According to Variety’s ‘Thompson on Hollywood’ blog, Paramount “will not be putting on any panels or bringing any stars to Comic-Con” this year. A Paramount spokesman notes that “the time is off” because all the geek-friendly Paramount movies (G.I. Joe, Star Trek, Transformers 2 and The Last Airbender) are all a year or more off.
In recent weeks TrekMovie.com has been making inquiries regarding Star Trek and Comic-Con. Sources at Paramount and Bad Robot have consistently said that Comic-Con plans for Trek were up in the air. During the day TrekMovie will try and confirm if this new report is the last word.
Star Trek and Comic-Con
Although the new Star Trek film is cloaked in secrecy, this move is still surprising. Paramount used Comic-Con 2006 to introduce the first Star Trek teaser poster and Comic-Con 2007 to officially announce the movie was going to be about the TOS era and to introduce the first two cast members (Leonard Nimoy and Zachary Quinto). Star Trek was part of a general Paramount panel, attended by thousands, where director JJ Abrams noted that “there is another comic con plus six months before the movie comes out.” That same panel in 2007 mostly covered films films coming out in 2008 like Cloverfield, Iron Man, and Indy 4 — so apparently Paramount didn’t have an issue with promoting films far in advance last year. At the end of the panel Abrams stated “we have another Comic-Con to see you at, where we will have a lot more stuff than we do today,” however that was back when Star Trek was slated for Christmas of this year.
TrekMovie will attempt to find out more about this story and provide updates as it develops (if it develops).
This sucks.
And first.
It surprises me that they wouldn’t be there just to tease the many applicable projects they have coming up – no big reveals, but with 3 or 4 strong movies coming up they could do a lot with a little…
Hopefully with them (Paramount & Bad Robot) being excessivly mum, this could be a good sign that they want to fully surprise everyone at Comic-Con.
How far over budget is this, now?
Beware the wrath of an ignored fan base!
Arrrr…
I bet tha’ Masons know all aboot tha’ new Star Trek movie…
Hmmmm…
You’d think it’d be a huge coup ta’ unveil tha’ ship at such an event… see, then ya’ dunna have ta’ explain diddly squat aboot tha’ plot… have all tha’ get-together geeks go bally-hoo o’er things like tha’ colour o’ tha’ vessel, the shape o’ tha’ tubey engines and such…
But back ta’ tha’ Masons…
thar’s a bloke on dis webbysite named Garavarkin (or some such) that has cloak and dagger theories aboot Star Trek which could extend ta’ tha’ new film… somethin’ aboot singular plastic models and Garavorakin sniffin’ model paste… sorry, mate… the Truth is out there… as in “out there” like koo-koo banana whack…
oh, I kid cuz I loves… and I dunna want Patrick from “Conspiracy Theory” comin’ ta’ do me in…
Arrrrr…
Huge mistake on their part. Comic-Con is a great way to create buzz for these movies, especially Star Trek. I think the people at Paramount are getting a bit too arrogant in their projections on how their franchises will do. Perhaps they’ll change their minds between now and the time of the con.
Goes to show you how the “suits” think at Paramount. So what if these movies are a year away, the fans would still like to know about these movies.
It generates buzz and keeps the fans in the loop. At SDCC, it is nice to hear from those involved in these projects in person and to be able to ask questions. Obviously the fans are not of importance except when they want our money. Paramount is clueless.
This is a really dumb move on Paramount’s part. They already teased the ComicCon audience last year with Quinto & Nimoy — and filming hadn’t even begun at the time. Now with principal photography finished and the film in post they’re just going to act like they’ve got nothing to show or say about it at the one place they *should* be reminding people that it’s coming? Stupid, stupid, stupid.
3. ” this could be a good sign that they want to fully surprise everyone at Comic-Con”
I *don’t* think this is an attempt at a “gotcha” surprise at ComicCon. If they say they aren’t coming there’s no reason to believe they’re just kidding — any more than Shatner’s denying appearing in the new film is just a ruse designed to keep us all guessing (p.s.: he’s not in it).
I hope the suits at Paramount pull their heads out of their collective ass and see that this is just a foolish decision.
This does not mean that Paramount won’t be blanketing ComicCon and other cons with propaganda and literature.
Star Trek will be as big a rollout as Indiana Jones was this year.
Paramount’s never been known as a studio that can sensibly handle its properties. ‘Iron Man’ seems to be a fluke, motivated as much by Marvel’s production efforts and Favreau’s enthusiasm for/awareness of *that* property’s fanbase.
The studio probably feels that it and it alone can create the buzz necessary to bring in audiences. A shame.
