As the inaugural film crafted specifically for streaming, Star Trek: Section 31 ventured into uncharted territory for the franchise on Paramount+.Initially envisioned as a spinoff of Star Trek: Discovery featuring Michelle Yeoh’s Emperor Philippa Georgiou, the project was reshaped into a movie due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and Yeoh’s subsequent Oscar win. Despite not receiving a warm reception from critics and fans alike, Section 31 emerged as Paramount+’s second most streamed movie in its opening week, surpassed only by Gladiator II. This indicates a healthy appetite for streaming Star Trek films, though Section 31 may not have hit the mark.
6 A Brand-New Star Trek Crew
A New Crew in a New Time: Something Different, Yet Familiar
A successful streaming Star Trek film may arise from introducing a completely new crew aboard a fresh starship.Star Trek excels when it embraces core tropes, such as Starfleet personnel embroiled in moral dilemmas while being thrust into the vast unknown. New settings, reminiscent of the Delta Quadrant in Star Trek: Voyager or the futuristic realm of Star Trek: Discovery, breathe new life into familiar narratives while distancing themselves from what audiences already recognize.
Unlike the attempts made with Star Trek: Section 31, which primarily focused on Yeoh’s character and thus limited the development of its supporting cast, a fresh set of characters could rise to the occasion. By exploring unknown periods in the Star Trek timeline, particularly between the 25th and 32nd centuries, creators could unleash innovation without the constraints of established lore, allowing for the development of unique technologies and the introduction of new species.
No ties to pre-existing lore and characters would provide a compelling entry point for newcomers, while also keeping veteran fans engaged. Should this independent movie garner success, it could pave the way for a new series within Paramount’s offerings.
5 Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: The Return
A Real-Time Return to Deep Space Nine is Essential
After the cast reunion of Star Trek: The Next Generation in Star Trek: Picard Season 3, and with various characters from Star Trek: Voyager returning in contemporary shows, it’s logical for Paramount+ to return to the beloved universe of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine next. Though a complete reunion of the DS9 ensemble may be improbable, there’s an opportunity to feature the remaining characters in a new narrative.
Since the series finale 26 years ago, very few characters from Deep Space Nine have received substantial updates. A film that progresses in real-time, similar to Star Trek: Picard, could address this oversight. Ideally, such a film would also resurrect Jadzia Dax (Terry Farrell), offering a resolution to her abrupt departure in Season 6.
The storyline for a Deep Space Nine reunion movie should delve into the darker themes that distinguished DS9 from Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Voyager. Possible plot threads could connect to the Changeling threat introduced in Star Trek: Picard Season 3, showcasing ethical quandaries facing Federation scientists. Other angles might revolve around Section 31 or the Mirror Universe, which could rectify the tonal missteps seen in Section 31. The narrative potential is vast.
4 Star Trek: Archer
Star Trek: Enterprise Deserves a Fitting Conclusion
Star Trek: Enterprise is in dire need of a reunion movie as the series never quite reached its narrative potential. Cancelled after just four seasons, the show couldn’t explore key story arcs — notably the Earth-Romulan War referenced in Star Trek: The Original Series. The series finale, “These Are The Voyages…”, left many fans feeling dissatisfied.
A new film could reunite Captain Jonathan Archer (Scott Bakula) and his crew, effectively correcting this narrative misalignment. The new movie could take either a live-action or animated format. An animated production, especially a serious 3D style, could finally delve into pressing storylines such as the Romulan War, founding of the United Federation of Planets, and also clarify the narrative surrounding the show’s controversial ending.
3 Star Trek: Cerritos
Potential for Live-Action Continuation of Star Trek: Lower Decks
The ongoing adventures of the USS Cerritos could be expanded into a live-action streaming film that follows the narrative laid out in the conclusion of Star Trek: Lower Decks. The series has successfully built a wealth of stories surrounding characters like Lieutenants Beckett Mariner (Tawny Newsome), Brad Boimler (Jack Quaid), and others.
Converting Gillian Vigman into the spirited Caitian doctor, Dr. T’Ana, may prove challenging, but Vigman has expressed readiness to embrace the transformation. A live-action adaptation would leverage the humor and dynamics that attracted viewers to Lower Decks while retaining the beloved characters.
2 Star Trek: Starbase 80
Multiversal Crossover Bonanza: A Potential Star Trek Event
Additionally, Star Trek: Lower Decks has hinted at an ambitious multiversal crossover event that Paramount+ must explore. In the Season 5 finale, Captain Carol Freeman (Dawnn Lewis) assumes command of Starbase 80, which oversees a stable portal to the Star Trek multiverse. Captain William Boimler’s (Jack Quaid) crew, comprised of multiversal travelers, is ready to tackle unprecedented challenges.
Reports about an anomaly within the multiverse have surfaced throughout modern Star Trek series. With the presence of the Loom in Star Trek: Prodigy and references indicating inconsistencies in timelines, a sweeping event could usher in characters from across the Star Trek legacy.This sprawling narrative arc deserves to be showcased in a feature film.
1 Star Trek: Legacy
Enthusiasm for Captain Seven of Nine on the USS Enterprise-G
The proposed spin-off, Star Trek: Legacy, which features Jeri Ryan as Captain Seven of Nine, could thrive within the realm of streaming films. The conclusion of Star Trek: Picard Season 3 establishes a path for the newly formed crew of the USS Enterprise-G, eager to continue the legacy of the esteemed Starfleet.
Although Paramount+ has yet to officially acknowledge Star Trek: Legacy, transforming it into a film could strike a balance between studio strategy and audience interest. Crafting the narrative of Star Trek: Legacy as a movie could help avoid cramming an extensive plotline into a short runtime, an error seen in Star Trek: Section 31.
A successful movie could showcase high streaming engagement, indicating a pathway for significant storytelling in the Paramount+ universe.
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