Why Star Trek’s Next Film Needs a Heist Twist

Paramount has enlisted the directing duo responsible for a lesser-known Chris Pine caper to write, direct, and produce the forthcoming Star Trek instalment. The film in question is Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves, with Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley set to inject a distinctly new energy into the long-running series.

Given their track record, it seems only logical that the next chapter should embrace the heist genre—a format that has delivered cinematic gold in the past and one in which these directors excel. Such a shift could breathe new life into Star Trek, which has yet to fully explore the heist thriller territory on the big screen.

Injecting Fresh Energy into a Classic Franchise

Recent Star Trek offerings have struggled to recapture the excitement of earlier years, with projects like Section 31 failing to live up to their initial promise. The tendency towards over-serialisation has left some viewers yearning for the spark that once defined the franchise.

While there have been attempts to innovate, such as the creative direction seen in Strange New Worlds, the cinematic side of Star Trek has been rather quiet since the conclusion of the rebooted trilogy in 2016. A heist narrative, with its endless possibilities set against a cosmic backdrop, could be just the ticket to reignite interest.

Heist Thrillers: A Proven Formula

Thrillers, particularly those centred on high-stakes thefts, have consistently drawn audiences to cinemas. Star Trek has only dabbled in this genre, most notably in Deep Space Nine’s episode Badda-Bing, Badda-Bang—a reference that will resonate with die-hard fans but likely pass others by.

Although Section 31 flirted with heist elements, it ultimately fell flat as a Star Trek adventure. With Goldstein and Daley at the helm, there’s every reason to expect a more successful outcome, given their flair for crafting engaging, high-tension stories.

Goldstein and Daley: Masters of the Genre

The pair behind Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves delivered a witty, inventive, and action-packed tale, fronted by Chris Pine, that would translate well to the Star Trek universe. The film, released in 2023, is set in the Forgotten Realms and follows a group of unlikely heroes as they attempt to retrieve a stolen artefact, only to uncover a much larger threat.

Their filmography also includes Game Night, Spider-Man: Homecoming, and Horrible Bosses—each blending action and comedy to great effect. Their upcoming project, Mayday, starring Ryan Reynolds and Kenneth Branagh, has already generated considerable anticipation, despite not yet reaching audiences.

Star Trek’s Heist Potential

With Paramount placing its trust in Goldstein and Daley, the stage is set for a Star Trek film that could finally deliver the high-stakes, adrenaline-fuelled adventure fans have been waiting for. The directors’ knack for balancing humour, action, and inventive storytelling suggests the franchise is in capable hands.

Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves is currently streaming on Paramount+ in the U.S.