BREAKING NEWS: Star Trek Pushed To May 2009 [UPDATED] February 13, 2008
by Anthony Pascale , Filed under: Paramount, Star Trek (2009 film) , trackbackVariety is reporting that Paramount has pushed the release of the new Star Trek movie from Christmas 2008 to May 8, 2009. Apparently the reason is to go for bigger box office during the summer season. Variety quotes a studio insider saying “Star Trek has the potential to gross more in May than in December.”
UPDATE: Trek move part of larger reshuffling at Paramount
Apparently this is all part of a larger plan on the part of Paramount and the decision was likely made by new Film Division Head John Lesher. Here is more from Variety’s Blog.
John Lesher is starting to make his imprint felt at Paramount. (And make no mistake, he’s still overseeing Vantage too.) Paramount is changing a number of release dates on their 2008 and 2009 skeds, moving J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek from Christmas, 2008 to May 8, 2009. David Fincher’s Brad Pitt-starrer The Curious Case of Benjamin Button will move from November 26 to December 19, 2008.
DreamWorks Pictures’ comedy Tropic Thunder, originally scheduled for July 11, will now be released on August 15 by DreamWorks-Paramount. And Sam Mendes’ Revolutionary Road, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, originally announced as a DreamWorks-Paramount release, will now be distributed by Paramount Vantage. Which makes perfect sense; who better to handle it as an Oscar contender?
UPDATE 2: Nothing to do with script
The Hollywood Reporter also notes that Paramount’s reshuffling of six films was due to a rethink after the strike and that in the case of Trek it was not related to the script.
Dramatically underscoring the need for movie-side execs to review slates following the long writers strike, Paramount on Wednesday bounced six films to new dates and moved two unslotted films to next year’s calendar.
Other distributors were scrambling to complete similar reviews of their upcoming productions to determine what can or can’t be delivered on scheduled dates. In some cases, films will move because of talent issues, but many film projects have been frozen in time when script rewrites weren’t completed before the 100-day scribe walkout.
“Star Trek” arguably was the biggest film moved, with the intended Christmas Day release now set for the first prime date in the following summer boxoffice season: May 8, 2009. But “Trek” appears something of an exception in the mix of itinerant pics, with its shift unrelated to script or cast considerations.
” ‘Star Trek’ is moving to summer because its has so much boxoffice potential,” Par spokesman Michael Vollman said. “It does not need any script tweaks. They’re two-thirds of the way through shooting, and we would have delivered a great movie at Christmas.”
Summer a better move?
Although winter release films can make a lot of money (like the recent Lord of the Rings films and last years Bond film), the biggest film’s tend to come out in the Summer. Due to the writer’s strike, the summer of 2009 will be a bit lighter than 2007 and 2008. Right now there are no movies slated for the 8th of May 2009, although the week before is X-Men Origins: Wolverine and the week after is Angels and Demons (ironically this sequel to The Da Vinci Code was originally slated to come out the weekend before Star Trek in December 2008). Of course, there is no guarantee those films will stay in those slots. As for Christmas this year, Star Trek was one of three films being released that day (although the other two were likely more aimed at different markets).
The move could be to help fill Paramount Dreamworks 2009 line-up after 2008 which already has a number of strong entries (Spiderwick, Iron Man, Indy 4, Madagascar 2, The Love Guru, Benjamin Button, etc.). The only other big films currently slated for Summer 2009 are Transformers 2 on June 29th and G.I. Joe in August.
As more details emerge, TrekMovie.com will report them.
My take
Obviously my first feeling is disappointment. No one saw this coming and all reports from the production and Paramount are that things are looking great. Looking at the landscape I think it is likely that Paramount feel their 2008 lineup is already strong and their 2009 is looking a little thin. Plus 2009 has less competition and more summer movie goers. Of course it should also ensure a better film as all that time can be spent on more polishing and more post-production. So in the end we can get a better movie that appeals to a larger audience (translating into more strength for the franchise) which is all good. But it still means waiting twenty more weeks for the film and that is not fun.
Comments
Bullshit!!!
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
First to say this is WEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeak.
never mind.
It’s still weak.
And, it’s all for money?
Good, more time to tweak script, filming, FX.
Bad in every other way.
This blows!
That means they’ll have more time to mess around with the final cut which increases the chance of the film turning out to be a crap fest of indecisive edit choices.
Okay, Okay, I trust the creative behind this project. That they won’t do that. But this friggin’ sucks.
In the words of Bart Simpson…”Set your faces to stunned!”
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! This is bittersweet news, BUT more Bitter!
I’M PISSED OFF!
(BREAKS SOMETHING)
THAT DIDN’T HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
the sign is nigh
This sucks on so many levels! I have been looking forward to this film for almost two years, now we are going to have to wait another year!
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Some thing might be well worth the wait. Can you imagine this movie getting the chance to open as the prime release Memorial Day weekend? I’m still stoked.
What else is being released next May, it could make for much harder competition?
HANG IN THERE FOLKS!
It is not the end of the world. Hopefully, that means we will get a more polished product. If it means big sells, I’m down with the studio’s game. But now I wonder, who’ll be our competition come May?
This is actually wonderful news!
Not only have the more recent ST movies fared poorly in their December release, but this gives JJ and the writing staff the capability to do those “on-set rewrites” we’ve been hearing about for months.
While I was really looking forward to opening up some presents and then rushing to the theater to see Kirk bed a few aliens, I think that the late spring release date will help the new Trek team push this version of “Star Trek” as a true Hollywood blockbuster, not just a fanboy piece. Expect wayyyyy more marketing through TV, internet, and toy marketing — May 08 is Indy, May 09 is Kirk. What could be better for two iconic Paramount heroes?
And, it gives everybody @ Trekmovie.com some extra time to revamp this site, which we are all waiting for (especially after CBS canned the startrek.com staff)
Very bad idea. Principle photography is half done. Photos from the set are being leaked out. The feeding frenzy will peak, and past Christmas it could diminish. You have the Star Trek tour going on, a lot of buzz. The time is NOW, guys. THIS year. I hope the delay is not because of re-shoots and studio cold feet. Strike while the iron is hot, guys!
#5 Yammer, I agree with you 100%.
I really hope this report is wrong.
This is six weeks early, right?
IF Paramount would go ahead and greenlight a second and third movie to follow, then how about a 1-2-3 punch. Could have Summer 09, a followup Christmas 09, and a conclusion Summer 2010.
Such a trilogy is the only way I’d buy this.
This could kill the film. Both Dune & Starship Troopers were hyped then took forever to get to the screen. The result was poor ticket sales. Is Paramount this stupid? Keep Trek in December when there is no film to take the limelight away from it.
Well the teaser and the widget need to be updated
KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!!!!!
I mean, PARAMOUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNT!!!!
What a bunch of Eggnog flavored cheese photons!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a way to tell the fans to go to hell on a half a hot dog roll!!!!! Only if true of course.
Don’t tease us like this. Bad bad bad bad move if true. Put a hint of thought into what you are doing. Shame on you!
This would really take away my motivation to check out TrekMovie.com every 30 seconds. It would become every 2 minutes instead.
That would be absolutely silly at this point. It has been promoted up the wazzoo as a Christmas release. I think they’ll miss the mark if they delay now. Anticipation can only be maintained for so long before it strains.
THAT MUST BE A DREAM!!!!
OH MY GOD!!!! MY PERSONAL NIGHTMARE!!!! MAY 2009????WAKE ME UP!!!! I FEEL ME LIKE KIRK IN STAR TREK II, LEFT ON REGULA ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!KHAAAN…..KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:(
Hell, it’s bad enough having to wait until December but even worst to have to wait until May2009. It really sucks if this is true.
It would be an understatement to say that i am rather pissed about this.
PARAMOUNT EXECUTIVE SHAME ON YOU !!!!!!!!
Maybe it’s taking them a bit longer than expected to get a decent performance out of Chris Pine…..
That’s too long. How could they do this??
On another note, they’ll have time to do IMAX prints, maybe 3D digital versions…how about that? Trek in 3D?
