Paramount has shuffled the release schedule for several films, including the new Star Trek film, which is good news and bad news for fans.

Bad because the film has been delayed, which will dismay fans eagerly awaiting this Star Trek “reboot” (many do not consider tie-in fiction, be it books or comics to be new Star Trek. Their loss: there are some great books out right now, including the Klingon novel Burning House and the U.S.S. Excelsior book, Forged in Fire).

Good, because it’s an indication that the studio thinks this new film is strong enough to command good box office at a time when it will be up against other franchises and what are known as “tentpole” films studios hope will ensure strong box office.

Originally intended for Christmas Day release, the film is now set US launch on 8 May, 2009.

“Star Trek is moving to summer because its has so much box office potential,” Paramount spokesman Michael Vollman said. “It does not need any script tweaks. They’re two-thirds of the way through shooting, and we would have delivered a great movie at Christmas.”

In a separate development, Paramount has also said it will delay the HD DVD release of Star Trek: The Original Series, Season Two to this summer.

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.

Categories: Film, Star Trek