry are impressive and skillful, culminating in a high-quality and seamless overall presentation that is visually and audibly stunning and filmicly diverse. Makeup designer Joel Harlow’s masterful inter-stellar designs in Star Trek Beyond enhanced the artistic significance of J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek movies, creating fifty distinct alien races to represent the franchise’s fifty years.
Listen to Michael Giacchino’s Star Trek (2009) theme from the composer’s official channel below:
3 Creation Of Star Trek’s Kelvin Timeline
The Prime and Mirror Universes Also Exist In Star Trek’s Multiverse
Star Trek (2009) took a novel approach to re-establishing the franchise, setting up a new and distinctive alternate timeline that paved a blank slate for all future Kelvin Universe events. Simultaneously maintaining the integrity of previously established events, J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek reboot balanced respecting the franchise’s origins and established legacy and canon with reinventing and developing the main crew’s characters and establishing for them an unpredictable, wildcard fate. Running parallel to the Prime Timeline, the Kelvin Timeline formed following the arrival of Nero (Eric Bana), a Romulan from the future bent on revenge following the destruction of his homeworld, and quickly saw critical diversions in the timeline’s history.
From James T. Kirk to Jean-Luc Picard, from Kathryn Janeway to Michael Burnham, we’re breaking down the full chronological timeline of Star Trek.
2 J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek Features An Excellent Cast
Abrams’ Star Trek Movies Prioritized Good Acting Over Casting Big Names
Despite the more controversial aspects of J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek movies, the phenomenal cast is a facet that virtually everybody can agree on. The exceptional cast of Star Trek‘s Kelvin Enterprise crew brings a convincing and evolving depth to the ensemble that adds to and enhances the previous iteration without reducing the earlier performances. The obvious talent and rich characterizations lend importance and gravitas to the movie’s thrilling scripts and further develop through interaction with each other. It’s hard to deny that anyone is more suited for Doctor McCoy than Karl Urban, and Chris Pine puts in a powerful performance as a damaged but constantly evolving Captain Kirk.
| Character Name | Star Trek: The Original Series Actor | J.J. Abrams’ Movie Actor |
|---|---|---|
| Captain James T. Kirk | William Shatner | Chris Pine |
| Commander Spock | Leonard Nimoy | Zachary Quinto (& Leonard Nimoy as Prime Universe Ambassador Spock) |
| Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy | DeForest Kelley | Karl Urban |
| Lt. Commander Montgomery “Scotty” Scott | James Doohan | Simon Pegg |
| Lt. Nyota Uhura | Nichelle Nichols | Zoe Saldaña |
| Lt. Hikaru Sulu | George Takei | John Cho |
| Ensign Pavel Chekov | Walter Koenig | Anton Yelchin |
| Enterprise Computer (voice) | Majel Barrett | Majel Barrett |
1 J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek Movies Rebooted The Franchise
The Franchise’s Previous Movie, Star Trek: Nemesis, Was Released In 2002
The re-emergence of Star Trek in 2009 ended an unfortunate dry spell for the space-faring franchise. With Star Trek: Enterprise canceled in 2005 following a long-term steady drop in ratings for each of the franchise’s shows and Star Trek: Nemesis bombing at the box office in 2002, it seemed for many years as though Star Trek was done after decades of on-screen adventure. Star Trek (2009) launched to critical acclaim, successfully performing and seamlessly re-igniting the demand for more Star Trek. The movie’s success led to another two, with further Star Trek movies in development. A new era of television-based Star Trek also stemmed from the success of Abrams’ films.