I wish Paramount would’ve given the TOS-R team another half a year to polish up their work. It makes no sense why “the suits” would rush one project out the door, then turn around & give another a reprieve; unless………………….
Maybe the Okuda’s, & Rossi are being brought in to participate w/ JJ. Hmmm.
If this were the case, it might explain both decisions.
To quote the inimitable Bob Novak in his famous confrontation w/James Carville on CNN: Well that’s just bullshit, and I hate that!
Wait… WHAT?! Okay… I can deal with this. May is a much better time to release a movie than December. It also gives them more time to get it right. The only thing that would concern me is what kind of competition is expected for May?
It was soo close. Less than a year… now… my God I’ll be an old man when this thing comes out.
It’s not April 1st again already is it?
……whimper whimper…….
Take the fork out of my Eye
NO, NO, NO, NO, NO!!!!!!! I don’t think I can make it another 15 months!
To make it up to us fans, please show us the Enterprise in a full glory render.
: )
PARMOUNT SUCKS, MONEY GRUBBING SNIVELING FERENGI!
This could be good Shatner.
Variety, even though mostly reliable, could be wrong. Think: they already have a trailer out that says Christmas 08. But oh well, if it means a better film, then good. It will be worth the wait.
But I’m REALLY mad about this…
Surely It can’t be true. Hollywood is supposed to be running behind now because of the writers strike. Many movies were slotted in for the end this year but had to hold off because the stories weren’t finished. Star Trek got in just before the strike.
Didn’t AMERICAN TRESSURE II break all boxoffice records this festive season? There wasn’t much else up against it …blockbuster wise. Well there’s that “Potter” thing at the end of November in 2008 and the remake of “The Day The Earth Stood Still” but that’s it. ST should be the big thing in January 2009.
The offical movie site still says Christmas 2008.
you gotta be F**King kidding me!
I’m so angry i just kicked my cat! I love my cat! You see what you made me do? I was hoping to watch Star Wars AND Star Trek on the big screen this year. But nooooooooo. Jerks.
30 because they don’t give a damn about us, its that simple
dam
WTF?!?!!!! This thing was announced in what, 2006? And now they’re making us wait another half a year!!
I agree on the “sniveling ferengi” comment, #38.
“THIS IS DISHONORABLE!!!” -Just about every single Klingon ever
They can’t do this to us!
“The hell they did.” -Spock, STIV
Shut the hell up Spock…
To quote Saavik: “Damn.”
#31,
Agreed bringing the Okuda’s in would be excellent.
Also I totally agree with the previous posts regarding
this delay as a good thing.
What??
Are they kidding… after they already announced (both covertly and blatantly) the Christmas release date?
Great. JJ is making a great movie and Paramount is being its usual turd-headed self.
It’s good for the movie — it means Paramount thinks this film can go toe to toe with the other tentpoles. Christmas is a crap release time for a genre film (Lord of the RIngs notwithstanding).
#21: Dune and Starship Troopers didn’t flop because of the protracted time to release. Dune and Starship Troopers flopped because they were awful.
44 This is going to alienate a lot of people not something you want to do when your trying to reboot a franchise.
It’s another Super Smash Brother Brawl!
I AM TIRED OF DELAYS!!!!!
Hope Uncle Shat gets in now.
And the other shoe just hit the deck.
Sigh! Maybe this will be good. Maybe it won’t. Maybe the whole thing is to take advantage of 2009 being the 30th anniversary of ST:TMP, though that would be rather lame when you think about it.
But I do agree that the longer the fans have to wait, the greater the risk the film will be dissected and destroyed before it’s ever even seen.
Sometimes the internet isn’t such a great thing.
#16
I agree completely.
We have seen first hand what RUSHING a project can do as far as Trek Remastered is concerned. SO many details overlooked due to lack of time. Quality of work suffering.
I know myself from making my own films that MORE time to tweak things is ALWAYS better.
I would much prefer they get it right and create a CLASSIC, especially if the only safcrifice “I ” have to make, is to wait a bit longer.
Most great films were agonized over anyway.
Think about this as well. Trekkies are getting older. This next incarnation will make or break, Star Trek’s future.
A LOT IS HANGING ON THIS.
If it sucks the fan boys will hate it and go back to the reruns while the potential NEW audience will walk away uninterested. Shatner and Nimoy are getting up there, and if the torch isn’t passed in a successful and memorable way before they go, Star Trek will be dead, or at least on its way to being slowly forgotten.
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
My friends and I already made plans…
51 there is no reason for this other then increasing their proffiet margin, thats all.
Oh, if they want to make it up to us FANS, then release a picture of the NEW ENTERPRISE!
Orci, JJ! I know you guys read trekmovie! Stop this for the love of God!
I don’t f*cking care when a good time to release it is!
I just wanna see the f*cking movie goddammit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
#51 Agreed,
The last thing I want to do on Christmas
is go out to the movies.
However I would have done it for Star Trek.
This….plain…sucks.
It would be one thing if only us “insiders” had knowledge about a christmas 08 release..then the damage might not be too bad. but i think they run the risk of confusing the general movie going population by changing the release date AFTER the media hype and promotional machine is already up and running. Its practically in full swing! Everyone who saw cloverfield knows the movie is coming out on christmas. anyone who has been talking about this film has been talking about christmas. The general population….at least those who go to movies often….are starting to understand that a new trek film is coming out on christmas. I just cant believe theyre changing it after they already put out promotion materials.
my plea: MR ORCI…is there anything that you can do?? Is there anything that JJ can do? JJ weilds some power right?
HELP, MR ORCI, HELP!
Hmmmm…….the writer’s strike has JUST ended and now TPTB are saying MAYBE a delay for the release date until May 2009?
I smell agenda, as in maybe during the strike a better, more refined plotline has been formulated, one where Abrams knows it will take an extra few months to get it right and they now have the option to implement.
No, this doesn’t necessarily mean an appearance by “you know who’, but rather the possibility of an added dynamic to the story that will raise this movie up from “great” to, dare I say it,……CLASSIC!
In other words, to quote the Simpsons Comic Book Guy…………
“BEST STAR TREK MOVIE EVER!!” :)
I have added some of ‘my thoughts’ to the article above. I am not happy about this but I understand it. I am fairly certain is decision was a financial and business one and not related to the creative end…where all indications are that the production is producing a great star trek movie. I think paramount know they have a good 2008 and due to the strike they want to move something to 2009 to pick up the slack and take advantage of other studios who have even weaker line ups.
but that still sucks for xmas 08!
i have added a new poll
I figured the writers strike was going to hold things up. I even asked Roberto that question when he came onto the thread unannounced and answered our questions back in January. Didn’t get an answer then, but I did now didn’t I?
I’m not surprised. If they feel they need more time then why not? I do not want another “rushed to screens” Trek movie. As my mom always said “Take your time, but hurry.”
And there goes the toy tie-in from the previous thread. I just can’t see most kids really caring about getting Trek stuff for Xmas presents unless this movie really, really rocks.
KAAAAHHHHNNNN!!!!!
Good Lord, people. We’ve waited this long…what’s a few more months? It’ll fly by before you know it. Plus it’ll give ‘em a chance to make absolutely 100% sure it’s the best it can be. With the strike over, J.J. can now add those lines he wanted to and of course this also allows them more time to work on the FX. Too many films are rushed into the theaters by a specific date and end up seeming a tad “undone” or “raw”. They needed a little more cooking time. Star Trek is getting it. Not to mention the ticket sales will be higher for summer and we ALL want that don’t we? More ticket sales = more movies.
Christmas day release was alwasy sTuPiD. Even if I don’t have a lot of hope for this film I prefer to go to the first night screening of Trek movies just as I did for the last three Star Wars movies, esp if the theater does a midnight or special evening screenig promotion thing. Than can be a lot of fun and it’s not as if sci-fi fans are known to organize around movie openings or anything… ha ha ha. I even would wear my TNG uniform. No shit.
