When we heard that Simon Pegg would be handling the script for the third—and, as seems increasingly likely to be, final—film in the present generation of Star Trek films, I think we unanimously assumed one thing: Well, this one’ll be funnier. Pegg, who has played Enterprise engineer, proverbial sidekick, and comic relief Montgomery Scott in J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek and Star Trek Into Darkness, is known and loved best for his work in the realm of humor. But the newest look at the forthcoming Star Trek Beyond, which will hit theaters on July 22, is not exactly one of laughs. In fact, the movie looks downright dire and intense.
To be fair, this isn’t exactly out of character for Pegg. Though foremost associated with comedy, even his wackiest scripts have showcased some element of human drama. Zombie movie parody Shaun of the Dead had more than its share of darker, even sadder moments; you can say the same of its spiritual follow-ups Hot Fuzz and The World’s End, also penned by Pegg. Still, it’s somewhat jarring to see an entire trailer for his next venture brush by without so much as a wisecrack. This latest promo for Star Trek Beyond instead opts to focus on James Kirk’s internal turmoil and identity crises, harrowing episodes of spaceflight danger, and—perhaps the most serious business of all—a new song by Rihanna.
Rihanna’s new number, “Sledgehammer,” drives home the drama in the Star Trek Beyond trailer with apt kinetic force. Though we can still expect a good deal of the upcoming entry to turn out as zippy and fun as earlier looks suggested it might be, Rihanna seems bent on reminding us of the drama that too lies in waiting. Authored by Pegg or not, no Star Trek film can get away without some plowing, existentialistic tragedy.
What do you think of the latest trailer, and of Rihanna’s new song? Let us know!
Featured Image: Paramount Pictures
