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As Jar Jar Abrams

JJ Abrams, also known in the PCW community as Jar Jar Abrams, is the founder of film studio Bad Robot, also known in the PCW community as Bad Reboot. He is notable in the fandom and pop culture community due to having worked on both big sci fi shows, Star Trek and Star Wars , as well as many other fandom projects.

He most notably deals with pre-existing franchises and is also known for his overuse of "mystery boxes" in his stories.

He directed the Star Trek film in 2009, as well as the worse Star Trek: Into Darkness later on. He did not return to direct the third film, Star Trek: Beyond. While some Trekkies did not like these films, they could hardly argue that they ruined the Star Trek franchise since they weren't woke, and they also explicitly took place in an entirely different universe and continuity from the original series, so nothing in this Kelvin Timeline could impact the original events or canon.

His most notable contribution to the fall of Star Trek, however, was collaboration with Secret Hideout and Alex Kurtzman during the making of these movies. This connection between the two led directly to Secret Hideout's contract with CBS and thus Alex Kurtzman being the director of all NuTrek , starting with Discovery.

Abrams was brought on by Kathleen Kennedy to direct the Sequel Trilogy movie Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which he did in his usual style. He did not direct the second movie, which was directed by Rian Johnson. When another director dropped out of making the third film, The Rise of Skywalker, he was brought on again, but creative differences he had with Rian's movie, The Last Jedi, and the lack of a cohesive plan for the Sequel Trilogy caused him to retcon a lot from that movie, with the retconning taking up a significant portion of his own movie. In the end, the movie turned out to be a plot hole ridden trainwreck that derailed the Star Wars franchise, and leading fans to turn away unless the sequel trilogy is erased.

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Star Trek Into Darkness

After the crew of the Enterprise find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one-man weapon of mass ... Read all After the crew of the Enterprise find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one-man weapon of mass destruction. After the crew of the Enterprise find an unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization, Captain Kirk leads a manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one-man weapon of mass destruction.

• J.J. Abrams
• Roberto Orci
• Alex Kurtzman
• Damon Lindelof
• Zachary Quinto
• Zoe Saldana
• 1.3K User reviews
• 589 Critic reviews
• 72 Metascore
• 7 wins & 58 nominations total

• (as Zoë Saldana)

• Spock Prime

• Carol Marcus

• Thomas Harewood

• Rima Harewood

• Ensign Brackett

• Lieutenant Chapin

• Ensign Froman
• (as Jonathan H. Dixon)

• Navigation Officer Darwin
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• Trivia Leonard Nimoy 's final film role (and by extension, his final time portraying Spock) before his death on February 27, 2015 at the age of 83. It's also the first in the Star Trek franchise (either movie or TV series) after the death of Majel Barrett .
• Goofs (at around 1h 24 mins) While planning the space jump, Sulu's display incorrectly labels the Enterprise as NCC/0514, which is the registry for the USS Kelvin from Star Trek (2009) . It should read NCC/1701.

James T. Kirk : The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

Spock : An Arabic proverb attributed to a prince who was betrayed and decapitated by his own subjects.

James T. Kirk : Well, still, it's a hell of a quote.

• Crazy credits There are no opening credits in the film except for the title card, making this the third consecutive Star Trek film that does not list its cast at the beginning.
• Connections Featured in The One Show: Episode #7.133 (2012)
• Soundtracks Theme from 'Star Trek' TV Series Written by Alexander Courage & Gene Roddenberry

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• May 16, 2013 (United States)
• United States
• Official Facebook
• Star Trek 2
• The Getty Center - 1200 Getty Center Drive, Brentwood, Los Angeles, California, USA (Star Fleet Headquarters)
• Paramount Pictures
• Skydance Media
• See more company credits at IMDbPro
• $190,000,000 (estimated)
• $228,778,661
• $70,165,559
• May 19, 2013
• $467,365,246

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• Runtime 2 hours 12 minutes
• Dolby Digital
• Dolby Atmos
• IMAX 6-Track
• Dolby Surround 7.1

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15 Years Ago, J.J. Abrams Broke — And Then Saved — the Star Trek Universe

Star Trek is the rare sexy reboot that actually helped its flailing franchise.

The late 2000s suffered from a sci-fi vacuum, at least when it came to mainstream franchises. The Star Wars saga had seemingly ended (save for animated fare like The Clone Wars ), and its biggest competitor, Star Trek, wasn’t faring too well either. It had been years since a new Trek series had captured the public imagination, and the fandom was running on nostalgic fumes.

Many recognizable properties have done more with less , and there’s nothing inherently wrong with using nostalgia to give a big intellectual property a second life. But in 2009, Star Trek chose to go a different way. J.J. Abrams — then best known for Alias and Lost — was chosen to reboot Star Trek on the big screen.

Rather than turning to the franchise’s expansive lore, Abrams’ take on Trek was much more dynamic. The non-stop, manic action he’d tested in Mission: Impossible 3 was on full display in Star Trek , albeit filtered through a glossier lens. It felt like Abrams came into his own with this outing; the director angled for a cool, modern reboot that seemed in line with the revisionist stylings of 2008’s Iron Man . He delivered in spades thanks to some much-memed lens flare, an alternate-history angle, and some late-aughts sex appeal.

In hindsight, Star Trek is the quintessential sexy reboot. Trek has never shied away from romantic tension, nor have its shows neglected to capitalize on the inherent appeal of its most popular characters. Still, the 2009 film had the juice to attract a younger audience, one that had never approached the final frontier from such an earnest perspective.

