Netflix is set to push the boundaries of science fiction with its latest R-rated blockbuster, exploring new frontiers in a fan-favorite franchise. This new addition to Netflix’s extensive library promises to deliver an amped-up viewing experience, featuring elements like aliens, robots, gangsters, criminals, disasters, war, and some pretty fast cars. The streaming giant continues to offer a vast array of feature films, documentaries, TV shows, anime, and award-winning Netflix originals, ensuring there’s always something for everyone to watch, anytime they want.
The announcement of this new sci-fi blockbuster has stirred mixed feelings among fans, especially those who have a deep connection with the Original Series cast. The world has changed significantly since the Original Series first aired, and even though it has only been a few decades, it feels like an eternity. Some fans feel that bringing back the Original Series cast during Star Trek: The Next Generation’s summer hiatus seems presumptuous and redundant. They argue that the Original Series no longer has its hands on the pulse of Star Trek and should retire with dignity, especially considering how perfect an ending Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home was.
The Original Series and its associated characters have always held a special place in the hearts of Trekkers, spanning several different age groups. This phenomenon is unique to Star Trek, as other franchises of comparable scope do not experience the same level of fealty to their original works. For instance, Doctor Who fans do not privilege the William Hartnell era above all else, and while the original three Star Wars movies are considered the best, Star Wars fans are more critical of their franchise and readily admit that the original films hold that position merely by virtue of being slightly better than the others.
The reason for this unwavering loyalty to the Original Series is not entirely clear. It could be due to deliberate intent or a particularly strong example of the fan-industrial complex. Star Trek: The Next Generation and its successors have failed to take substantial root in the pop consciousness, leaving the Original Star Trek as the universally beloved, embraced, and affectionately quoted and memified version of the franchise. This has been a sore spot for fans who consider Star Trek: The Next Generation as their definitive Star Trek, as they feel their memories and feelings are not considered legitimate by the overwhelming majority of contemporary discourse.
This context is relevant to the new Netflix R-rated sci-fi blockbuster because it highlights the curious gravity the Original Star Trek exerts over the rest of the franchise. The new movie would not exist if not for this enduring influence. The production of this new film is reminiscent of the circumstances surrounding Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, which was essentially put into production as a favor to William Shatner for his participation in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. Shatner was promised the opportunity to direct the next movie, a promise that was legally endorsed by a “favored nations” clause with Leonard Nimoy, ensuring that whatever Shatner received, Nimoy would too.
Despite the lack of enthusiasm from some fans, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier is a movie that deserves a redemptive reading. It is the most hated of all the Star Trek films, which is saying something considering the existence of Star Trek Nemesis and Star Trek Into Darkness. However, the film’s failure was not entirely due to Shatner’s direction. The project was crippled by executive meddling and the writer’s guild strike, which affected many productions in 1989. Shatner’s vision for the film was a serious drama, but the studio wanted another comedy due to the success of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. The studio also requested blatant Star Wars references to compete with Lucasfilm, further complicating the film’s production.
The biggest issue with Star Trek V: The Final Frontier was a philosophical disagreement about what a blockbuster science fiction movie should be. Shatner’s original script had the feeling of a tone poem, a piece of music meant to evoke an exterior work of art. This approach was not well-received by the studio, leading to a lengthy and ultimately unfinished editing and revision process. Shatner’s vision was a hybrid fusion of music and spoken-word theatre, attempting to reach a higher form of artistic expression. However, Paramount either did not understand or did not believe this approach was translatable to a Hollywood blockbuster.
This impasse is uniquely Hollywood and Western, as other artistic traditions do not see the same disconnect between narrative and other forms of creative expression. For example, Japan has a proud tradition of stylized music and dance theatre, such as Kabuki and Takarazuka. Contemporary Japanese creators have pushed the boundaries of their medium, redefining what science fiction can be. Shatner’s innovations might be more appreciated in such a context, but he has always been in the wrong place at the wrong time, shaped by the Western theatrical tradition and constantly up against its limitations.
Despite the challenges, there is a precedent for what Shatner was trying to achieve with Star Trek V: The Final Frontier. The Long 1980s were a perfect time for this movie, with films like Blade Runner pioneering the kind of cinema Shatner envisioned. The success of Batman, which knocked Star Trek V: The Final Frontier from its number one spot at the box office, demonstrated the power of aesthetic within even the pulpiest of source material. Miami Vice also showed that groundbreaking visual design and compelling plot are not mutually exclusive.
One of the major issues with Star Trek V: The Final Frontier was its visual design. Due to a dispute with ILM, Paramount hired a small VFX firm, resulting in effects that would not have looked out of place on the Original Series. The interior sets were reused from Star Trek: The Next Generation, and the overplayed theme from Star Trek: The Motion Picture led to confusion among new fans. The looming presence of Star Trek: The Next Generation was undeniable, and the film’s attempt to please both veteran fans and newcomers ended up pleasing no one.
In conclusion, the new Netflix R-rated sci-fi blockbuster has the potential to explore new frontiers in a fan-favorite franchise. However, it must navigate the complex legacy of the Original Series and the expectations of a diverse fanbase. The lessons from Star Trek V: The Final Frontier highlight the importance of understanding the strengths of the franchise and evolving beyond its limitations. As Netflix continues to expand its library, this new film could be a significant step forward in the world of science fiction.
Source: Netflix, Paramount Pictures