#8—“Obviously the fans are not of importance except when they want our money”
That’s not exactly a revelation.
I won’t pretend to know alot about conventions, as I have never been to one. But my guess is, Paramount sees those who would attend as being outside the demographic which they will need to “intice” to see this film. I own a successful business, and spend quite a bit on advertising. I certainly do not spend it where it really isn’t going to benefit sales. The hype will begin around X-Mas, I would think.
Screw all this!! time to rediscover the joys of B5
Another thing or two: Paramount not wanting to promote *any* of their upcoming projects does *not* show they have any confidence in their upcoming products. In the movie business, when a film is released and the suits don’t allow critics to pre-screen it that’s usually a sign that they know the film will not stand up to criticism. By avoiding ComicCon Paramount is saying they don’t even think their key target demographic will like their upcoming movies. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
Regardless of whether or not they anticipate having another teaser trailer ready by then or not, they *need* to be visable at ComicCon. Otherwise they are ignoring their already-built-in fan base and they are doing a disservice to JJ and his team by essentially showing no confidence in their work. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
The films in question obviously don’t need to be complete to be promoted. Just do what they always do: send a few of the actors and JJ to say a few things, give a hint or two, give away some posters — and remind everyone that this is coming in a few months.
12. “But my guess is, Paramount sees those who would attend as being outside the demographic which they will need to “intice” to see this film.”
Paramount and all the major studios *know* the power of ComicCon. They *know* the power of Ain’t It Cool News. They *know* that Spike or G4 or whatever broadcast live from ComicCon and that people everywhere who can’t make it to ComicCon can watch it on TV or the internet. And they *know* the power of the devoted long-time Star Trek fanbase — regardless of their desire to draw in new viewers outside that fanbase. The *know* Transformers owed much of its success to early buzz and being embraced by the sci-fi geeks in the months *before* the movie debuted thatnks to Ain’t It Cool, etc.
If they are a no-show at ComicCon I’ll take it personally as Paramount snubbing Star Trek and sci-fi fandom. They should be there drumming up interest, picquing the curiosity of people who’d be the most likely to give the franchise another look.
I don’t think there’s an argument to be made that Paramount doesn’t have confidence in their upcoming projects. Certainly, in courting the producers and writers of this Star Trek before it’s even released to come back and make another one they have some idea that they either have a hit on their hands or something that will, at the very least, be profitable.
The gap between profit and popularity is certainly wide, but not showing something at ComicCon is more likely the result of bad management rather than a dislike of the product. They just might think they have nothing to gain by going there, in which case they would be quite wrong.
#14—“Paramount not wanting to promote *any* of their upcoming projects does *not* show they have any confidence in their upcoming products”
That’s reading quite a bit too much into things. Paramount gave Abrams and company a $150 million budget and made it a May release, the latter being the ultimate sign of confidence in the project. Paramount HAS the Star Trek fans already, and as the article states, the film’s release is over 10 months away. Come X-mastime, you’ll have your posters, Enterprise pictures, full-blown trailers, and stars out in force to promote the film.
I think some of you are confusing what the movie needs with what YOU want to see. Let me tell you something…It stopped being about the kind of fans at Comic-Con the moment the movie got a $150 million budget, and it got further away from that the moment it received the coveted May release date.
This constant “Are we there yet?” attitude on the part of some rabid fans can be a bit tiresome. Promotion/advertising is about timing. I don’t buy advertisement space to unnecessarily promote a product I’m not going to make available for another 10 months, and neither should they. I guarantee you Abrams and company have a plan to promote this film to a wide audience, and I would bet it’s a bit more well thought out than any of the suggestions made here.
14 – J.J.’s Star Trek is still over a year away.
You don’t want to put too much out there too soon for the movie, otherwise the public will become weary of hearing about it.
The “Shut up already, we GET IT !!!” sentiment starts to pervade, and it’ll become annoying.
Also, in order to properly present something a Comic-Con, you would need to reveal something of substance for the fans. To do that with a year to go before Release means playing your cards too early in the game.
I certainly don’t like this news, since I’m going all 4 days, but I can see why.
If Favreau and Marvel were able to get things out to the media, it seems as if JJ and company could. Not sure I blame Paramount for this. JJ’s group seems to have a thing for keeping things quiet.
It makes some sense. It would seem silly for them to show up with nothing to report. That would actually give the impression that STXI isn’t worth the hype.
No, better to not show up and play “hard to get”.
17
Amen.
Marketing ruleth. Fans drooleth.