Star Trek’ s updated cast brought the property into the 21st century without stepping on the original’s toes.

Star Trek went out of its way to recast its core group in the image of the era, tapping bombastic, lithe actors on the cusp of fame. It even featured a few almost-sex scenes, a rarity for the franchise. But it was all a ploy to contextualize the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise anew, giving them modern sensibilities and more “human” desires. This updated cast was hot, but also hot-blooded. They felt things more deeply than their predecessors in The Original Series, and that extended to love and sex as much as their first mission.

Abrams has always introduced characters with visceral, masterful skill, and it’s no different here. He positions James T. Kirk (Chris Pine), known to most as the steadfast captain of the Enterprise , as the last person who should be granted a leadership role. He’s cavalier, headstrong, and suffering from serious daddy issues, the complete inverse of his future First Officer, Spock (Zachary Quinto). Their first brush at Starfleet Academy is framed as a blip, but they have many more opportunities to clash — and inspire a fervent new wave of fanfiction — in the adventure to come.

What makes Star Trek such a compelling reboot is its freedom from canon . The story begins when a Romulan ship accidentally drifts into a wormhole, creating a branched timeline and altering events diehard Trek fans know by heart. “Whatever our lives might have been,” Spock says, “our destinies have changed.” That’s as concerning as it is exhilarating; none of our heroes are safe. By that logic, though, they also feel more alive than ever before.

There’s an urgency to Star Trek’s character dynamics that brings some much-needed friction to the franchise.

Kirk doesn’t come to captain the Enterprise or befriend Spock in the way anyone expects, but there’s still an inevitability to the adventure that unfolds. Watching this cast gravitate towards one other and fit together in different ways is satisfying whether you’re familiar with canon or not. Their sex appeal is, again, helpful, as it brings a steamy friction to the screen. But each cast member is dialed in: they bring desire and urgency to every beat, be it a mile-a-minute action piece or a quiet bonding moment between frenemies.

Star Trek is charged from top to bottom, and it’s just as concerned with meaningful character development as high-tech space battles. You can’t get a new generation to invest in a franchise without giving them something to care about, and Abrams — with the help of screenwriters Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman — understood that better than most. Star Trek reminds us that these heroes bleed, love, and make mistakes. In bringing the Enterprise crew back to square one, the film also resets the stakes. That instinct restored the beating heart of a franchise that was close to fading into legend, and gave everyone something tangible to root for.

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Star trek's coolest new vehicle has a surprising connection to jj abrams' 2009 movie.

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Star Trek Reveals Data's Kryptonite, Turning His Massive Intelligence into a Weakness

Star trek’s prequel movie can answer first contact’s 30 year old questions, star trek's best doctor who crossover is strange new worlds.

• JJ Abrams revamped Star Trek in 2009, introducing the Jellyfish ship to help kick off a new timeline.
• Geordi La Forge's Sailfish prototype, debuting in Star Trek Annual 2024, connects to the Jellyfish.
• The Romulan Supernova is hinted at in IDW's Star Trek comics, leading to Spock's use of the Jellyfish.

Warning: contains spoilers for Star Trek Annual 2024!

The Sailfish is the coolest new vehicle in the Star Trek universe, and it has a surprising connection to JJ Abrams’ 2009 reboot. JJ Abrams’ was brought on board to help retool Star Trek for a new generation. The movie significantly updated Star Trek’s look, introducing some sleek new ships, one of which was the “Jellyfish.” Now, Star Trek Annual 2024 reveals the Sailfish’s connection to the Jellyfish.

Star Trek Annual 2024 is written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly and drawn by Rachael Stott. Data and O’Brien have tracked Lore to Farius Prime, where they encounter the remnants of the Red Path.

After fighting off their attackers, they are rescued by Geordi La Forge , who is piloting a slick-looking new spacecraft called Sailfish.

A text piece, made to resemble a Starfleet briefing, reveals the Sailfish is La Forge’s new pet project, and is a prototype for a more advanced craft, still on the drawing board: the Jellyfish.

JJ Abrams Breathed New Life Into the Star Trek Universe in 2009

The jellyfish helped launch a new star trek timeline.

To help work around decades of continuity, Abrams and his collaborators opted to create a new Star Trek timeline, where they could tell new stories without treading over what came before. The writers then needed a way to create this new timeline. To this end, Spock, in an experimental ship, tries to stop the Romulan Supernova , but instead is thrown back in time. The ship was unique, unlike any other Starfleet vessel fans had seen. While it did not receive a name in any of the films, behind the scenes material called it “the Jellyfish.”

The 2009 Star Trek film also did not give any background information on the Jellyfish, but licensed tie-in media, such as novels and comics, have filled in some of the gaps. The miniseries Countdown , a prologue to the film released by IDW, revealed that Geordi La Forge had a hand in building the Jellyfish. While this was not in any canon materials, fans have nevertheless latched on to the idea. Star Trek Annual 2024 not only confirms La Forge built it, but he also created a prototype as well: the Sailfish.

The Romulan Supernova Is Coming--And Spock Will Need Help to Stop It

The jellyfish will become one of star trek's most important ships.

IDW’s Star Trek comics are slowly building to the events that led Spock to use the Jellyfish in the first place.

