In 2016, the latest addition to the Star Trek franchise, Star Trek Beyond, hit theaters worldwide. Fans of the series were thrilled to see their favorite crew members, Captain Kirk, Spock, and the rest of the team back in action.
But is this really the third movie in the series? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Star Trek?
For those who are unfamiliar with the franchise, Star Trek is a science fiction television and film series that has become a cultural phenomenon. It first aired on television in 1966 and has since spawned numerous films and spin-off shows. The series follows a crew on a starship as they explore new worlds and encounter various alien species.
The Original Star Trek Movies
The original Star Trek movies were released between 1979 and 1991 and starred the original cast from the TV show. These films were often referred to as “the classic” or “the original” series.
The Wrath of Khan
The second film in this series, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982), is considered by many fans to be one of the best Star Trek movies ever made. It featured an iconic villain in Khan Noonien Singh (played by Ricardo Montalbán) and had a memorable ending that left audiences shocked.
Generations
The seventh film in this series, Star Trek Generations (1994), marked a transition from the classic crew to a new generation of characters led by Captain Jean-Luc Picard (played by Patrick Stewart). This movie also featured the death of beloved character Captain James T. Kirk (played by William Shatner).
The Reboot Series
In 2009, J.J. Abrams released a new film that rebooted the entire franchise with an all-new cast playing younger versions of the original characters. This film was simply titled Star Trek and was followed by two sequels: Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) and Star Trek Beyond (2016).
Star Trek Beyond
So, is Star Trek Beyond really the third movie in the series? The answer is both yes and no. While it is technically the third film in the reboot series, it is actually the thirteenth overall Star Trek movie.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while some may argue that Star Trek Beyond is not truly the third movie in the franchise, it is important to remember that there are multiple iterations of this beloved series. Whether you’re a fan of the classic crew or prefer the newer cast, there’s no denying that Star Trek has had a significant impact on popular culture.