Damn, This movie was coming out on my birthday… No longer… I’m ok with that… But it seems alot of movies do better when they are rushed, granted that is without a writers strike.. I can see this being a Godsend for the Production staff.. All I need to do is hear that they are excited that they get more time and I will be ok… So if anyone, and I mean ANYONE from the production staff is reading this, please give me a wording of excitement.
56 Spockboy that I cant disagree with, it just that we all want to see this thing
Obviously the decision was a financial one, but it STILL translates to more time to tweak things.
: )
Well, that’s disappointing, but maybe it will make more money, and thus secure a chance for a sequel. That would be nice.
…you’re killing me Paramount….
I honestly don’t know if they can sustain the current momentum over 16 months. A year away is bad enough, but 16 months? Don’t know… seems there is a real danger of this film running out of steam before it even opens.
And even then, after such a long build up…does that make it harder to deliver the goods and meet everyone’s expectations?? Man.
…it’s gonna be a long long year…and a half.
KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!!!!!!
i bet JJ wanted to make the script better now the writer’s strike is over
If this is true, it sounds like it’s good news for the film, but it’s darned frustrating to all of us who now have to wait 4+ more months.
That’s a pretty stupid move on their part, but it’s not surprising.
#74 great point about momentum. The teaser hit theatres in jan 08 and the movie wont hit until May of 09. Thats a LONG LONG TIME to stay in peoples minds!
I hope that Paramount decides to change it back to Christmas 2008. If not, then Abrams has more time to find a way to put Shatner in.
MURDERS! ASSASSINS! I’LL KILL YA!
so what now beat ourselves over the head knash our teeth , nothing we do is going to change paramounts decision. So we just have to take it lying down because this is not worth raising our blood preasure over either. Im still mad but what the point?
ANGER!!
I think this is a terrible risk, and seems greed-driven - it could backfire horribly.
Strike while the anticipation is high!
This is the worst news i’ve heard ever!
WE can have a trekmovie.com convention watching all the movies in order… Jan 09 Movie party anyone?
I AGREE WITH 1 SAYING KHANN- I MEAN PARAMONT WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO DO??? ALL THIS TIME ITS BEEN IN WRITING CHRISTMAS 2008- NOT 09!!! IT SMELLS LIKE FERINGEES WANTING MORE LATMIN!!!! ITS ALL ABOUT THE MIGHTY CHA CHING COME ON PARAMONT JJ SAY IT ISNT SO!!!! PHASERS ON STUN!!!!
You gotta be kiddin’ me? December was already a ways a way. Now until May 09?
and Shut up about Shatner, he has treated us like crap, the movie will still be good without him
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOURNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This makes it five months less likely that they can keep all the secrets they hope to keep, of course.
One supposes that this resets the publicity operation as well. Not so likely that they’ll have a full trailer out attached to a movie like “Indiana Jones” nor that they’ll release publicity photos of the cast in the next few weeks.
Wow. I’ve never seen this many angry asterisks on this site before.
f*ck*n*- whatever might that code mean??
C’mon! We’re all surprised and disappointed, but… IT IS ONLY A MOVIE. And it’s still in great hands with JJ. So, we’ll just have to adjust our geeky expectations. Life is good.
Man its obvious now that the studio hates the fans! After wetting our appetites with the teaser for Christmas. They go and pull a stunt like this!
There’s no way they can keep it under wraps any longer.
Might as well show the designs for the ship and costumes,cause no bodies going to wait that long for movie. Damn you Paramount! You did rape my childhood!
PAIN!!!
I know some people are angry…but entire posts in ALL CAPS is a pet peeve of mine. What you have to say isn’t more important than anyone else’s.
Remember…don’t type angry.
And despite all my emotion.. my need for this movie to do well greatly surpasses my want to see this movie soon… Ladies and Gentlemen let’s remember “the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one” We are the few, we have to collect the many to this franchise.
We should rebel!
Nicholas Meyer said it best — movies need to be made quickly! Remember, Shatner had too long to dick around w/ Star Trek V, and we lot remember what heppened there, don’t we?
Quick, someone make a petition online to boycott the film unless it releases in December!
Le *sigh.*
However, I’m more likely to see it opening day on the big screen if it’s not on 12/25.
Peace. Live long and prosper.
The Vulcanista }:-|
i am a 99 year old man that desprately wanted to see this movie before i died. i guess i’ll have to live a few months more. you suck!!!!!!
#59 spockboy:
“Oh, if they want to make it up to us FANS, then release a picture of the NEW ENTERPRISE!”
I agree with you, spockboy…….
Come on, JJ, give us a photo of the NEW ENTERPRISE.
And a publicity still of the new cast assembled on the bridge!!!
And a publicity still of Mr. Nimoy in full Spock makeup and costume!!!
Is this too much to ask for making us wait another insufferably long 5 months???
cinematical isn’t even saying this is big news
99… please stop
on the plus side we might get a better on the minus side Im still mad as hell but we will at least get our movie, besides whats another months really?
DEATH TO ALL WHO OPPOSE AN 08 RELEASE DATE!
Seriously tho - this sucks more than Shatners rendition of rocketman.
Trek has proven that it can perform around xmas - what’s the competition at that point, anyway?
*The DVD would have been in our hands by May 09!!*
99 a petitition would not change anything Paramount holds all the card here.
LISTEN UP PARAMOUNT, IF YOU PUSH TREK TO MAY 2009. I WANT THAT DAMN TRAILER ON THE SUPERBOWL. HOW ABOUT THAT?!
Paramount executives = pig vomit
So I’m just gonna throw this out there and I’m sure I’ll get in trouble but…
It’s funny that this happened right after the writer’s strike ended… with more time, the Shat could be in it after all.
If this is some clever, elaborate ploy to get my space in line, it won’t work! I’m not leaving! :)
(Of course, it’s going to be that much harder to “hold it”…)
There is one other thing to remember. The script was written before the strike and by the writers guild rules, Abrams could not make any changes, In other words he could not make necessary improvements to the script, now with the strike ending he may now go back and make these adjustments. If you ask me this may be one of the reasons for the delay till 2009.If that is the case then yes we will get a better film. So lets all take a time out.
if they want to make it up to us then gives us a GREAT FILM!
good job, paramount… you just destroyed all hype for the movie for the general public.
I hope you’re happy in your piss-poor choice.
Vulcanista, you’re a fan of Pepe Le Pew?? I wonder how many here would recognize your obscure soundbite??
Gawd, I’d love to hear you say, “Le *purr….le meow*…”
You have hidden depths, woman! :)
couple of realities: the production schedule is the production schedule, and time is money… So don’t assume that having a few more months means the production would be drawn out for a single additional day. it just doesn’t work that way.
Also, paramount is putting $millions into this… They can damn well release it at a time they feel is more advantageous to their recoup if they choose to do so. I don’t like it, but at 47, I’m prepared to accept it like the big boy my mommy says I am!
Paramount could ruin a wet dream! Bastards!!!!!
Hey, look on the bright side, with the extra time and the writers strike coming to an end perhaps, just perhaps this might be an opportunity to fit Shatner in there some how?!
Everything happens for a reason my friends.
Trek-On!
Cool,
Now with the writers strike over they will have time to get Shatner in the film.
KHAAAAAAAAAAAAN!
At least it’s a movie–unlike a video game, the pushed-back release date is not indicative of imminent vaporware.
Oh dear. I was so looking forward to seeing this movie around Christmas which is when I normally have work out off anyway. I’m so sorry we’ll have to wait even longer, but hopefully it’ll be for the better.
Okay Paramount, if that’s how you want to play…
I was going to gather dozens of my non-trekkie friends and make them see the movie with me, but now I don’t think I will. Unless you make a Quantum Leap movie. Then I’ll make them see Star Trek, and Quantum Leap.
Oh, and put Scott Bakula in the new film somewhere.
Also, I’m going through the five stages of grief right now.
I better change my name now to “Can’t Wait for Summer 2009.” Im hoping they keep the release to Christmas of this year. But at the same time I can see the plus side of having this movie comes out later.