IDW’s Star Trek comics are slowly building to the events that led Spock to use the Jellyfish in the first place. Star Trek : Defiant has dropped hints that the Romulan Supernova is beginning to build. Spock has noticed, but is keeping it to himself for the time being. How the Sailfish will factor into later stories, if at all, remains to be seen, but it will no doubt come onto Spock’s radar. However, the Sailfish has a great destiny ahead of it, paving the way for the Jellyfish, which helps kick off JJ Abrams’ 2009 movie.

Star Trek Annual 2024 is on sale now from IDW Publishing!

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J.J. Abrams teases the return of his original cast in new Star Trek film

Maureen Lee Lenker is a senior writer at Entertainment Weekly with over seven years of experience in the entertainment industry. An award-winning journalist, she's written for Turner Classic Movies, Ms. Magazine , The Hollywood Reporter , and more. She's worked at EW for six years covering film, TV, theater, music, and books. The author of EW's quarterly romance review column, "Hot Stuff," Maureen holds Master's degrees from both the University of Southern California and the University of Oxford. Her debut novel, It Happened One Fight , is now available. Follow her for all things related to classic Hollywood, musicals, the romance genre, and Bruce Springsteen.

Star Trek is ready to boldly go where they've gone three times before.

On Tuesday, J.J. Abrams announced plans for a fourth Star Trek film at the Paramount Investors Day presentation. The film will be directed by Matt Shakman ( WandaVision ) with Abrams producing, and the aim is to bring back many of Abrams' original stars from his 2009 reboot of the long-running franchise.

"We are thrilled to say that we are hard at work on a new Star Trek film that will be shooting by the end of the year that will be featuring our original cast and some new characters that I think are going to be really fun and exciting and help take Star Trek into areas that you've just never seen before," Abrams said. "We're thrilled about this film, we have a bunch of other stories that we're talking about that we think will be really exciting, so can't wait for you to see what we're cooking up. But until then, live long and prosper."

However, EW has learned that the studio has yet to enter negotiations with that original cast at this juncture. The cast features a litany of high profile names, including Chris Pine as Captain Kirk, Zachary Quinto as Spock, Zoe Saldana as Uhura, John Cho as Sulu, Karl Urban as Bones, and Simon Pegg as Scotty. Anton Yelchin , who featured as Chekhov in Abrams' previous three entries , died in 2016 before the previous film in the franchise, Star Trek Beyond , hit theaters.

The new film will feature a screenplay by Josh Friedman ( Avatar 2 ) and Cameron Squires ( WandaVision ) based on a earlier draft by Lindsey Beer ( Sierra Burgess Is a Loser ) and Geneva Robertson-Dworet ( Captain Marvel ).

With his 2009 film, Abrams reset the Star Trek timeline, originally established in Gene Roddenberry's 1960s groundbreaking sci-fi television series. He followed it up with 2013's Star Trek Into Darkness, but the last time the characters' were seen on the big screen was in 2016's Star Trek Beyond, which Abrams produced with Justin Lin directing.

Plans to bring them back — including a 2018 announced sequel set to team Pine with Kirk's late father as portrayed by Chris Hemsworth in the 2009 film — have stuttered along the way. For a time, Quentin Tarantino was even circling a project .

Of late, Star Trek fans have turned back to television for new content on series Picard and Star Trek Discovery.

Want more movie news? Sign up for Entertainment Weekly 's free newsletter to get the latest trailers, celebrity interviews, film reviews, and more.

Related content:

• See Whoopi Goldberg reprise her beloved Star Trek role as Guinan on Picard
• Sonequa Martin-Green takes the chair as captain in Star Trek: Discovery season 4 trailer
• Star Trek Beyond: Where does Star Trek go?

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JJ Abrams Announces New ‘Star Trek’ Film, Shooting Set to Begin This Year

Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto and the entire reboot cast is set to return with Matt Shakman directing

It has been six years since “Star Trek” fans have seen the USS Enterprise on the big screen, but they will soon get to see it again as producer JJ Abrams announced at ViacomCBS’ investor presentation that his studio Bad Robot is getting set to shoot the fourth installment in the “Trek” reboot film series. Matt Shakman, the veteran TV director whose credits include “Game of Thrones” and the hit Marvel series “WandaVision,” will direct the upcoming film with the entire reboot cast in talks to return, including Chris Pine as Captain James T. Kirk and Zachary Quinto as Commander Spock as well as Karl Urban, Zoe Saldana, John Cho and Simon Pegg.

“We are thrilled to say that we are hard at work on a new ‘Star Trek’ film that will be shooting by the end of the year that will be featuring our original cast and some new characters that I think are going to be really fun and exciting and help take ‘Star Trek’ into areas that you’ve just never seen before,” Abrams said. “We’re thrilled about this film, we have a bunch of other stories that we’re talking about that we think will be really exciting so can’t wait for you to see what we’re cooking up. But until then, live long and prosper.” The “Star Trek” reboot series — known as the Kelvin Timeline in “Trek” lore — began in 2009 with an origin film directed by Abrams that told the story of how Kirk became the captain of the Enterprise, followed by the sequels “Into Darkness” in 2013 and “Beyond” in 2016. The fourth installment will be the first since the passing of Anton Yelchin, who played Chekov in the series.

Gerald W. Abrams

Gerald W. Abrams ( born 26 September 1939 ; age 84) is an Emmy Award-nominated television producer and the father of Star Trek and Star Trek Into Darkness director J.J. Abrams . He appeared in Star Trek as a barfly , along with his son's father-in-law, James H. McGrath, Jr. He and McGrath later appeared as Starfleet admirals at the memorial service in the closing scenes of 2013's follow-up Star Trek Into Darkness .

