Trek XI Poster Inspiring Speculation, Imitation, Parody...and even a Hoax
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
It has been 10 days since Paramount announced the first teaser poster for Star Trek XI. This was big news and has been picked up all over the world in both the geekerazzi and the mainstream media, even Christianity Today. Most of the news analysis came to the same conclusion as the Trek XI Report, that the poster is an indication the new film will be 'old school Trek' from the TOS era. Now Playing Magazine puts it succinctly: "The Trek poster would seem to indicate that the new film will return to the era of the original Kirk and Spock adventures" obviously picking up on the two major clues, the insignia (only used on the Original Series) and the colors (matching Kirk and Spock's uniforms). But of course being about Star Trek...the speculation doesn't end there.
JJ wont wont say, but the colors dont lieSpeculating boldly
Trek fans are of course known for their keen eye in spotting the most minute things in their favorite franchise, so it is no surprise that the Trek XI Poster has sparked heated discussions all over the internet; such as those on IMDB, StarTrek.com, TrekBBS, TrekWeb and elsewhere. There is universal agreement that the poster has essentially confirmed the rumors about a TOS era film with Kirk and Spock. In addition many (like TrekWeb's CapricornTwo) have noted the use the specific insignia of the USS Enterprise (during the Original show each Starship had its own insignia, in later shows and the movies a single insignia was worn by all...although the insignia changed over time). This leads to speculating that the poster indicates that the good ol NNC-1701 will be the setting for the movie, perhaps showing the launching of Captain Kirk's 5 year mission. On the other hand, CHain at ST.com suggested that the old style logo confirmed rumors that the setting would be at Starfleet Academy with a younger 'Cadet Kirk'. Others seem to buy into the Enterprise being the setting but suggest it may be one of Kirk's predesessors in the big chair (Captain Pike or possible even Captain April). Even more speculative is the notion (profferred by TrekBBS's Iceburgeruk) that the colors not only reveal Spock being in the film, but the percentage of blue being larger than that of gold implied that Dr. McCoy (who also wore blue) would be in the film. And then there is TrekToday's Reviewer and Writer Michelle Erica Green who has our favorite bit of (tongue in cheek) speculation: The blue comes down beneath the insignia at sort of an angle, kind of like a slash. So I think the new movie will be the Kirk/Spock love story we've all been waiting for", referring to the king of all 'slash' fanfiction .
Imitation is the sincerest form of flatery
Not only are Trekkies excellent nitpickers, they can be quite imaginative and creative...just look at the entries from this month's Trek Art Contest at the TrekBBS. So when some fans saw the new poster their first reaction was to fire up Photoshop and get cracking.
ST.com member Adam Murguia seems to think he can do a better job than Paramount...you be the judge:
[NEW]TrekBBSer dukesman picks up on the Matt Damon rumor and runs with it:
Tony (aka NextWave) has sent the Trek Report his alternative version of the poster using the insignia from one of the alternate reality/future episodes.
Another artist inspired to create alternatives based on other Trek shows and possible futures took it a step further. Somoene calling himself 'ParamountSpy' on TrekBBS tried to suggest Paramount was planning a series of teasers using various insignia, claiming to be 'leaking' insider info and artwork. Eventually he admitted they were fakes, but that hasn't stopped many fans from using the designs as their avatars
And Evil Kirkneivel at TrekBBS has tried put together all known facts to come up with a different take altogether .
One thing is for sure, people are talking about the new movie. A Trek insider tells the Trek XI Report that all the theories and imitations and discussions are quite welcome, saying "we invite the speculation, the more the better". Well it is clear that Paramount got what they wanted...the buzz machine on Star Trek XI is in full swing. We can't wait to see what is next.
If there is anything we missed...let us know by making a comment or sending us a tip
with thanks to the people and sites noted above as well as Memory Alpha and Spike's Trek Page for research on Trek lore.
posted by Tony P @ 3:49 PM,
6 Comments:
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At 4:03 PM,
said...
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A Trek insider tells the Trek XI Report that all the theories and imitations and discussions are quite welcome, saying "we invite the speculation, the more the better".
Is that because they want validation that they are headed in the right direction, or is the spin cycle being used to generate some ideas for the writers? Just askin' ;) -
At 4:44 PM,
Tony P said...
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the impression I get is that they are happy to see Trek getting 'buzz' and people talking about it again. the 'what does it mean?' and 'will there be a new kirk' and 'who will be Kirk' type of stuff all adds to the buzz.
as for the writers, I believe they already have their story worked out...dont think they are checking the fan community every day to decide which way to go...in fact JJ Abrams has been explicit that Trek XI is not just for the hardcore Trek fans and that he is not going to be 'pandering' to the fanbase -
At 6:14 PM,
said...
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Someone speculated a so called Love Story between Kirk and Spock?
Whats this....? A spin from Brokeback Mountain? Lets sincerely hope not...
Now...if they were to explore the inner dynamics of how they were such
a good team then perhaps their might be a story there but lets hope its not just a thinnly cloaked vail.
Likewise...if a good story was told on how all the characters interacted with each other along with a killer story then we're all in for a well awaited ride.
Paramount finally wised up and ditched Rick Berman as anything it could ever bring to Star Trek would be DOA and not worthy of any money or consideration on anybodys behalf. -
At 10:51 PM,
said...
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I watched The Cage tonight on G4 and its the first time I recall them using
(rather showing) clips of the whole episode in a rather careless manner.
Yeah....I know its been shown before in its entirety but it was ruined to
a small degree with the side scrolling and smaller picture.
Also....I myself have never heard how the tholosians (however its spelled?) were originally meant to be heard and G4 actually alternated between the dubbed voices and the original - it was very interesting!
The original pilot was uncluttered and simple which made it easier to watch and identify with. I hope that
JJ Abrams follows along the line of this pilot since if given the proper
treatment (story) character development and budget.
Wouldn't be fine if Paramount and the director chose to go full scale and make this film a Imax?
Good too would be IF he allowed fan input as the story developed. The studio wouldn't have any excuse for a poorly written film that way but we all know thats beyond reality. -
At 3:32 AM,
said...
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in fact JJ Abrams has been explicit that Trek XI is not just for the hardcore Trek fans and that he is not going to be 'pandering' to the fanbase
Ya know that made me chuckle. One writer's pandering is another writer's fan input, and you know who I mean. Seriously, I certainly agree about going beyond the hardcore. -
At 5:41 PM,
said...
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I think Trek XI should not have input from fans. I think part of the reason why Enterprise failed is because Berman and Braga were trying too hard to make a show that (in their mind) fans would love, instead of having a passion and personal investment in the story. If JJ Abrams can make this work, more power to him. You can't make a show/movie simply to please people. The best movies are ones that are made by people with a personal vision. And those people are ones who fight against the corporate heads FOR their vision. The past two movies, and Enterprise...Berman and Braga had too much influence by Paramount, and too much influence by the fans. Those things added together are doomed to failure.
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