1) Re shoots and Rewrites; since there were things that Abrams wanted to shoot but couldn’t. And also the Shatner issue. They could not come up with a reason to put him in the movie. Well with the extra time they can maybe finally come up with a way to put him in the movie. Im one of those people who really does not care if he is in the movie, im a DS9 fan sorry. But I know alot of the hardcore fans want him in the movie. And it would be very cool indeed if Kirk did come back with Spock one last time. Just because I like DS9 doesn’t mean I didn’t like TOS.
2) SFX, they can really put some time in creating the SFX in the movie instead of being rushed they can take there time to get things right. Some of the SFX I would really like to see alien worlds that I have not seen before. And I would definitely want to see the ships in the movie have some kind of “Mass” to them. I want shots of the ship not zipping all over the place and small looking. I want some grand epic shots of the Enterprise.
To me Christmas honestly is not a good time to release a big budget movie. Especially a Star Trek movie. With the added time I really believe there can be more hype to build up for the movie. And also get the general public to be more aware of the movie.
So hopefully the movie will be out this Christmas but if it doesn’t I still look forward to it coming out next Summer 2009.
That was disappointing. It better be worth the extra 4.5 months. If it isn’t…..I’ll be just one of the many fans that will personally throw feces at the gates of Paramount….
I apologize, I think I jinxed us. I was telling my friend tonight how excited I was that Heroes came back in September and Star Trek would be in December so I’d be in a Zachary Quinto coma for a while there, and then I come home to this announcement. So I’m pretty sure this is all my fault. *ducks flying tomatoes* ;P
Roberto….
Please step up here. You are not only the co-writer, you are an Exec. on this project. This news is NOT good, and you and J.J. know it. I know “mountain” is nervous, but you know as well as I do that having December just about to yourself as a genre tentpole was gonna be very good. Now you are gonna compete with all of the other big summer movies, and let’s be honest that doesn’t sound good. P-Mount will not be the only studio to shuffle its deck, so don’t think STCero will be alone in the local bijou…
To me, this says either the project is in trouble (but why?), or the studio execs STILL HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO MANAGE THIS PROPERTY! And folks, it’s not like the couldn’t be done by December. They have been working on pre-production/Visual FX for months. So, with a May 09 launch, this project will have been done for a long time before we see it. If there is ANY competition ST0’s opening weekend, and if Cinemascores aren’t A’s, and the buzz has died down…the film will have no legs, and then mountain won’t greenlight any sequels. They just won’t.
Damn the current Paramount management! Double dumb ass on them!
Other than the longer wait, I think it’s good for the movie. It allows for more polish and I never have thought Christmas was a good release date.
I can be patient, so can you. Besides, what can be done about it?
#99 That’s pointless..
Money grubbing whores!
I can see this fan tirade is going to continue for a few days unabated, Good ,lets get this up to 1000 comments that would be a record on this site Im not mad anymore, its just not worth it ’s only movie and we will ultimately get to see it , later, but well get to see it. . Time to move on
120. Camaro 09 - February 13, 2008
Cool,
“Now with the writers strike over they will have time to get Shatner in the film.”
Oh please..
Paramount wants this movie to fail. They got rid of TNG with Nemesis and thought that was the end of it. Then here come JJ and the boys. What an oportunity to be finally be done with Star Trek for another 10 years. This movie will bomb because we (the fans) wont go see it because it wont be Star Trek it will be Lost or Transformers, and Paramount allready knows it. For some reason TPTB want to be done with Star Trek, and another 5 months is just 5 more nails.
Good, more time to break into their servers and steal the movie from their own memory banks. (Lord Kruge)
http://www.moviewavs.com/0058536645/MP3S/TV_Shows/South_Park/Episode_113_Cartmans_Mom_Is_A_Dirty_Slut/113_sopissedoff.mp3
Camaro # 120
“Now with the writers strike over they will have time to get Shatner in the film”
I like the way you think.
Xai #131
Xai you have to admit the man has a point at #120.
Can this be confirmed?
I’m interested in hearing the creative team’s take on this.
Bob, if your reading this let us know what you think, please.
the wind has truly been sucked from my sails
Roberto says they read “everything.” He should direct some of the Viacom suits to this site. Can you imagine how much work they are gonna have to do to keep everyone’s interest for more than another freaking year?
Yes, Brad Grey, I am talking to you, sir!
Maybe if we could be vocal enough about this, we could put an end to it? We know that both cast and crew have not only read this site but have stopped by to chat with us. We have filmmakers actually listening to fans input. If enough of us want it in December and the film is ready, maybe Paramount will change their mind? December of 2008 is so barren, Trek could OWN that. Within the first week match the highest grossing Trek film. Let’s get vocal guys. Start writing letters into Paramount, start petitions. Get JJ and others on board. They are producers…they can try and pull some weight….SOME being the key word…especially with those suits.
132 Why would bring in a top notch directorproducer, a new cast and spend million of dollars with the intention to fail that makes no sense whatsever, and on top that alienate Star trek fandom, a major part of their proffeit picture.
I’ve just bought 24X40 prints of both teaser posters.
This Christmas is already ruined and it’s only February. Bummer.
I’m curious to see what the ripple effects of this are. Are they going to push back all the merchandising and promotional efforts as well? 5 more months to see what the Enterprise looks like? Hopefully J.J. and co. will still throw us some bones in the near future.
Red Shirt # 127 is right. A summer release could ruin everything. This may be Trek’s last chance, I hope it’s not squandered.
139 Joel its a nice idea but Paramont is not budge on this
135. VOODOO - February 13, 2008
“Xai you have to admit the man has a point at #120.”
Voo, Sorry. No
. I won’t get into a Shatner rehash here other than to say if JJ had a story that Shatner would fit in, he’d already be in it.
…I’m not believing this. Fargin bastages.
This smells of major plot problems that could not have been resolved until the end of the strike granted them the opportunity for re-writes.
If it’s being delayed almost 6 months for JJ (et al) to work on the script, I smell a huge stinker (especially with so much of the film already complete).
ORCI…ABRAMS…PARA-CLOWN! THIS IS CRAP!!!
What? You guys don’t have enough confidence in this film to release it during the holidays? WTF??
aaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww I wannnnnnnn ittt nowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
132. Michael Adams - February 13, 2008
“Paramount wants this movie to fail. They got rid of TNG with Nemesis and thought that was the end of it. Then here come JJ and the boys. What an oportunity to be finally be done with Star Trek for another 10 years. This movie will bomb because we (the fans) wont go see it because it wont be Star Trek it will be Lost or Transformers, and Paramount allready knows it. For some reason TPTB want to be done with Star Trek, and another 5 months is just 5 more nails.”
Let’s spend millions to kill it…. It makes no sense. NExt thought…
yep this article is going to top 1000 comments
Sorry…gotta add this, Anthony:
SHATNER bettter be in it if it comes out MAY!!!!
Shit!!!
You people have to understand something.
This is about getting the kids with disposable income. Paramount guys have obviously seen the rushes. They had to be asking themselves: how many weeks will kids be out over the Christmas Holidays vs. how many weeks over the Summer?
Something they saw made them move it to Summer.
They also may be wondering what Paramount has to offer in the Summer 2009 offering. May be thin gruel. Rumor has it that Lucasfilm is pumping out SW: Clone Wars. Again, I may be off here, but if they’ve seen what I think they’ve seen, this is good news, not bad.
Lastly, this is going to make it REALLY, REALLY hard for JJ to clamp down on film security over the next fifteen months. People are going to want to leak plot details, scripts, Big E shots, and what not. JJ has to come up with a more imaginative viral marketing scheme to keep interest stoked in the film. We can’t be watching that damn welder for the next fifteen months.
PARAMOUNT, I ORDER YOU TO POST A SHOT OF THE NEW ENTERPRISE, AND MAYBE A SHOT OF THE BRIDGE WITH THE “NEW” CREW IN UNIFORMS……………….OR I WILL PUNISH YOU!!!!! YOU KNOW THE AGONIZER????
awwwwwwwwwww mannnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
oh well, i’ll just have to put this anticipation in a box and put that box on a book shelf
i’m out ya’ll i’ll see you in 12 months for an update
(sets host file:
http://www.trekmovie.com 127.0.0.1)
153- Newsflash: May isn’t summer. It’s about a month before we get out of school.