Abrams began his career in television as an account executive with local New York City CBS -owned WCBS-TV in 1965. In 1971, he became general manager of KCBS, a CBS-owned station in Los Angeles, California.

In 1973, Abrams joined The Jozak Company as Vice President of Creative Affairs. During this time, he served as an associate producer, executive producer, or producer on several made-for-TV movies and mini-series, often in collaboration with Paramount Television .

Some of Abrams' producer credits at The Jozak Company included It Couldn't Happen to a Nicer Guy (starring Paul Sorvino ), Winner Takes All (starring Laurence Luckinbill ), Katherine (starring Jane Wyatt ), James Dean (directed by Robert Butler and starring Stephen McHattie and Meg Foster ), Red Alert (starring Adrienne Barbeau ), Steeletown (starring Bibi Besch ), and the Having Babies trilogy.

In 1978, Abrams formed his own company, Cypress Point Productions. Movies he produced under this moniker included Flesh & Blood (directed by Jud Taylor ), Letters from Frank (featuring Gail Strickland ), Act of Love (directed by Jud Taylor and starring Robert Foxworth and David Spielberg ), and Scorned and Swindled (starring Keith Carradine and Fionnula Flanagan ). He was also a production consultant on the 1982 telefilm A Woman Called Golda , which starred Leonard Nimoy .

In July 1985, Abrams formed Phoenix Entertainment Group (PEG), through which he produced the mini-series Monte Carlo (starring Joan Collins and Malcolm McDowell ), A Father's Revenge (which featured Joanna Cassidy ), and Street of Dreams (starring Michael Cavanaugh and Diane Salinger ). In 1989, PEG was acquired by The Hearst Corporation and renamed Hearst Entertainment Productions. In 1990, Abrams received his first Emmy Award nomination for executive producing the TV movie Family of Spies , which featured Gordon Clapp and Ken Jenkins .

Abrams executive produced a number of documentary movies and TV programs during the mid-to-late 1990s, including the series Portraits of Courage , hosted by Ben Vereen . Abrams has also been executive producing the History Channel series Modern Marvels .

Abrams continues producing TV movies through his Cypress Point Productions. He executive produced two productions starring Christopher Plummer : the 2000 mini-series Nuremberg and the 2005 movie Four Minutes . His work on the former earned Abrams his second Emmy Award nomination. His other recent producer credits include Out of the Ashes (directed by Joseph Sargent ) and The Mystery of Natalie Wood (featuring Alice Krige ).

References [ ]

• Gerald W. Abrams bio at J-J-Abrams.com

External links [ ]

• Gerald W. Abrams at Wikipedia
• Gerald W. Abrams at the Internet Movie Database
• Gerald W. Abrams at Wookiepedia , the encyclopedia of the Star Wars Saga
• 1 Daniels (Crewman)
• 3 Star Trek: Prodigy

In defense of the J.J. Abrams Star Trek movies

J.J. Abrams' Star Trek movies dared to go boldly go where 'some men' had gone before.

For a fanbase as passionate as the one Star Trek has collected over the years, change is often met with collective suspicion rather than communal excitement.

Star Trek is sacred, and those who cut their teeth on the William Shatner -starring original series or the much loved Next Generation are fiercely protective of their darling franchise. Anyone brave enough to reimagine the series for new audiences has a cosmically high bar to leap, with many believing the task to be a no-win scenario (a ' kobayashi maru ', perhaps?).

In the age of remakes, remasters and reimaginings, Star Trek has seen numerous iterations of its winning formula, some garnering success and others catastrophic failure. Losses be damned, though, as when it does succeed, the seasoned sci-fi franchise does so in spectacular fashion.

While shows like Discovery and Lower Decks take us to a new branch of Starfleet or a new story in the Star Trek universe, the 2009 self-titled film tackles the Kirk and Spock story head on, and it's bravery is rewarded. The 2009 film is a masterclass in contemporary science fiction, and by building Kirk and Spock respectively and setting them for a collision course in the film's opening act, it reminds us of the pair's polarizing differences, as well as their critical similarities.

It’s a new Star Trek for a new audience, and in forging something fitting for the current climate of films and media it’s crucial that the seasoned franchise makes small, yet significant differences to ensure that new releases don’t feel like a relic from the past.

Leap Before You Look 

The success of the Star Trek license has been a result of a winning formula; one that’s sure to capture the hearts of many, and - critically - is future-proofed to continue to appeal to new fans. J.J. Abrams and Bad Robot Productions didn’t do away with what made the original series special (unlike some sci-fi properties), instead they reflected on the past and evolved them significantly. Thus, the Kelvin timeline was born.

Old friends and new alliances prop up the plot of the first in the trilogy, and the familiar face of series icon Leonard Nimoy is simply a wonderful wrinkle that pays dividends. The passing of the torch from Nimoy to Quinto was simply excellent, and though the role was somewhat short-lived for the Heroes actor, it was more than prosperous as his performance as the stoic, yet compassionate Spock impressed critics and fans alike. In fact, it's hard to pluck a bad or out of place performance from the entire trilogy, as the glut of talented actors presented offer some of their best to date. 

It has to be said, however, that though the performances remain top notch, it's evident that some of the magic is lost as the trilogy develops. Into Darkness reintroduces us to an iconic villain but lacks the emotional weight of the first and while Beyond provides more of the USS Enterprise crew that we’ve come to love, it does have an air of the 'soulless Summer blockbuster' feel to it. What makes the trilogy more than a one hit wonder is Abrams and co’s ability to develop authentic, grounded and human character quirks for a whole host of personalities that are often anything but.

