A timeline of the Star Trek Kelvin Timeline Films, covering the development, production, release, and legacy of the modern reboot series including Star Trek (2009), Star Trek Into Darkness (2013), and Star Trek Beyond (2016), as well as the ongoing development of a fourth installment.
Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek premieres on NBC, introducing the iconic characters of Kirk, Spock, and the USS Enterprise. The series becomes a cultural phenomenon and lays the foundation for future Star Trek films. #StarTrek #TV
The second Star Trek film features Khan Noonien Singh, a character who would later appear in the Kelvin timeline's Into Darkness. The film is considered one of the best in the franchise. #StarTrek #Film
After the cancellation of Star Trek: Enterprise, Paramount Pictures begins discussions about reviving the film franchise with a reboot that would reset the timeline. J.J. Abrams is approached. #StarTrek #Reboot )
Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman are hired to write the screenplay for the reboot. They craft a story involving time travel from the original crew to create an alternate timeline. #StarTrek #Writing )
Paramount officially hires J.J. Abrams to direct the Star Trek reboot. Abrams brings his signature style and lens flare technique to the franchise. #StarTrek #Director
Chris Pine is announced as the new James T. Kirk after a lengthy casting process. Pine beats out several other actors for the iconic role. #StarTrek #Casting
Zachary Quinto is cast as the young Spock. Quinto's portrayal earns critical acclaim and he becomes a fan favorite. #StarTrek #Casting
Original Spock actor Leonard Nimoy agrees to appear as Spock Prime, bridging the original timeline with the new Kelvin timeline. This connection is pivotal to the story. #StarTrek #Casting
Simon Pegg is cast as Scotty. Pegg would later co-write the third film, Star Trek Beyond. #StarTrek #Casting
Karl Urban is cast as Dr. Leonard 'Bones' McCoy. Urban's performance channels DeForest Kelley's original character. #StarTrek #Casting
John Cho is cast as Sulu. Cho brings a new energy to the character and later appears in all three Kelvin films. #StarTrek #Casting
Zoe Saldana is cast as Uhura. Her role is expanded with a romantic subplot with Spock. #StarTrek #Casting
Anton Yelchin is cast as Chekov, bringing a youthful enthusiasm to the character. Yelchin would tragically pass away in 2016. #StarTrek #Casting
Principal photography begins on the Star Trek reboot, filming at various locations including the Paramount lot and in Iceland. The film uses a mix of practical sets and CGI. #StarTrek #Filming )
The first trailer for Star Trek (2009) premieres at Comic-Con International, generating massive buzz. The panel features cast and crew. #StarTrek #Trailer )
The world premiere of Star Trek takes place in Sydney, Australia, followed by a global release. The film receives critical acclaim. #StarTrek #Premiere )
Star Trek is released wide in the United States, opening to $79 million and eventually grossing over $385 million worldwide. It is praised for revitalizing the franchise. #StarTrek #BoxOffice )
Star Trek (2009) wins the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling, recognizing the film's prosthetic and alien designs. #StarTrek #Award )
Paramount announces a sequel to Star Trek, with J.J. Abrams returning as director and Orci, Kurtzman, and Damon Lindelof writing. #StarTrek #Sequel
Benedict Cumberbatch is cast as the villain John Harrison, later revealed to be Khan Noonien Singh. The casting generates excitement and controversy. #StarTrek #Casting
Paramount announces the title of the sequel as Star Trek Into Darkness. The title sparks speculation about the villain. #StarTrek #Title
Principal photography on Star Trek Into Darkness begins, including sequences shot in IMAX 3D. The film uses a larger budget for action set pieces. #StarTrek #Filming
The first trailer debuts, teasing the villain and the destruction of the USS Enterprise. It becomes one of the most viewed trailers. #StarTrek #Trailer
Into Darkness is released worldwide, grossing $467 million. It receives mixed reviews from fans but positive critical reception. The film features the death of Kirk and his resurrection. #StarTrek #Release
Paramount announces a third film, later titled Star Trek Beyond, with Justin Lin as director and Simon Pegg co-writing. The film coincides with the franchise's 50th anniversary. #StarTrek #Announcement
Simon Pegg and Doug Jung are brought on to write the screenplay for Star Trek Beyond, aiming for a more character-driven story. #StarTrek #Writing
Leonard Nimoy dies at the age of 83. His death influences the storyline of Star Trek Beyond, which pays tribute to Spock Prime. #StarTrek #Tribute
Principal photography for Star Trek Beyond begins in Vancouver and later moves to Dubai. The film emphasizes practical effects and stunts. #StarTrek #Filming
The first trailer for Star Trek Beyond is released, featuring the Beastie Boys song 'Sabotage' and showcasing the destruction of the Enterprise. #StarTrek #Trailer
Anton Yelchin dies in a tragic car accident at age 27. Star Trek Beyond is dedicated to Yelchin, whose Chekov appears in the film. #StarTrek #InMemoriam
Star Trek Beyond is released to positive reviews and grosses $343 million. The film celebrates the 50th anniversary of Star Trek and honors the legacy of Nimoy and Yelchin. #StarTrek #Release
The Star Trek franchise celebrates its 50th anniversary. Beyond serves as a tribute to the series' enduring legacy. #StarTrek #Anniversary
Paramount announces development of a fourth Star Trek film in the Kelvin timeline, with initial plans for a time travel story involving Chris Pine's Kirk and his father. #StarTrek #Development
Quentin Tarantino pitches a Star Trek film idea to J.J. Abrams, with Mark L. Smith writing. The project eventually stalls. #StarTrek #Development
Noah Hawley is hired to write and direct a new Star Trek film, intended to be a sequel to Beyond. The project is later shelved due to the pandemic. #StarTrek #Development
Paramount hires Kalinda Vazquez to write a new Star Trek film, separate from Hawley's project. The film remains in development. #StarTrek #Development
Matt Shakman is announced as director of the fourth Kelvin film, with a script by Lindsey Anderson Beer. Shakman later leaves due to scheduling conflicts. #StarTrek #Development
Matt Shakman exits the project, and Paramount puts the fourth film on hold. Steve Yockey is later hired to write a new script. #StarTrek #Development
Steve Yockey is hired to write a new draft for the fourth Star Trek film. The project continues with hopes of starting production soon. #StarTrek #Development
As of 2024, the fourth Kelvin timeline film remains in active development with no release date. Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto are expected to reprise their roles. #StarTrek #Future