I don’t know how they are possibly going to keep the fans happy and keep the plot under wraps for another 15 months…
154 that would be a nice bone for them throw us now wouldn’t it? They could at least show us a few things to tide through the long dark lonely seemingly endless trek less months until we reach the promised lade of Trek movie Premier .
153
Many here do understand “something.” There is a lot to be said about staking a claim, and sticking to it. You wait, and see how crowded that summer will be. They always are. There are things that will be greenlit and fast-tracked, and they will EAT AWAY AT ST0’s B.O. I mean, look at the opening weekend of “Meet the Spartans.” A quickie piece of crud, and it owned the opening weekend. It had no legs, but that didn’t matter much.
Mountain had that holiday just about to themselves, and unless they change their minds, they have pissed that all away.
:(
OK people I was not kidding about the ALL CAPS thing…i will start deleting all caps posts. I am telling you…it really bugs me.
I have updated the article with some more info from the Variety blog that gives some insights into what is going on and context to the larger moves within Paramount.
So I had already requested with my wife Christmas at home for 2008, no going to anyones parents house. We were going to stay home watch Star Trek then go see the movie on Christmas Day. Should have been the best Christmas ever.
I’m disappointed.
I cannot tell you how disappointed I am!
Oh I am extremely pissed off!!!!!!!!!
153
Also, having that as the opening date, that is saying, “We are the first film of the ‘Summer.’” Everyone else line up after us.
Roberto, I swear, you guys had better use this time to do rewrites and reshoots, or so help me, I will go insane.
Bad idea.
Public will view this as somehow the studio wants time to make improvements to the movie.
Expectations will be through the roof - fans & general public alike - when movie is finally released.
And let’s face it. Unless it’s a movie like There Will Be Blood or No Country For Old Men, when those high expectations are not met……box office poison.
my life is over. not really, but this sucks.
It is maddening but we’ve lived how many years without a good Trek Movie, Hey whats a few more month s of Purgatory. before we know it Mat of 2009 will be upon us Its only 14 or so months thats not that long a wait. Besides it give us lots more to talk about and to anticipate.
I can see this going two ways.
1. Will generate more interest in film, plus opening in the US summer and Australian winter ( I find in Aust. alot of people go to the cinema in winter more, or is it just me..hey any other aussies notice that?) thus generating more cash, thus making Trek more viable.
2. People will get sick of wondering about Trek, sick of hearing about Trek etc etc, and wont bother going to the Cinema, yes I know the Fans will but the general public will probably go “meh”, plus the risk of the entire plot been revealed is increased, again running the risk of people going “meh, I know what happens, i have read the plot!”
As in everything there are pro’s and con’s. And people give up on shatner!
This move only makes sense if the suits at Paramount feel they have a bonafide hit on their hands - outside of the trekkie fandom realm. And given the light calender for summer releases - I’d say this ius a good move.
It also takes the pressure off JJ and co. - they can really fine tune the pic in post….
It’s good news folks!
Roberto?
Well, this sucks. I’m definitely worried about everyone’s excitement peaking too early now. But, if I can just get past my disappointment for a second, it does seem apparent to me that this should have been a summer movie all along. And early May is a great time to kick off the summer schedule– I remember it worked great for Spider-Man.
163- No one remembers early summer films when the oscars role around…
Ok, seriously too many people are going livid. It’s a friggin movie and it’s release date has been pushed back a few months. You people act like someone just betrayed you. You act like your wives or girlfriends just cheated on you… uhhh maybe the wrong site to try that anology… you act like… Star Trek has become some creepy religion and now the dogma you’ve come to believe has been rewriten.
It’s a pushed back release date… and I for one would much rather wait in line in the pleasant weather than some horrible snow storm anyway.
Get a life. Maybe you can actually spend Christmas your loved ones. If you don’t have any, take the time to go out and find them. Sheesh.
I guess all the toys will still come out at Christmas? The manufacturers will have tooled up and the May market is hardly Christmas.
And if this had originally been scheduled for May 8, 2009 there would not have been this much whining. It’s just because they changed.
The cries, pleas and threats won’t do a bit of good. Now go turn off your Big E nightlight and get under your vintage Trek sheets and get some sleep
#165. Poida
Not really - the “public” isn’t paying attention like we fans are. Movies get bounced around on the release calendar all the time.
It has nothing to do with “problems” with the film - it’s strictly a marketing strategy.
Even a Ferengi wouldn’t stoop so low.
I really hope this turns out to be a false rumour. Waiting till 2009 for my Trek fix is going to hurt.
I am sorry the writer’s strike had to happen. So, it’s like this…Paramount had pretty much nothing in the mix for Summer 2009, save the Transfomers sequel, which would do about 80-85% of the original’s domestic BO, based on the way things usually work for sequels.
They have a viable property in ST, that someone just said, “Hey, let’s shuffle this to 09. That will make the balance sheets happier.”
That is what movies are about. If you think it’s all Cinema Paradiso out there, you are fooling yourselves. I am SO mad about this!
I personally think this a stupid move. Shoehorning Star Trek in between a X-men film and a Da vinci Code sequel will insure it’s failure. It was better to release the film in December when competition was light and everyone was on Christmas break.
I’m seriously pissed with Paramount right now.
this movie is gonna have to perform a movie miracle for it to be successful… the expectations for Trek XI is gonna be through the roof, and honestly, I don’t see how it can be that successful
ok this is the work of one of kirks most infamas villians. khaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. you bloody dloodsucker you will have to do you own dirty work now!!!!!. do you hear me!!!! do you!!!!!. this is khans fault. he came back because hates kirk. thats why we are having to wait. not fair to us fans
I couldn’t have said it better, so I re-post:
17. Sebastian - February 13, 2008
Very bad idea. Principle photography is half done. Photos from the set are being leaked out. The feeding frenzy will peak, and past Christmas it could diminish. You have the Star Trek tour going on, a lot of buzz. The time is NOW, guys. THIS year. I hope the delay is not because of re-shoots and studio cold feet. Strike while the iron is hot, guys!
Kaahhhnnnn! Kaaaaahhhhhhhhnnnnnnn!
As Al Pacino would say, “kiss me……I like being kissed when I’m being f****d!”
Bah. Personally now I’ll wait for it on HD disk (blu-ray or whatever) and not bother seeing it in the theatre. An Xmas release was kind of special. I hate theatres. I hate the people in them, and I won’t set foot in one in “may”.
If that means that this will be the last movie made, oh effing well.
I liked the idea that it was a Christmas present for us all.
Remarkable how quickly everyone becomes marketing and distribution experts - and remarkable how their “expertise” reinforces the conclusion that they wanted to reach. :lol:
173 Kevin well spoken. I got me mad ,but I got over it fast ,so should everyone else. I wish I could take back my initial comment, but when you get agry you say and write foolish things. then after you wonder weather what you got mad over was worth it in the first place. Most of the time its not. This is only a movie its not life.
174
Good point. What about the fast food tie ins, et cetera? All of those companies have things in place WAY early, and while they aren’t promised that the release dates won’t change, they certainly can slide some other promotions in the slot that the new release date would require.
Roberto????
and sadly, Mr. Nimoy isn’t getting any younger. I’d like to see this film while he’s still with us!
son of a bitch!
I’m certainly not a marketing expert, but I thought 12/25/08 was actually shaping up to be a great date to re-launch the franchise. Casino Royale re-launched the Bond franchise in the winter and it did quite well.
While I understand that summer films generally make more money than films released in the winter. I also understand that “Star Trek” had almost no direct competition on 12/25 or a for several weeks after it’s X-Mas release.
I’m not really crazy about being in between the new X-Men movie and the sequel to the Da Vinci Code. Those two films have far broader appeal at the moment than Star Trek does and could overshadow the film.