Star Trek Into Darkness was largely a victim of a poor release window. Set out into a world cluttered by cookie-cutter offerings in the MCU like Ironman 3 and lackluster Shyamalan sci-fi attempts like After Earth, the consensus was that it didn’t offer much that the scores of other summer blockbusters didn’t. It’s a great film, and a continuation of a story that thoroughly deserved another chapter in the tale. The chemistry of the Enterprise crew is as good as it’s ever been and the injection of a menacing villain was a much needed correction to the only significant flaw of the first film.

Beyond was helmed by Justin Lin of Fast and Furious fame, and while he brought his own flavour to the franchise (and far fewer lense flares), it saw our heroes depart on a fun --albeit linear-- adventure that served as a platform for the already-developed characters to flourish. No origin story was necessary to maintain the viewers’ attention, as the chemistry that three films across seven years had forged between the actors and their respective roles.

Furthermore, the somewhat vague reports of Quentin Tarantino circling the Star Trek IP is enticing to anyone familiar with his previous work, and though many believe the recent trilogy to be concluded, there's always a possibility of a continuation, and the Pulp Fiction director's supposed interest is enough to garner more than a little excitement. Will it happen? Who knows, but it's enough to make keen cinephiles (Star Trek fan or not) curious.

The trilogy is flawed, yes, but with the franchise providing less-than-stellar action sequences and over the top acting in decades past, it's clear to viewers that Star Trek wears its flaws on its sleeve. In truth, most of said viewers would find such blemishes charming rather than distracting, and a reminder that the franchise has always blazed new trails rather than retreading old ones. 

Like James T. Kirk and his father before him, Star Trek is a franchise that always leaps before it looks, which has resulted in a few harsh lessons and more than a few home runs. A quick glance at our Star Trek movies, ranked worst to best article will show that when J.J was firing on all cylinders, his Trek movies were up there with the best of them.

To Boldly Go... 

Nostalgia is a frightfully difficult impulse to overcome. When we find something we love in fiction, the characters, its stories and the adventures that they take us on are forever etched into our minds, only maturing with age to the point where the rose-tinted spectacles are in full effect.

To many, Star Trek was the first series that took our impressionable minds to the moon and back, providing hours of escapism amongst the stars and allowing us a glimpse at what the future could be like.

As the swinging 60's stretch further into the rear view mirror and Star Trek's humble beginnings feel even more humble in comparison to modern CGI, the JJ Abrams-produced  trilogy is proof that, in the face of immense adversity, the franchise still has more to give.

Abrams' take on the seasoned sci-fi franchise provides bright-eyed viewers of today the opportunity to feel the same way our parents and grandparents felt the first time their screen was graced by the frightful Gorn or the sinister Khan. It's made Star Trek fans of the sons and daughters of those faithful Trekkies from decades past, which is all the evidence you need to believe that J.J. Abrams created something truly special.

If you're looking to revisit the latest Star Trek trilogy, check out our Star Trek streaming guide to find out where you can watch the movies online. And if you're wondering where the Kelvin movies fit into the rest of the Trek timeline, well it's complicated, but our Star Trek movies in chronological order guide explains it all.

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45 Facts About J.J. Abrams

Written by Maddy Hammock

Modified & Updated: 01 Jun 2024

Reviewed by Sherman Smith

J.J. Abrams is a name that has become synonymous with Hollywood blockbusters and groundbreaking television shows. As a filmmaker, writer, and producer, Abrams has made a significant impact on popular culture with his unique storytelling style and ability to captivate audiences. With a career spanning over three decades, Abrams has brought us iconic franchises like Star Wars and Star Trek, as well as hit television series like Lost and Alias.

In this article, we will delve into 45 interesting facts about J.J. Abrams, shedding light on his life, career, and creative genius . From his early beginnings in the entertainment industry to his numerous accolades and successes, we will uncover fascinating details about this acclaimed filmmaker. So, buckle up and prepare to embark on a journey through the gripping world of J.J. Abrams.

Key Takeaways:

• J.J. Abrams is a master storyteller who has redefined Hollywood with his gripping narratives, diverse characters, and innovative approach to filmmaking, captivating audiences across the globe.
• From “Lost” to “Star Wars,” J.J. Abrams’ creative genius and passion for storytelling have reshaped the entertainment industry, leaving an indelible mark on film and television history.

J.J. Abrams was born on June 27, 1966, in New York City, United States.

From a young age, Abrams showed great interest in filmmaking and storytelling, foreshadowing his future success in the industry.

Abrams co-created the famous television series “Lost.”

“Lost” became a cultural phenomenon and established Abrams as a master of gripping and suspenseful storytelling.

He is the creator of the hit television series “Alias.”

Alias ” showcased Abrams’ ability to create complex female characters and incorporate elements of espionage and intrigue into his narratives.

J.J. Abrams directed the highly acclaimed 2009 reboot of the “Star Trek” film franchise.

The film was a commercial and critical success, bringing new life to the beloved sci-fi series.

He went on to direct the equally successful sequel, “Star Trek Into Darkness,” in 2013.

Abrams’ vision for the “Star Trek” franchise garnered praise for its blend of action, humor, and homage to the original series.

J.J. Abrams was handpicked by Disney to direct “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” in 2015.

