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Star Trek Has Finally Revealed the Evil Enterprise's Weird Fate

Watch out for any goatees.

Today, everyone knows what a multiverse is. But back in 1967, parallel universe stories weren’t nearly as common as they are now, even within the sci-fi genre. A classic Star Trek episode, Jerome Bixby’s “Mirror, Mirror,” helped popularize the alternate universe trope, complete with meaner versions of yourself who may rock an evil little goatee like Mirror Spock.

Star Trek’s Mirror Universe also gave us an alternate version of the USS Enterprise in the ISS Enterprise , a ship that served the Imperial Terran Empire, not the United Federation of Planets. Now, in the Discovery Season 5 episode “Mirrors,” the evil ISS Enterprise is back... as a force for good. Here’s what it all means. Spoilers ahead.

The ISS Enterprise returns

Captain Burnham watches the ISS Enterprise warp to Federation HQ.

While pursuing the thieves Moll and L’ak, Book and Burnham take a shuttlecraft into an unstable wormhole and discover the floating, pseudo-derelict ISS Enterprise . One of the clues to the Progenitor’s tech has been hidden on it, but for Burnham, it’s kind of like a bizzaro universe homecoming. Burnham spent a decent amount of time in the Mirror Universe in Discovery Season 1 , and in Season 2 she found herself on the Enterprise with her brother Spock just before jumping from the 23rd century to the 32nd century.

In “Mirrors,” Burnham notes that “crossing between universes has been impossible for centuries,” which means the ISS Enterprise must have crossed over into the Prime Universe well before the 32nd century. Burnham is referencing the events of Discovery Season 3, when we learned that Philippa Georgiou, a resident of the Mirror Universe, couldn’t go back to her home universe because those dimensions had drifted apart. But the ISS Enterprise , which was previously captained by an evil Kirk, crossed over into the Prime Universe well before that moment, and Discovery has now added details connecting The Original Series, Deep Space Nine , and Discovery Season 3.

How evil Spock became good

Spock talking with Kirk in “Mirror, Mirror.”

In the Deep Space Nine episode “Crossover” we learn that after Kirk talked to Mirror Spock and encouraged him to try making the Terran Empire a peaceful power, Mirror Spock did just that. But as Mirror Kira explained, Mirror Spock’s idealism didn’t work out the way he’d hoped:

“Spock rose to Commander in Chief of the Empire by preaching reforms, disarmament, peace. It was quite a remarkable turnabout for his people. Unfortunately for them, when Spock had completed all these reforms, his empire was no longer in any position to defend itself against us [the Klingon-Cardassian Alliance].”

Discovery appears to be referencing this exact event, even if Spock isn’t named outright. When Book learns the ISS Enterprise became a refugee ship for people who’d turned against the Empire, he says, “The Terran High Chancellor was killed for trying to make reforms.”

This likely references Spock, but adds the twist that he was perhaps betrayed by other people within the Terran Empire, even if Earth adopted his reforms. Now, by the end of “Mirrors,” the 23rd-century ISS Enterprise has been moved to the Prime Universe and the 32nd century. It’s an antique by modern standards, but it’s a contemporary of the USS Discovery, so it’s still serviceable. This means that by the end of Discovery Season 5 there will still be a version of the classic Enterprise floating around Federation headquarters, so when the Starfleet Academy series debuts, 32nd-century Starfleet cadets will have access to the classic version of the most famous Enterprise. It may technically be an evil twin, but its historic adventures aren’t over just yet.

Star Trek: Discovery and The Original Series stream on Paramount+.

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Published May 2, 2024

It's The (Other) Enterprise! How Discovery's I.S.S. Enterprise Connects Three Eras of Star Trek

The Mirror Enterprise had a long road getting from there to here.

SPOILER WARNING: This article contains story details and plot points for Star Trek: Discovery's "Mirrors."