Star Trek will be in direct competition with the X-Men’s audience + Angels and Demons will take market share away from Star Trek.
I’m sure tptb know what they are doing, but from this layman’s point of view it seems risky to place the film in between two very high profile films.
This one kind of has me scratching my head. Could there be problems with the production?
Agreed, Dennis.
*sigh* The good news is, it will be warm enough to go see it at the drive in movie! I am sure it’ll look suh-weet on the big screen.
I remember seeing Wrath of Khan that way…
Sorry to post again…just looking for a silver lining. ;-)
188
We know this is just a movie. Most of us did “get a life.” at some point in our later years. However, for many of us, ST is a cultural zeitgeist, that we enjoy with friends and family. Surely, there is something you feel passionate about that someone out there might deride as being hackneyed or trite, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t special for you…
Well… at least it’ll come out (hopefully) a few days after my birthday. I can drag my boyfriend to go see it. He hates sci-fi. But he loves me, so he’ll go, whether he’s sedated or not….
Yay chloroform!
Gay relationships aside, this has its ups and downs. Mostly downs. I just don’t want to think of this as an “opener” for the rest of the summer movies. In other words, by the end of the summer, everyone’s forgotten about Trek and moved on to other things.
I want to be happy for the ability for the film to be and do better, but I can’t. I’m just. so. sad….
Not a huge deal for me. I waited for DVD for the last two movies. I despise movie crowds. I have a great home theatre rig. An Xmas release had potential for a family event, and I was looking forward to it. A May release means nothing. I’ll gleefuly ignore the theatre and wait for a HD video release.
If I never set foot in a movie theatre again it will be to soon. thanks for helping kill the theatre, CBS/Paramount.
If Paramount’s smart they’ll hurry up and release a cast-in-costume photo of the Enterprise crew on the bridge to assuage our collective pain — and/or a hi-res pic of the big E herself in all her glory and splendor.
(That would be kind consolation. Hint-hint.)
Having to wait another 20 weeks is painful, but I tend to think it’s as smart a move as it is gutsy on Paramount’s part. Star Trek deserves to be a big summer blockbuster, plus this gives the filmmakers more time to get things right.
Oh, and 127, you’re just plain wrong; moving the film to May 8 is a major vote of confidence on Paramount’s part. And 132? You’re simply insane.
http://www.boxofficemojo.com/franchises/chart/?id=startrek.htm
Please, before someone argues about “adjusting for inflation” I realize there is some discussion there, but check out the release dates for the top three on the list…
Plus, not a May release among ANY of them. May is the start of movie season. If the rushes looked so awesome, why not have some huevos and put your tentpole in June?
If it a good movie they will come no matter what time of the year!
to repeat myself:
This….plain…sucks.
It would be one thing if only us “insiders” had knowledge about a christmas 08 release..then the damage might not be too bad. but i think they run the risk of confusing the general movie going population by changing the release date AFTER the media hype and promotional machine is already up and running. Its practically in full swing! Everyone who saw cloverfield knows the movie is coming out on christmas. anyone who has been talking about this film has been talking about christmas. The general population….at least those who go to movies often….are starting to understand that a new trek film is coming out on christmas. I just cant believe theyre changing it after they already put out promotion materials.
my plea: MR ORCI…is there anything that you can do?? Is there anything that JJ can do? JJ weilds some power right?
HELP, MR ORCI, HELP!
I THINK THIS IS GOOD. They have more time to work on it obviously, make it even better with no rush to get it all done by XMas 08..this can be only a good move. Of course it sucks to wait longer but oh well..have faith
I’m curious if this really /does/ give them extra time, on the set, or if they’re still bound to a time table and the film will just sit until the time comes.
If you all needed a reason to not go see the film, there ya go.
Are you all so concerned that this will be so weak that it needed to be out on it’s own and couldn’t compete? People do go see more than one movie in a season if it appeals to them.
I think all the “problems” with the production lie in that Paramount and Bad Robot feel they have a heavy hitter in this movie and now want it where it will do the best Box Office. This isn’t something wrong… it’s something very right and I don’t blame them for wanting to make the most of it.
199
I am wrong? You think fleshing out the 09 sked in light of the writer’s strike doesn’t weigh more heavily than the suits saying, “Man, look at the untimed rushes, and those amazing lo-res animatics, and WOW, a scene edited to Media Ventures music…we gotta own the summer, by launching before everyone else, and away from everyone else!”
It is ALL about balance sheets, and accounting. ‘Nuff said!
Hey, there’s time to get Shatner in now! :) Just kidding!!
Where’s the webisode to tide us over :(
I’m disappointed….
Most displeased.
everyone to me this is not just a movies. this is startrek and that should say it all. startrek has been watched by everyone from scientist to comics to just every day blue collar rednecks. it’s almost a national institution in of it’s self. so if they can make a tweak here and there and make more money and keep gene roddenberrys vision alive then we fans can live with it. im not a geek by any standereds but i think any star trek movies should be the best and the extra time will be a big benifit to jj and the boys.
I understand being disappointed, but some of you guys need to get a grip.
5 more months of teasers and spoilers.
Un Be Freakin Lievable. Now I’ve got to eat healthy and work out for another five months to stave off death until I can see this movie!
Scott B. out.
Sorry but this sucks! More time or less time on the production schedule won’t make it a better movie…this is crap! NOW I’VE LOST INTEREST IN THIS MOVIE!
The real reason they are pushing this back is due to my relentless posts on keeping the orignal E. They’ve got to redo a few things. The original E is back, thanks JJ and Orci.
Next onto issue of CGI. Guys, you need to use real models. If ILM isn’t up to it, get a Master Replicas E!
Okay, everybody take a deep breath…
First and foremost, this is a business decision. “Money-grubbing” comments or not, the motion picture industry is ruled by the bottom line. I, for one, am ecstatic that the powers that be are pushing this back several months. This will allow the filmmakers, who clearly love this project as their participation here has shown, to take the movie even further than they could have even dreamt.
Secondly, Paramount, Bad Robot, et al are well aware how to run a marketing campaign as evidenced by the recent smash opening weekend box office of Cloverfield. I have no worries here, either.
Finally, it wasn’t all that long ago that Star Trek: Nemesis came out and then ENT was cancelled. Remember all the talk about how, ‘the franchise is tired and needs a rest?’ At that time, we weren’t sure if the old girl was dead, buried and gettin’ a tad mouldy. Now, only a short time later, we might see Star Trek rise out of the ashes and, to use a cliche, soar like the proverbial phoenix.
So, hang on, it’s gonna be just a bit longer, but worth the wait!
Man, I’ll bet LANGUATRON could spin this thing. :lol:
Five months delay + more leaks and spoilers = ruin movie!
Okay- where is Roberto Orci? I agree this does suck, but hopefully JJ And team will use the time to their advantage.
Hey- any Star Trek is better than no Star Trek.
:) Kigs
217
Good point!
Paramount should now give J.J. more money to film a sequel while still filming this movie. Oh, Brother!!
We ought to start a letter campaign and petition to put alot of pressure on Paramount to keep the opening date of Star Trek un changed as planned!
The letter campaign worked in the past when it saved TOS from being cancelled for their this season!
We can do it!
If memory serves, Star trek movies released in the Summer have not done well. I’m nervous
Money Grubbing whores?? Did I read that right, did someone call Paramount money grubbing whores?
If the studios aren’t in it to make as much money as possible then why are they in the game to being with?? For those of you grumbling because this is purely a financial move could you please explain why, in your world, the entertainment business exists?
Guys, at the end of the day Paramount is in the film BUSINESS. If they want to move Trek to a more desired spot on the release schedule because it will be good for them understand that it will also be GOOD for all of us.
If Paramount gets their wish this thing will do 200 million domestic and they can keep churning out sequels every 2 to 3 years.
If we get our wish this thing will do 200 million domestic and they can keep churning out sequels every 2 to 3 years.
We gotta wait, it sucks - I know, but when it comes down to it we’re all out for the same end.
