We first heard a snippet of Rihanna’s new song, “Sledgehammer,” in the most recent trailer for Star Trek Beyond. The haunting melody had us questioning whether or not the new generation of Star Trek films’ third installment, in which director Justin Lin and writer Simon Pegg take the reins from J.J. Abrams and the once-inseparable duo of Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, might be the darkest yet. On top of this, the snippet had us curious to hear the rest of the number.
Admittedly, not everyone across the internet immediately climbed on board with Rihanna’s new song as a soundtrack standout to Star Trek Beyond (then again, when has the internet ever been unanimously on board with anything?), but the official music video for “Sledgehammer” may change a few wavering minds.
The video opens in deep space, and hurls its viewers through a roller coaster of cosmic phenomena. Soon enough, the Enterprise shows up to guide us straight to the surface of an alien planet ripped straight from the pages of classic sci-fi: jagged rock terrain, mesmerizing skies, and an ominously dressed and made-up creature (Rihanna herself) reigning supreme over the kingdom by whim of her superhuman powers, complete command of a spaceship militia, and heavy dance moves.
When night falls and gravity throws in the towel, the alien planet turns into a fantastical light show, coming pretty close to winning our total confidence in favor of “Sledgehammer” and its placement in Star Trek Beyond. Maybe we’re easy marks for otherworldly spectacles, but Rihanna did, at the very least, commit wholeheartedly to the theme.
What’d you think of the video, and how do you think the song will play in Star Trek Beyond? Let us know below!
Featured Image: YouTube/RihannaVEVO