But… I still do think tha’ Masons know all aboot tha’ film… even have glossy pics of tha’ ship… Chris Pine’s name scrawled in the eye-pyramid on yer currency…
Arrrrrr…
It would be an advertising and marketing disaster if they don’t show anything at this years SDCC, and quite possibly cripple the success of this movie. not only do they need Trek fans to like this movie, they also need other fans of other series and movies to like it too – take The Dark Knight – they released their teaser at last years comic con and drummed up that initial interest, Iron Man, Transformers the year before, these types of movies are made at SDCC – Star Trek should be doing the same this year – the marketing campaign needs to be bigger than any other movie Paramount have being released next year because Star Trek above anything else has a lot more to prove to the world they want seeing this movie after the dismal Nemesis and sub-par Enterprise series. Trek regardless of Abrams star power, is on parole, BIG MISTAKE if there not there with at least the 7 main cast members.
Whether its Paramount or Bad Robot, they are bloody idiots if they decide to not show anything at Comic Con.
Bad management on their part but they also obviously give a toss about their fanbase that they’d need to help recoup their massive expediture.
Cheers suits!
There is something to be said for keeping a low profile until it gets close to release. I was excited when they announced that Quintos had been cast as Spock, but let’s face it, they’ve been parading him around so long and so much that I almost don’t care. Just let me know when it’s out.
I obviously meant that they DONT give a toss about their fans.
I was a bit pissed off as I was typing.
Sorry
This is a pretty foul move on Paramount’s part. With the push in release from December to May, this would give them an opportunity to officially launch the marketing campaign. Perhaps a new teaser, a Q & A with more cast members. This film has to be promoted just right so that it’s not just us Trek fans and a few curious moviegoers in theaters next May. If this turns out to be true, I gotta say, Paramount is making a big mistake. Comic-Con receives such an abundance of media attention nowadays that it almost seems impossible to stay away.
16, 17, 18… “I don’t think there’s an argument to be made that Paramount doesn’t have confidence in their upcoming projects. ”
I agree with what you are all saying — Paramount undoubtably is pleased with what JJ is doing. What I was trying to say is that by not showing they are giving the *impression* that they have little or no confidence in their upcoming films. Just because the writer’s strike has made for slim pickings these next few months doesn’t mean they should just blow off ComicCon. It only comes once a year, y’know. The whole idea of promoting your films at ComicCon is about being visable and saying “We’re still here and we have some things you might like in the upcoming year.”
For me, this stuff means two things:
Or the Paramount crew are too much confident, or they fear the results.
They think the G.I Joe and Transformers 2 born as blockbusters, so they didn´t try much harder to create a good movie.
I think G.I Joe is a huge mistake project and will fail. Search for the script review and the pictures. I only saw BS there.
That´s why I am in fear for Star Trek. Maybe they are thinking they´ve already won. I mean, sucessful writers, well-know director, huge franchise… But what about make a good movie?
What you are afraid of J.J? Do you fear the fanboys? Let´s see a pic of the movie, or invest in viral marketing… look at Dark Knight!
I am really afraid the movie will bomb. I didn´t like the plot (time travel, again? what heck!) and the vilians (a villian from the future? What about the idiot future guy from Enterprise?). I want to be suprised, please!! The only think that keep me a little hope is the Nimoy´s conection with the movie.
We could build the dang ship sooner than they’re releasing more pictures of it.
I don’t fault Paramoney for choosing May 09, but I do fault them for starting the PR machine and then yanking the plug for a year. That’s painful.
#15—“If they are a no-show at ComicCon I’ll take it personally as Paramount snubbing Star Trek and sci-fi fandom.”
Really? You’ll take it personally? Come on. I’ll admit to having looked forward to any news generated there, but I hope that’s just an over-emotional reaction on your part right now. As far as Paramount snubbing Star Trek and sci-fi fandom, that is blowing things way out of proportion, IMO. Being personally offended about this is a bit childish and somewhat reminiscent of a child being angry that he has to wait for his birthday before he gets that new toy. I’m sure that you’ll calm down about this when you really think about it.
One more thing, perhaps this is why Paramount has struggled with the Trek franchise as of late. They can’t expect this movie to have the comic book fanbase as in Ironman or the decades long fanbase that Indiana Jones (and overall nostalgia) brought to the table. Star Trek has been out of action longer and requires more attention to get butts in seats next May.
#20 “It makes some sense. It would seem silly for them to show up with nothing to report. That would actually give the impression that STXI isn’t worth the hype.”
They have PLENTY to report:
1) Enterprise exterior
2) Enterprise interior
3) Costumes
4) next teaser trailer
One of the above would be all it takes for this summer.