StarTrek.com

In the classic 1967 episode, " Mirror, Mirror ," when Kirk, Bones, Scotty, and Uhura accidentally beamed across dimensions, and onto another version of the Enterprise , the first clue that this was a parallel universe was the fact that the ship was orbiting around the Halkan homeworld from right-to-left, rather than left-to-right. So, the first glimpse of the I.S.S. Enterprise was simply that it was taking a different path, literally, zagging when it should have been zigging.

Ever since the debut of "Mirror, Mirror," the idea of an evil Enterprise grew in our imaginations, even if we didn't get to actually see it on-screen again. Even as the Mirror Universe expanded in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine , Star Trek: Enterprise , and Star Trek: Discovery , an on-screen glimpse of the I.S.S. Enterprise — traveling on a very different path from the U.S.S. Enterprise — remained elusive. That is, until now.

In the Discovery episode " Mirrors ," the final destination of this version of the Enterprise has been revealed, and in that revelation, the entire timeline of the Star Trek universe has been traversed. Unlike the classic 1701 of the Prime Universe, the I.S.S. Enterprise 's journey has lasted centuries. Here's how that journey unites at least three different aspects of the larger Star Trek story.

How Discovery Brings Back the Mirror Enterprise

"Mirrors"

In "Mirrors," the fifth episode of Discovery 's fifth season, Book and Burnham take a shuttlecraft into an unstable wormhole, hoping to find a trace of Moll and L'ak and the next piece of the puzzle that can lead them to the Progenitor 's elusive technology. But instead, adrift and displaced by nine centuries, and an entirely different dimension, they find the I.S.S. Enterprise , a ship Burnham never actually encountered while she was in the Mirror Universe in Discovery 's first season, but is nonetheless instantly familiar with.

While aboard, we learn that while this ship was part of the Terran Starfleet. At some point after the events of "Mirror, Mirror," a group of rebellious reformers commandeered this Enterprise , turning it into a ship of hope. Book finds a plaque on the ship which commemorates the ship's journey, pointing out that "The Terran High Chancellor was killed for trying to make reforms." This could reference Mirror Spock, though Burnham and Book would have no way of knowing that.

In "Mirror, Mirror," Kirk challenged Mirror Spock to be better, and try to reform the Empire which, we learned, actually did happen. But, interestingly, Burnham and Book only have one piece of the puzzle, the audience of all of the Star Trek franchise, has the rest.

The Deep Space Nine Connection

"Crossover"

In the 1994  Deep Space Nine episode " Crossover ," Kira and Bashir find themselves in the Mirror Universe after a warp bubble kerfuffle spits them out the Bajorian wormhole and into very unfamiliar territory. They’re in the Mirror Universe all right, but this is the 24th Century version of the Mirror Universe, not the 23rd Century time frame from "Mirror, Mirror." Kira comes face to face with her Mirror self, Intendant Kira, who tells her all about how Spock became the leader of the Empire, and began "preaching reforms" and "peace."

This neatly parallels what Book says in "Mirrors," but now, we learn that some Terrans who believed in peace escaped on the I.S.S. Enterprise . While the DS9 future of the Mirror Universe was bleak for Terrans, we now learn that some survived, and even made it to the Prime Universe thanks to the Enterprise . 

The Story of Another Wayward, Vintage Starship

"In A Mirror Darkly, Part 2"

The Constitution -class I.S.S. Enterprise 's journey from the Mirror Universe of the 23rd Century to the 32nd Century is also reminiscent of another TOS Mirror Universe starship crossover. Back in Discovery 's first season, the crew learns everything they need to know about the Mirror Universe thanks to information about the U.S.S. Defiant , a ship, which like the I.S.S. Enterprise , eventually moved across universes and time, as well.

In the 1968 Original Series episode " The Tholian Web ," the U.S.S. Defiant vanishes, only to reappear in the 2005 Enterprise two-parter, " In a Mirror, Darkly ." As Burnham puts it in "Despite Yourself," this journey is unorthodox, "Data suggests that in the future, the Defiant will encounter a phenomenon that'll bring it into this alternative universe's past." This means that not only did the Defiant cross universes, but time-traveled too, from the 23rd Century setting of The Original Series , to the 22nd Century setting of Star Trek: Enterprise . 

