For nearly 60 years, no other science fiction franchise has created more content, inspired more fans, and influenced culture more deeply than Star Trek. While Star Wars may be more populist and Doctor Who more cultist, there are simply more hours of Star Trek than most other big sci-fi universes. With 12 distinct TV series and 14 separate films (counting Section 31), the Final Frontier is massive.
For longtime fans, the various TV series are the true core of the show, a format that is capable of exploring various types of stories, mashing up genres, and delivering nuanced, unique storytelling. But, in terms of sheer popularity, the gateway to the Star Trek universe is almost always one of the feature films. Right now, as the TV franchise appears to be on pause after 2027, the next great hope for Star Trek films is an in-development film from Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley, of Dungeons & Dragons fame. So, after Strange New Worlds Season 5 and Starfleet Academy Season 2 in 2027, it’s very likely the next version of Trek will materialize as a film franchise, once again.