I’ve never claimed to be a marketing expert, but I can’t fathom why they’d sandwich this between an X-Men movie and a Da Vinci Code movie instead of leaving it in a month where it’s essentially unchallenged? Can someone explain that logic to me? We’ve had plenty of winter blockbusters lately (Lord of the Rings, Night At The Museum, Bond) to justify leaving it where it’s at. The horrible Day The Earth Stood Still remake with Keanu didn’t make them nervous, did it?
They’ve got more than enough time for reshoots & FX work, so don’t tell me that’s the reason.
Where’s Bob Orci to provide reassurance when you need him??
I can wait until May. it’s a better time for me, anyway. I have plenty to keep me busy until May. There is more in my world then this film
ST:TMP was hurried out and lots of people bitch about the original release of that. All will be well in May 2009
V.
aw frak…. I guess I can hold out. I waited 10 years for ST-TMP to come out.
Looking at Paramount’s schedule going forward I can understand why they would make this move.
They have some heavy hitters in 2008, but their 2009 summer schedule is a little shaky (with the exception of Transformers 2)
This is strictly a business decision that some people seem to be taking personally.
My one and only concern is that in May of 2009 the film will face much tougher competition.
Look at it this way. We will get 6 moths extra to talk about the film and in the end we will most likely get a better finished product.
Don’t get me wrong I’m a little disappointed, but in the grand scheme of things 5 months really isn’t a big deal.
their this season = their third season.
My brain farted when I excitedly write my most recent comment!
I don’t think this is a good idea, especially if, which is what these preliminary articles make it sound like, it is purely a business decision of some kind and it really does not have anything to do with the artistic sort of side of the movie. I don’t see how altering or augmenting some scenes, changing some dialogue should take four additional months - the only mad way I could find that amount of time reasonable in this respect would be if they completely abandoned any of their current story and would have to come up with a completely new script - which from all I gather is most far from the truth.
I think this is going to challenge the whole production and marketing thing even more. It’s very evident that, as you can expect for a JJ Abrams project these days, they’re going at this with a great “veil of secrecy” approach. Pushing back the movie’s release date another four months makes it sound very likely all the PR will be pushed back four months too - if they really want to keep their utopic belief to give people just enough so they would not know any spoilers when they get to see the movie in the theatre.
From my point of view, it would demonstrate more faith into the movie’s commercial potential if they had kept the release date they were already going with for quite some time. This is supposed to be a new and exciting chapter for Star Trek. Pushing back a release date that still is ten months away from now for no discernable production reason just to avoid any potential competition from whatever other movie I don’t see on the horizon for Christmas this year just seems like the wrong idea.
ouch. christmas is cancelled.
i’ve never been a caps guy, but if i was:
in all caps, para mount this!
Ok , upon further review , this is most likely a better release date than Christmas , releasing films on the biggest family holiday of the year has never made much sense to me , but hey what do I know? Plus the early summer release with no current competition due to the writer’s strike means on the weekend in may when it is released , it will be the only new film in the theaters , and for some people, they go to the movies on a weekly basis just to see something new . So core audience AKA us + Movie goers = Money and opening a whole new group of peoples eyes and ears to Star Trek. But J.J. , Robert, please heed the fan’s cries and give us :
1. A full render beauty shot of the U.S.S. Enterprise in all of her glory
2. Cast publicity shots
3. At least let us see some of the Enterprise sets, Bridge, Transporter Room, Engineering , etc……
Come on, throw us a bone here!
My question is wether or not this is the right business move. The trade off is alot more movie-goers but also more competition. I feel like Star Trek would do better being the Big Fish in a small pond than being the other way around. Is Star Trek mainstream enough to go toe to toe with Summer blockbusters? I hope so but a christmas release just makes so much more sense to me.
“Where’s Bob Orci to provide reassurance when you need him?”
Bob finally got to back to his day job… remember?
JJ Abram and Crew,
What is your official position on this delay?
So who is going to fix/reset the Star Trek countdown widget on the right?
Now that the Shatner is soon to be out of work, (perhaps his last TV work) and the Writers are back- and the movie has 5 more months of production room- C’mon Roberto- maybe a last little place for the Shat-man?
I say that Paramount should subsidize some more of James Cawley’s New Voyages to tide us over, and as recompense for messing with the fans.
I sure didn’t expect this news tonight. D*mn it! The only good thing is now we can plan a midnight show, which wouldn’t have been possible Christmas Eve.
BTW you guys need to stop crying for Roberto & JJ to help . . . the Paramount suits are making this call. They spend the money, they get to pick the date.
Jeez, even May >2008< is still 3 months away. Count me in the “strike while the iron is hot” camp. No way can they keep up the tension curve rising steady for such a long time.
227. VOODOO - February 13, 2008
“Don’t get me wrong I’m a little disappointed, but in the grand scheme of things 5 months really isn’t a big deal.”
I am circling this date… we agree on something.
;-)
First the shock of such depressingly horrific news, then the awe that it is most probably true. Sigh…
I am not so sure that this is bad news for fans, but I am sure that all the movie licensees are just THRILLED with this decision.
They are rushing to get toys and other items to be done by the largest selling season of the year and now they get to launch everything in May. May?!?
If I am Playmates, I am pissed. Sure the hardcore will still buy the toys, but the whole idea of picking up the license is to extend the brand beyond the hardcore. The best chance of capitalizing on that from a sales standpoint is during Christmas. Now Christmas is gone. I would be calling legal and having them take a hard look at the royalty rates I am suppose to be payin’
Yeah, the studio had better dribble out a few more details to sustain us now that we have to wait another six months.
If we are lucky and the film is good, no sequel then until 2012.
How does this affect the marketing tie-ins? Playmates for one won’t be happy not having the movie for Christmas.
I knew it wasn’t going to be released on 12-08 anyway. We all heard that date a long long time ago, I didn’t believe it for one minute. Prediction- Paramount will sell Star Trek. Somebody at P hates it.
#231
It will be facing a new X-Men movie and a Da Vinci Code sequel. Those are pretty heavy-hitters.
#233
I know, I know. Still, a sarcastic, cryptic remark from Bob can make it all better ;)
“If memory serves, Star trek movies released in the Summer have not done well. I’m nervous” - DREW
Don’t lose sleep over it. Only 3 Trek movies were released during the summer. Khan in June of 1982, Spock in June of 1984 and Trek V (doesn’t even have a cool abbreviation) in June of 1989. Going by budget compared to gross II and III were 2 of the more successful entries in the franchise and they faced such competition as E.T, Poltergeist, Rocky III, Ghostbusters and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
Trek IV started the Thanksgiving/Christmas pattern. It’s 110 million dollar domestic gross gave Paramount the gusto to release V during an incredibly crowded blockbuster season. The first of its kind, to be fair, but they should have known it was going to be ugly from the get-go.
From what I heard Trek V was slated as a late year release for 1988 but the writer’s strike caused production delays. Not too sure on that fact, though.
So, that means the movie will take about 3 years to make? I remember when 3 years between movies was normal. Another movie franchise (that I won’t name) released movies in 1977, 1980, and 1983, and it did OK.
And maybe this will give them the chance to some un-reimagining! >;>}
Here’s a quote from the Hollywood Reporter story:
“Star Trek” arguably was the biggest film moved, with the intended Christmas Day release now set for the first prime date in the following summer boxoffice season: May 8, 2009. But “Trek” appears something of an exception in the mix of itinerant pics, with its shift unrelated to script or cast considerations.
” ‘Star Trek’ is moving to summer because its has so much box office potential,” Par spokesman Michael Vollman said. “It does not need any script tweaks. They’re two-thirds of the way through shooting, and we would have delivered a great movie at Christmas.”
221. Captain Hackett - February 13, 2008
“We ought to start a letter campaign and petition to put alot of pressure on Paramount to keep the opening date of Star Trek un changed as planned!
The letter campaign worked in the past when it saved TOS from being cancelled for their this season!
We can do it!”
Kidding…right?