Not asking for story…they can hold those surprises all the way to release date.
#21—-LMAO.
Oh, sure … have Nimoy, Quinto and Abrams there in 2007 … and NOTHING in 2008, when I’ll be there?
F***.
It’s almost July, about ten months from release. I understand that keeping details secret prevents bad press if fans aren’t impressed with what is shown, but too much secrecy can backfire. Rick Berman made some mistakes running Star Trek, but he did realize that promotion is good business.
I like the decision. One can make the argument of oversaturation of marketing for a product that won’t even be out until next year. I was very disappointed when they announced the new release date. After that point, I don’t care to hear anything about this new movie til we get a lot closer to May 2009. I don’t like being teased.
30. “Really? You’ll take it personally? Come on. I’ll admit to having looked forward to any news generated there, but I hope that’s just an over-emotional reaction on your part right now”
I am a little emotional right now, thank you for your tolerance!
Alright, I’ll relax. >big sigh< All is well.
If this is true, this would be a huge surprise. I would have thought that any big reveals or special surprises would come from there, where it would reach the widest audience.
I don’t give a flying whatever if they do or do not show stuff at ComicCon, but I do wonder when they will decide to show the world what the “new” Enterprise looks like. The ‘Con seemed like a natural place to “leak” it out to the internet people and let it eventually, virally, spread into the mainstream. What does J.J. have up his rolled sleeves?
I just hope that ‘Trek XI’ will not be another ‘Phantom Menace’, remember all the hype between 1997-99?
Since it’s Comic-con, maybe Paramound or BR can hire and actual comic (comedian). That way the can entertain us without actually saying anything new about the project.
…besides, who doesn’t like Comedy? Who Knows? Maybe even someday I will one day type something funny here.
If true, this would be an extremely bonehead decision on Paramount’s part, and a lame excuse to boot. They won’t have a panel because the movies are more than a year away? Um… huh? At Comic-Con last year, Star Trek, at the time scheduled for a Christmas 2008 release, was still about 17 months away. This year, with the release pushed back to May 2009, it will only be 10 months before its release. That’s *not even* a year away. Transformers 2 is only 12 months away; GI Joe only 13 months. So if Paramount, etc. decide not to have a panel at the Comic-Con this year, they certainly can’t use that excuse because it’ll sound the BS alarm.
Perhaps this has something to do with the impending SAG strike? Even if the bloody actors can’t attend the event, what the heck is stopping the director, producers, writers, etc. from being there? Something tells me this bit of info really isn’t true or, if so, it’s for a valid and far more believable reason. What that could possibly be escapes me, however.
Attention Shatner fans: I think I know what’s going on. Paramount is planning a big surprise for you folks at Comic-Con! They are going to make a HUGE announcement (with the man himself at the podium) that The Shat is in the movie!!! OK, now all you have to do is buy your tickets (for all 4 days, because the big event sched. is still secret) and make your travel arrangements. But, please, don’t let anyone else know that I let the cat out of the bag. Mum is the word. Shhhhhhhhh.
Chuck#43- Impending SAG strike? I had not heard of this. Does this mean that promoted SAG guests for the Vegas con would not be able to show??
Denise,
in an effort ta’ get what tha’ writers wanted (electronic dividends on web media outlets o’ their crap) tha’ actors are proposin’ a work stoppage which will thusly and effectively kill off most o’ thar’ viewership as teevee watchers start soley watchin’ tha’ weather channel fur original programming…
Oh, lookee… a thunderstorm in Alberta! Wow, What will dese guys think of next…
Thank you BND.
ANTHONY, CHUCK, anyone who might know: does this mean the Vegas con guests will be dwindled down to 2 or 3???
If Paramount really gave a rats a$$ about the core fans they would still be putting out lame TNG movies. This is a good thing to keep the downlow on the movie. And for all the Shatner fans:
SHATNERS NOT IN THE MOVIE!
Let it go already!
Quag
#47 Denise de Arman
I don’t think the strike will affect attendance at the Vegas Con, except maybe Nimoy & Quinto. During the strike, actors can’t do anything to promote their work. I’m not sure whether than only means upcoming projects or whether that includes past projects. In any event, the actors at Vegas Con (save the aforementioned Quinto & Nimoy) will not be there to promote anything, they will be there to speak with the fans, sign autographs, put on some shows, etc.
Of course, I could be wrong… but I don’t think the strike will really affect Vegas Con.
Addendum to my previous post:
Of course, all that is assuming A.) the strike happens (which is likely), and B.) the strike lasts into August (which hopefully will not happen).