It all started in 1966 with the original series, simply titled Star Trek. Chronicling the intergalactic adventures of Kirk, Spock, Uhura, Sulu, McCoy, Scotty, and many more it spawned a massive franchise comprised not only of TV shows and eventually movies, but also, books, magazines, comics, games, and toys.
The first feature film, Star Trek: The Motion Picture, was released in 1979 and was followed by nine more films. Thirty years later, the film franchise was rebooted with the release of Star Trek. A sequel, Star Trek Into Darkness, followed in 2013, and another in 2016. The latter, entitled Star Trek Beyond, is this weekโs Sunday night movie on M-Net Movies Premiere, so we thought it was the perfect time to bring you a few Trekkie tidbits about the new movies.
- The villains of the three films have all played Marvel superheroes. Eric Bana (Star Trek) was Bruce Banner in 2003โs Hulk; Benedict Cumberbatch (Star Trek Into Darkness) was Stephen Strange in Dr. Strange; and Idris Elba (Star Trek Beyond) is Heimdall in the Thor movies.
- J.J. Abrams directed the first two films. For the third instalment, directing duties went to Justin Lin, who is no stranger to franchises, having filmed four Fast & Furious films.
- Star Trek Beyond is the third film in the rebooted movie franchise, but the thirteenth Star Trek film overall. ย
- Chris Pratt auditioned for the role of Kirk. The role eventually went to another Chris (Pine); while Pratt went on to another galactic advenuture, as Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy.
- Thereโs another Chris connection. Hemsworth (he of the Thor movies) played Kirkโs father in the first film. It was Hemsworthโs film debut.
- Adrien Brody was considered for the role of Spock, which eventually went to Zachary Quinto.
- The first filmโs fake title was Corporate Headquarters.
- During the filming of the first film, exteriors of the planet Vulcan were shot at Vasquez Rocks, which was also a filming location during several episdoes of the orginal series.
- The first film is the first Star Trek movie to recevie an Oscar. It won in 2010 for Best Make-Up. In total, the three films have received six nominations at the Academy Awards.
- Star Trek Beyond was co-written by Simon Pegg, who also plays Scotty in the new movies.
Watch the latest Star Trekย movie,ย Star Trek Beyond,ย at 20:30 on M-Net Movies Premiere.
Sci-fi not the way you want to spend your Sunday night? Weโve got two more Sunday night movie selections for you.
On M-Net at 20:05, lovers of action and intrigue can watch Matt Damon return to his iconic role in Jason Bourne. Watch the LallaLand interview with the cast here.
On M-Net at 22:35, thereโs more action but with a dark, comedic twist in the Norweigan film, In Order of Disappearance.
What will you be watching? Share your selection on social media using #SundayNightMovie.