For over five decades, Star Trek has used its science fiction trappings to explore the human condition across the final frontier. Star Trek (and its subsequent spinoffs and movies) has taken on a life of its own, and it means a lot to many fans around the world. Some more than others. Next year, Dakota Fanning is portraying a dedicated Trekker named Wendy Welcott in a new feature film called Please Stand By. In this story, Wendy is an autistic young woman who is desperate to submit her Star Trek script to a screenwriting contest. But as the new trailer demonstrates, what Wendy really wants is permission to go home.
Naturally, there are a lot of Trek references in the trailer, including a very deep cut from Star Trek: The Animated Series with the name of Dr. McCoy’s daughter. Star Trek Into Darkness‘ Alice Eve co-stars as Wendy’s sister, Audrey, which seems appropriate for this movie. Patton Oswalt also makes a big impression as a cop who manages to relate to Wendy by demonstrating his command of the Klingon language. Honestly, we wouldn’t be surprised if Oswalt really can speak Klingon.
The beginning of the trailer teases a scene from Wendy’s Star Trek script, and she offers a few details about the story, including Spock’s visit to Deep Space Nine. But this story may be the only real adventure that Wendy ever gets to experience. The video shows us just how regimented Wendy’s life is, as she’s forced to live with a caretaker according to a strict schedule. We can also see that Wendy is very resourceful and clever, but she may still have to reach out to other people to see her quest through to the end.
Please Stand By was written by Michael Golamco and directed by Ben Lewin, and it will hit theaters and On-Demand platforms on January 26, 2018.
Are you intrigued by the Star Trek themes of Please Stand By? Set hailing frequencies for the comment section below!
Images:Â Magnolia Pictures
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