This will still be a great year for movies without Star Trek, just not as good. For me It’s somewhat of a dissapointment because we would have had all those great films throughout the year with Trek gift wrapped for us on Christmas. But it’s kind of fun to imagine the possibilities of a major marketing and media campaign for this film being one of the first blockbusters of the early summer movie season.
Wow, what an incredibly stupid decision… maybe. Here’s hoping Abrams and the gang talk some sense into Mr. Lesher…. maybe. :-P
Ok, yes, I’m peeved that we now have to wait an extra twenty weeks for this movie. Hell, I’m pissed. I’m glad JJ and co will have more time to perfect the movie, but I could barely stand waiting until Christmas… let alone summer of NEXT YEAR! Plus, the longer the wait, the more spoilers are likely to pop up, essentially ruining the movie (although those can be avoided).
I personally think a movie like Star Trek stands a much better chance as a winter movie than as a summer blockbuster. I could be wrong, of course. I will say this much: Lesher has done his homework. There’s no doubt movies that open in May earn more money than movies opening in December. Twenty movies released in May have opened to more than $50 million at the box office. Only five December movies have been able to accomplish that. So, assuming Trek does come off as summer blockbuster material, it’s possible that it could earn $50+ million in its first weekend alone.
That said, a trailer has already been released proudly stating “Under Construction — Christmas 2008.” I say we try to keep it that way, shall we? :-D
A delay does not mean more time, not unless they’re going to extend the budget as well. I’m sure everything, including the SFX are already scheduled, and won’t be allowed to slip. That’s just the way film production works.
The delay may mean better business, but it’s not likely we’ll get a different or better movie than what would have come out this Xmas.
If this doesn’t suck worse than umox…
#240 and #241 Playmates is probably happy with the decision. The reason they can do more work on the toys. The rumor I heard was that Playmates spent 3 weeks on producing the prototypes of the toys that have been seen at the German Toy Fair. And it does usually take a year to get toys to be designed, produced, painted and released. Prime example Transformers movies. Took them a whole year to get things done.
But I have to agree with people who are saying that Paramount needs to release a official photo of either the Enterprise or one of the characters.
I am spinning right now!!!
At this rate, Shatner and Nimoy will likely be dead by the premiere.
Oh, to nestle the bosom of Nichelle Nichols once more….
Well, on the positive side, it could be worse I suppose. There could be no film at all being made.
This all reminds me of the weird season scheduling that the Sci-Fi Channel is famous for.
This May release date isn’t canon.
The only letter writing campaign this site will ever endorse is one to end all letter writing campaigns
does anyone else feel like a christmas release just sums up the overall feeling of star trek a little better than summer does?
i mean in december, its the “holiday season”. The idea is “good will toward men.” People are generally warm and fuzzy feeling from thanksgiving and whatever holidays they choose to celebrate.
summer is the time for high action, high sfx, high volume and low intelligence. Most summer movies arent for the thinking man…theyre just for fun and FX.
trek deserves more than that. trek is more “good will toward men” than it is mutants and transformers.
242. Michael Adams - February 13, 2008
“I knew it wasn’t going to be released on 12-08 anyway. We all heard that date a long long time ago, I didn’t believe it for one minute. Prediction- Paramount will sell Star Trek. Somebody at P hates it.”
You really believe this or just fanning the flames?
Paramount hates Trek like I hate breathing. You don’t spend millions on the project just to send it spiraling down into a pit and watch it die. And if they were to sell it… you want the product looking good to get the most money for it.
Read the article above and the Variety article. The movie’s being moved for good financial reasons, not just to piss you off.
Although I don’t want to wait, I think that summer is a better release time for a Trek movie. Remember, big box office=sequels
NOOOOO!!!! This is tragic news!! Waiting all the way to next summer?? Especially knowing the movie will be ready way before then??
*deep sigh*
Does Paramount really think that Trek will make more money between May 8 and June 26- when paramount releases Transformers 2?
What a joke.
Or do they not have faith in this new film?
i’ve been a trekfan for 25 years and even i know that it doesn’t take 2years to put together and release a good trek movie.
no disrespect to mr. pascale intended, but i don’t believe that he can accurately predict what the competition for the trek film will be - nearly a year and a half from now. well, unless he’s consulting the orb of prophecy (DS9). obviously, other studios will also be announcing their own blockbusters to compete with paramount’s trek film.
i’d have to wonder if the studio heads have seen the film’s dailies and are not feeling very confident about the success of the feature.
and, of course, combined with the neglect of the startrek.com website, one would have to echo gene roddenberry’s words of caution and wisdom regarding how paramount pictures has always disrespected star trek (as opposed to the way 20th century fox studios treats the star war’s franchise).
and, let’s face it, there won’t be a single surprise remaing for the film if there is truly that much time between the close of production and it’s release. i’d read the entire screenplay for NEMESIS online months before that film’s release and look forward to doing the same for this feature.
long live star trek!
XAI #238
I will mark the date as well.
Star Trek movies traditionally premiere in December and besides, I was so looking forward to being at the theatres on Christmas Day. I was counting down the days, people!
Change your minds, Paramount! I think this is a really bad idea, not to mention a real let down for the people who have been cheer leading for this movie since it was announced.
One more thing also concerns me: I think Abrams’ team needs to keep a steady flow of extras on the web site, and tid-bits coming to keep conversation strong and ongoing about the film I would be worried that if chatter lessened among the most excited about this film, that it could hurt it in the long run. I’m not a professional, but I’m no dummy, either.
Dear Paramount,
You ruined Christmas. I hope you’re happy.
Sincerely,
Ryan H.
p.s. you son of a b*tch
If they didn’t have faith in the film, it would not have been made and a good director wouldn’t be working on it.
You people only see one film a year or what?
I’m just gonna borrow from Douglas Adams on this one, “Don’t Panic!”
Well this is a bummer, but not totaly crazy, I get why Paramount moved it. Still bummed as I was really looking forward to seeing it this Winter.
#262: Good points!
At this juncture, maybe it’s not too late for Abrams to pull the project from Paramount and re-market it to Disney. I’ll bet they’re powers that be would drool over the prospect of have a part of Star Trek and a role in ensuring ’s future.
@#$%^&*(&^%$#$%^&*&^%$%^&*!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Talk about your basic “bat and switch”…..
Well this will let the writers squees in more “cammreo’s” for the likes of Tom Cruse, Tom Hanks, Dick Smothers, and Harry Reams…
It seams to me that the best films box office was always of the Christmas break for Schools. Now we will have to wait untill Christmas 2009 for the great Hallmark orinaments and the other “tie ins” …..
Too bad other fans are not releasing episods on the web like “New Voyages”….
Well, now I guess I can fly to LA, rent a copter and fly over the Enterprise on the lot and get some pictures…. if I have to wait 15 months I might as well do some sight seeing….
Let’s see, new ST Fans go up against 007 fans at the box office in 2009.
Lets just forget that a Beagel won the Dog Show this weekend… and forget about Enterprise.
You know by then CBS will sell Parmont off to the Japanees and we will be watching “The Comment Empire”… great.
265. Ryan - February 13, 2008
“Dear Paramount,
You ruined Christmas. I hope you’re happy.
Sincerely,
Ryan H.
p.s. you son of a b*tch”
Completely uncalled for.
John Lesher = The Grinch That Stole Christmas
lets send him lumps of coal
#272 - No it’s not
#272
But funny nonetheless!
This is unbelievable! I hope they read TrekMovie.com and see those against it. Better yet, they should head over to MSNBC 5Top Movies of 2008 and see that Star Trek is the most anticipated of the year!
This is sooooo sh*t. I’ve been looking forward to this movie for so long now, another 6 months seems like an eternity
Does this really mean that now that the Writer’s Strike is over there is some re-writing and pick up’s to be done?
As disappointed as I am, if it makes Star Trek a better movie then I guess I’m ok with it.
But I do wish someone would say that is the case instead of some BS about better marketing. Surely someone gave some thought to the marketing of a new Star Trek film when they set 12-25-08 as the release.
I dunno…
OK people lets not get personal. And no Paramount arent out to get the Trekkies.
Sure…. and people want to be taken seriously with their comments.