The James T. Kirk depicter says he 'would love to be involved' in the upcoming fourth film, but nothing has been set in stone just yet.
- September 7, 2018
AceShowbiz - Chris Pine has broken his silence regarding his future in the "Star Trek" franchise. It was reported last month that contract negotiations between the actor and the companies behind the upcoming movie fell apart, meaning he has not been locked for "Star Trek 4".
Met at the 43rd annual Toronto International Film Festival which kicked off on September 6, the 38-year-old hunk expressed his interest in returning for the fourth installment. "I don't know, man," Pine vaguely told Variety's reporter. He added though, "I'd love to be involved, and we'll see what happens. I'll await the phone call. Until then, I look forward to it."
Would Chris Pine be interested in being a part of #StarTrek 4? #TIFF18pic.twitter.com/4s3nxMCbtZ
— Variety (@Variety) September 7, 2018
Back in August, it was said that Pine and Chris Hemsworth, who is expected to reprise his role as James' father George Kirk, couldn't come into an agreement with Paramount Pictures and Skydance Media about their contracts for the next installment.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, money was the issue that stalled the dealmaking with Pine and Hemsworth. Both actors were reportedly asking for salaries akin to their A-list status after appearing in DC or Marvel movies. However, Paramount insisted that the "Star Trek" franchise is not comparable to those superhero films and was sticking firm on its budget.
Sources said the actors have deals in place, but the studios are balking on them, asking the actors to take pay cuts following "Star Trek Beyond" which underperformed. Sources noted at the time that despite these setbacks in contract negotiations with the actors, "Star Trek 4" is not put on hold and remains a priority.
Should Pine and Hemsworth sign up for the movie, the story will follow James and the Enterprise crew who team up with his father, George Kirk, in a time-traveling adventure.
Filming is expected to begin early next year, with S.J. Clarkson tapped as the helmer. She will be making history as the first woman to direct a "Star Trek" movie.