The film marked the beginning of a new era for the “Star Wars” franchise and broke numerous box office records .

He successfully revived the “Star Wars” franchise with a fresh and exciting storyline.

Abrams’ ability to honor the original characters and appeal to a new generation of fans is evident in the success of his “Star Wars” films.

J.J. Abrams is known for his use of mystery and suspense in his projects.

His stories are often filled with unanswered questions and unexpected twists that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

He co-created the popular television series “Fringe.”

Fringe ” explored the realms of science fiction and addressed complex themes through a captivating narrative.

J.J. Abrams is a master of blending genres.

He seamlessly combines elements of science fiction, action, and drama to create unique and compelling stories.

As a child, Abrams was a fan of the “Star Wars” franchise.

This early love for the series would ultimately inspire him to become one of the directors of the saga.

His production company, Bad Robot Productions, has been involved in the creation of numerous successful films and television shows.

Bad Robot Productions has become synonymous with high-quality entertainment and innovative storytelling.

J.J. Abrams is known for his meticulous attention to detail.

He believes that every aspect of a production, from set design to sound editing, contributes to the overall storytelling experience.

He often incorporates nostalgic elements into his projects.

Abrams frequently pays homage to classic films and television shows that have inspired him throughout his career.

J.J. Abrams is an executive producer of the hit television series “Westworld.”

Westworld” explores themes of consciousness and artificial intelligence in a thought-provoking and thrilling manner.

He has collaborated with renowned composer Michael Giacchino on multiple projects.

Their collaboration has resulted in memorable and powerful musical scores that enhance the emotional impact of Abrams’ storytelling.

J.J. Abrams is known for his use of lens flares in his films.

This unique visual style has become a trademark of his work, adding a touch of visual flair to his scenes.

He was selected to direct the highly anticipated “Star Wars: Episode IX,” completing the sequel trilogy.

Abrams was entrusted with concluding the epic Skywalker saga , a testament to his talent and ability to handle beloved franchises.

J.J. Abrams has been involved in the creation of successful television series such as “Person of Interest” and “Alias.”

His knack for crafting complex and engaging narratives has made him sought after by networks and audiences alike.

He is a recipient of numerous awards, including Emmy Awards and Saturn Awards.

Abrams’ contributions to the entertainment industry have been recognized and celebrated by his peers.

J.J. Abrams has a fascination with mysteries and the unexplained.

His interest in the unknown often translates into captivating storytelling that keeps audiences guessing until the end.

He made his directorial debut with the film “Mission: Impossible III” in 2006.

Abrams’ fresh take on the action-packed franchise revitalized the series and set the stage for his future successes.

J.J. Abrams is a skilled screenwriter, having penned scripts for many of his own projects.

His ability to craft engaging dialogue and compelling storylines is evident in his body of work.

He is known for his collaborative approach to filmmaking.

Abrams values the input and contributions of his team, recognizing that the best ideas often come from a collective effort.

J.J. Abrams’ films often feature strong and complex female characters.

He strives to create empowering roles for women in his narratives, challenging stereotypes and promoting equality.

He served as a writer and executive producer for the critically acclaimed television series “Lost.”

Abrams’ involvement in the show helped lay the foundation for its success and lasting impact.

J.J. Abrams has a reputation for keeping plot details of his projects under tight wraps.

He believes in the power of surprise and wants audiences to experience his stories without prior knowledge.

He has a love for storytelling across different mediums.

In addition to film and television, Abrams has dabbled in writing novels and creating interactive video games.

J.J. Abrams is known for his use of unconventional camera angles and dynamic cinematography.

This innovative approach adds a layer of visual interest and uniqueness to his projects.

He is a fan of puzzle-solving and often incorporates elements of mystery into his narratives.

Abrams enjoys challenging his audience and leaving them with unanswered questions to ponder.

J.J. Abrams has a passion for technology and its potential to enhance storytelling.

He embraces advancements in visual effects and utilizes them to create immersive and captivating worlds.

He has a close working relationship with actor and collaborator Greg Grunberg.

Grunberg has appeared in several of Abrams’ projects, including “Alias,” “Star Trek,” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens .

J.J. Abrams’ work often explores themes of redemption and the power of friendship.

His characters embark on transformative journeys that test their beliefs and forge deep connections with one another.

He is a master of building suspense through expert pacing and timing.

Abrams knows how to keep audiences engaged by skillfully revealing information at just the right moment.

J.J. Abrams is known for his attention to character development.

He creates multidimensional and relatable characters that audiences can connect with on a personal level.

He has been praised for his ability to successfully reboot beloved franchises.

Abrams understands the importance of preserving the essence of the original while infusing new life and fresh ideas.

J.J. Abrams has an impressive roster of frequent collaborators.

From actors to writers, he values the talents of those he works with and often invites them to join him on multiple projects.

He has a passion for exploration and the unknown.

This fascination with the mysteries of the universe often finds its way into his narratives, adding depth and intrigue.

J.J. Abrams has the ability to blend emotional depth with thrilling action sequences.

His stories resonate with audiences on an emotional level while providing exciting and adrenaline-pumping moments.

He is known for his hands-on approach to filmmaking.

Abrams is involved in every aspect of the production process, ensuring that his vision is realized onscreen.

J.J. Abrams is a master of creating unforgettable moments.

From shocking plot twists to powerful character interactions, his stories are filled with memorable and impactful scenes.

He values the importance of diversity in storytelling.

Abrams strives to include diverse perspectives and voices in his projects, creating more inclusive and representative narratives.

