The Star Trek Connection: How Star Wars Shaped the First STAR TREK The Motion Picture

Would there have been STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE (1979) without STAR WARS? This is a complex question, and the answer is a captivating yes and no. In my research, I found that a number of factors contributed to the eventual creation of the first Star Trek feature film, and some of these factors were indeed shaped by the immense success of Star Wars.

Origins of STAR TREK: PHASE II

After the conclusion of Star Trek: The Original Series (STOS), a movie idea was being developed, but it was eventually shelved in 1977. It seems that Roddenberry, the visionary behind Star Trek, was always working on a movie concept, but nothing came to fruition. Meanwhile, a new series called Star Trek: The Next Phase with some former Star Trek staff was in the works but got sidelined.

The Impact of STAR WARS

Star Wars had a profound effect on the sci-fi movie genre, essentially paving the way for future science fiction films. Prior to Star Wars, the sci-fi genre was relatively limited and underdeveloped. Star Wars blew the genre into a whole new galaxy, inspiring a new wave of space adventures and blockbusters.

The Script In Thy Name and VGER

There was a script from the proposed new Star Trek series called In Thy Name, which featured VGER. This particular story was the base for the first Star Trek feature film, STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE. Other space movies, such as 2001: A Space Odyssey, also had an impact on the development of the first Star Trek movie, but it was undoubtedly Star Wars that gave the Star Trek movie team the confidence to elevate the film to a grand scale.

Preproduction of Star Trek: Phase II

Before the cancellation of the Paramount Television Service, preproduction of Star Trek: Phase II had already begun. However, in July 1977, GulfWestern, the media conglomerate that owned Paramount Pictures at the time, decided that the Paramount Television Service would not be profitable and shut down the project.

The Decision to Make a TV Movie into a Feature Film

Despite the cancellation, the team did not abandon their work. President Barry Diller felt that since so many resources had already been invested in Phase II, it would be a waste to cancel the project. He and Gene Roddenberry decided to retool the feature-length first episode of Phase II into a TV movie. The decision to give the new Star Trek movie a bigger budget and a theatrical release rather than a TV debut was influenced by the tremendous success of Star Wars.

Aesthetic and Technological Contributions

It's worth noting that the first Star Trek movie, like Star Wars, was seen as an elegant and beautiful film. In my opinion, Star Trek: The Motion Picture is poetic and nearly operatic in scope and topic. While it might be aesthetically and technologically more advanced compared to Star Wars Episode IV, both films offer their unique flavors of storytelling. The original Star Wars remains a classic for many, while Star Trek: The Motion Picture is cherished for its grandeur and ambitious vision.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Star Wars was not the sole factor in the creation of Star Trek: The Motion Picture, its impact on the sci-fi genre cannot be understated. Without Star Wars, the first Star Trek movie might have looked quite different. The film ultimately became a pioneering work that set the stage for the franchise's future, continuing to influence and inspire countless generations of filmmakers and fans alike.