J.J. Abrams’ films often feature stunning visual effects.

He utilizes cutting-edge technology to bring his imaginative worlds to life, immersing audiences in breathtaking cinematic experiences.

He has a talent for crafting epic opening sequences that instantly grab the audience’s attention.

Abrams understands the importance of setting the tone and hooking viewers right from the start.

J.J. Abrams continues to push boundaries and challenge storytelling conventions.

His innovative approach and passion for creating captivating narratives have solidified his status as a true visionary in the entertainment industry.

These 45 facts about J.J. Abrams only scratch the surface of the incredible achievements and talents of this creative genius. Whether he’s directing, producing, or writing, Abrams consistently delivers compelling stories that captivate audiences worldwide.

In conclusion, J.J. Abrams is without a doubt a major force in the entertainment industry. With his unique storytelling abilities, innovative directing style, and wide range of successful projects, Abrams has solidified his status as one of Hollywood’s most influential figures. From reviving beloved franchises like Star Wars and Star Trek to creating original and mind-bending television shows like Lost and Alias, Abrams consistently delivers captivating narratives that resonate with audiences around the world. His attention to detail, commitment to character development, and ability to balance suspense and emotion make him a true master of his craft. As fans eagerly await his upcoming projects, it’s clear that J.J. Abrams will continue to leave an indelible mark on the world of film and television for years to come.

Q: What are some of J.J. Abrams’ most well-known projects?

A: J.J. Abrams is known for his work on popular projects such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Star Trek (2009), Lost, Alias, and Mission: Impossible III.

Q: Has J.J. Abrams won any awards for his work?

A: Yes, J.J. Abrams has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including Primetime Emmy Awards, Hugo Awards, and Critics’ Choice Television Awards.

Q: What is J.J. Abrams’ directing style like?

A: J.J. Abrams’ directing style is characterized by his use of dynamic camera work, intense action sequences, and a focus on suspense and mystery.

Q: Has J.J. Abrams ever directed a Star Wars movie?

A: Yes, J.J. Abrams directed Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the first installment of the sequel trilogy, which was lauded by both critics and fans.

Q: Is J.J. Abrams involved in any upcoming projects?

A: Yes, J.J. Abrams has several exciting projects in the works, including producing the highly anticipated television series Lisey’s Story and launching Bad Robot Productions’ partnership with Warner Bros.

Q: What is J.J. Abrams’ approach to storytelling?

A: J.J. Abrams is known for his mystery-driven storytelling approach, often keeping audiences guessing and creating intricate plot twists and reveals throughout his projects.

J.J. Abrams' storytelling prowess extends beyond the facts shared here. His visionary approach to filmmaking continues to captivate audiences worldwide. From his early beginnings in television to his groundbreaking work on iconic franchises, Abrams has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Explore more astonishing facts about this renowned filmmaker and uncover the secrets behind his creative genius. Delve deeper into the mind of J.J. Abrams and discover how he brings his unique vision to life on the big screen. Join us on this exciting journey as we unveil the man behind the camera.

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Star Trek: The Fan Backlash To The J.J. Abrams Films Explained

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Star Trek: When Did Vulcan Become Ni'Var?

The monsterverse has an interesting take on titan names, one mcu box office flop won't get a sequel anytime soon, kevin feige confirms.

When a franchise has been going for a long time, it is bound to fall into certain patterns and clichés. Star Trek is no exception. The program set a precedent for the space-faring science fiction genre (in all forms of media), but it also has a very distinctive style. Each show and movie always offered something new and different, a new take on the same old show.

However, a lot of the themes were still there, making it distinctively Trek. This is why it has maintained an almost cult-like following of Trekkies who love it. Then came along the big budget J.J. Abrams Star Trek films , which received a tremendous amount of pre-existing fan backlash. But why?

RELATED: Star Trek: How This Deep Space 9 Episode Changed The Franchise Forever

The crux of the issue is that, for many Trekkies, these films were not Star Trek movies. Rather, they were science fiction action flicks with pre-existing characters and universe mythology thrown in. A lot of Star Trek might fall into this genre bracket, as the franchise is not afraid of fights, action, drama ( physical and emotional ) and the like. But at its core, Star Trek was always meant to be what became known as "big idea" science fiction.

Rather than it being all about the fight between good and evil, all out warfare and fancy battles, Star Trek primarily used science fiction as a tool to explore and examine important, and often uncomfortable , concepts. Looking over the J.J. Abrams films, it would be easy to switch out the names of characters, ships, and races, for new ones. And it would have been a fairly generic sci-fi action thriller, with no connection to the originals, the very essence of Star Trek missing.

The biggest element that really rubbed fans the wrong way was that Abrams was never a Star Trek fan himself, something he was very open about. This was something he injected into the very fabric of his movies. He tried to make something new and completely different, and consequently left behind a lot of what made the old programs and movies great. He tried framing this as a positive, alienating pre-existing fans to draw in new ones, with promotional taglines such as “this is not your father’s Star Trek! ” He was openly stated that these reboots were meant to distance themselves from the ‘nerdy’ and ‘uncool’ shows of the past, trying to appeal to a whole new and different target audience. The creators of the new films assumed that the pre-existing fans would watch it regardless as it was Star Trek. So, they chose to ignore them and look for fresh blood.

The movies were great action films, but never really even began to understand and show what Star Trek is all about. The best example of this, as pointed out by various fans, is a comparison between the TNG episode “Chain of Command,” an episode critically acclaimed and regarded to be one of the best episodes ever made , and the torture/capture scene from the Kelvin universe version made by Abrams.

In the TNG episode, Picard is captured by the nefarious, Nazi-inspired Cardassians, who proceed to torture him. It's horrifically brutal, but is also an honest, unflinching exploration into the complex physiology of torture. It gets under the surface of the dynamics surrounding the type of person who would be capable of doing such things, as well as what these acts of violence do to both the victim and the perpetrator. It was not something taken lightly by the cast or crew. Patrick Stewart studied interviews with torture survivors and got to know, as best he could, the physical and mental implications of living through the trauma. The episode was fantastic, and truly felt like a brutally honest portrayal of events that happen even today around the world.

In comparison, the Abrams Star Trek film did something similar — at least on paper — where Kirk is captured and tortured by the main villain. However, the whole scene plays out like any other generic action film. Instead of trying to make a meaningful commentary on societies and people that torture, the scene simply serves as a way to show how evil the bad guy is, and how tough and brave the hero is. They hurt Kirk, sure, but they do not break him like they nearly do with Picard. The whole thing is shrugged off like nothing deeply traumatic has happened.

This is just one example of many, but is a prime example of the core issue with the Abrams films, at least in their claim to be Star Trek movies. Star Trek has never shied away from sensitive topics; in fact, broaching them seems to be one of their main objectives. They have always been great at tackling these issues , and they do so in an intelligent and sensitive way. The Abrams films were all about entertainment, with fancy space battles and cool technology. They were a simple good-versus-evil situation lacking all the emotional turmoil, depth, and social commentary Star Trek is known for. They are not bad films by any means, and for those interested in sci-fi action they are a well-recommended watch. But for many fans of Star Trek, they do not deserve to carry the franchise's name.

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Star Trek 4 Gets Candid View from Chris Pine on Budget Issues and Pleasing Fans

Star Trek actor Chris Pine has shared some brutally honest views on the issues that have been facing the potential fourth installment of the rebooted franchise. Fans have been waiting over a decade to see Pine return to the role of Captain Kirk and continue the journey he started all the way back in 2009’s J.J. Abrams reboot, but it has proven to be an almost impossible task to get Star Trek 4 off the ground.

Pine recently made an appearance at ACE Superhero Comic Con, and (via Popverse ) addressed the belief that his Star Trek franchise is now over. While there have still been talks about a new movie going on, there has been nothing to suggest the deadlock of the last several years has been broken, and Pine believes there are two main reasons for this; catering to the wrong audience, and the need for movies to make phenomenal amounts at the box office.

Star Trek 4

Cast Zachary Quinto, Chris Pine, John Cho, Chris Hemsworth

Main Genre Sci-Fi

Genres Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure

Writers Gene Roddenberry, John D. Payne, Patrick McKay

Plot is being kept under wraps. The follow-up to Star Trek: Beyond (2016).

Star Trek Beyond was the third movie to star Pine as Kirk, and after its release in 2016, reviews were not exactly glowing and the box office takings were not out of this world. Despite Star Trek being one of Paramount’s biggest IPs, the idea of continuing this particular branch of the franchise immediately took a beating on the back of that badly received movie. According to Pine, the problem comes down to whom the studios are trying to please…and more importantly, who they are not.

"It was always about getting the audience and building the audience. I think what weve found is that weve captured an audience with the Trek universe that may not have come to us, but generally speaking its the diehards. I think we should make films that appeal to people who want to see the film. Im sick of trying to please people who dont want to see what we do."

Pine ultimately believes that there is one thing that could break the curse of Star Trek 4 and get the movie made. He added:

"I think we just make a much smaller film thats more story-driven, more character-based, theres less sh-t exploding, and maybe do it that way. Also shoot it on film, not digital. And then you have the fanbase. The fanbase has always been very kind to me. Obviously, theres the trolls that lurk on the internet that hate everything, but generally I think people really liked [Star Trek]."

Chris Pine Believes Movie Budgets Are Killing the Industry

In recent years, particularly since the Covid pandemic, scoring a $1 billion hit has been much harder for movie studios. Whether it is a change in the kind of movie that interests audiences, the increased belief that movies come to streaming platforms much quicker than they used to, or just the fabled “fatigue” of many big franchises , something has shifted in how often audiences turn out to cinemas.

For Pine, that causes a problem when it comes to the amount of money that is pumped into making some of the biggest movies, and the pressure that comes with it to then deliver a ridiculously high gross to deem it a success. He said:

"Were at a place where to make a film, you make it for like $500 million. Thats half a billion dollars to make these films that you like. For it to be considered successful and everyone to be paid back, you have to make extraordinary amounts of money. The metrics of it dont seem to make much sense to me."

Star Treks J.J. Abrams Advised Chris Pine to Be Less Shatner While Portraying James T. Kirk

Chris Pine reflects on playing James T. Kirk in the latest Star Trek movies, and the actor acknowledges those wonderful "Shatnerisms."

Of course, not every movie needs to be a $1 billion hit, nor does it need to have a $200 million budget – most of which is usually down to the incredibly high wage bill of a movie’s lead stars – as there have been many more Indie movie success stories in the last several years than ones relating to big IPs, such as last year’s dire results for The Marvels, The Flash and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. If Pine’s vision of a less flashy, less expensive Star Trek sequel does happen, it could go a long way to proving an oft debated point about the true worth of multi-million-dollar blockbusters.