The I.S.S. Enterprise didn't travel from the 23rd century Mirror Universe straight to the 32nd century Prime Universe. As we learned in Discovery 's third season, crossing over directly between these universes at this point in time is impossible. But, it did crossover sometime before the end of the 24th Century; one of the mysterious 24th Century scientists, Dr. Cho, was Terran. And, that detail, brings the journey of the I.S.S. Enterprise , all the way back to the story of Discovery .

Discovery 's Hopeful Mirror Universe Tale

Book reads the journey of the I.S.S. Enterprise to Burnham, mentioning that this crew escaped all thanks to the help of a "Keplian slave turned rebel leader." Instantly, Book and Burnham know this can only mean "Action Saru" himself, from the Mirror Universe.

This detail ties into Season 3's two-parter, " Terra Firma ," in which Georgiou re-entered the Mirror Universe in the 23rd Century, at a point in time prior to Burnham's crossover in Season 1. But, in this version of the Mirror Universe, Georgiou, like Mirror Spock, tried to affect some positive change, which had dire consequences for her. But, at the same time, in this Mirror Universe, Georgiou had also freed Saru, and we did see him leading a rebellion toward the end of the episode. As the Guardian of Forever told Georgiou in " Terra Firma, Part 2 ," her actions in at least one version of the Mirror Universe had a big, positive impact, "You saved a Kelpien. And you didn't have to do that. And he'll save others. A lot of them."

So, thanks to Georgiou, Mirror Spock, and Action Saru, the story of the Mirror Universe in Star Trek: Discovery 's final season has become an optimistic one. Like the idealistic Terran rebels in Deep Space Nine 's " Through the Looking Glass ," not all stories about the darkest dimension in Star Trek have to end in despair. And thanks to crossover between dimensions, the I.S.S. Enterprise has now become a beacon of hope in not one universe, but two.

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Ryan Britt is the author of the nonfiction books Phasers on Stun! How the Making and Remaking of Star Trek Changed the World (2022), The Spice Must Flow: The Journey of Dune from Cult Novels to Visionary Sci-Fi Movies (2023), and the essay collection Luke Skywalker Can’t Read (2015). He is a longtime contributor to Star Trek.com and his writing regularly appears with Inverse, Den of Geek!, Esquire and elsewhere. He lives in Portland, Maine with his family.

Star Trek: Discovery Seasons 1-4 are streaming exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S., the UK, Canada, Switzerland, South Korea, Latin America, Germany, France, Italy, Australia and Austria. Seasons 2 and 3 also are available on the Pluto TV “Star Trek” channel in Switzerland, Germany and Austria. The series streams on Super Drama in Japan, TVNZ in New Zealand, and SkyShowtime in Spain, Portugal, Poland, The Nordics, The Netherlands, and Central and Eastern Europe and also airs on Cosmote TV in Greece. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

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Star Trek: Enterprise

A century before Captain Kirk's five-year mission, Jonathan Archer captains the United Earth ship Enterprise during the early years of Starfleet, leading up to the Earth-Romulan War and the ... Read all A century before Captain Kirk's five-year mission, Jonathan Archer captains the United Earth ship Enterprise during the early years of Starfleet, leading up to the Earth-Romulan War and the formation of the Federation. A century before Captain Kirk's five-year mission, Jonathan Archer captains the United Earth ship Enterprise during the early years of Starfleet, leading up to the Earth-Romulan War and the formation of the Federation.

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• Trivia Admiral Forrest is named after DeForest Kelley , the late Star Trek (1966) actor who played Leonard H. McCoy. Similarly, Commander Williams and Admiral Leonard from the pilot Broken Bow, Part 1 (2001) are named after series stars William Shatner (James T. Kirk) and Leonard Nimoy (Spock). Big Foot (1982) (#2.5) also had a character with a last name Forrest. That show had numerous references & stars from the Star Trek franchise, the most well known of which was William Shatner from the original TV series.
• Goofs Whenever the video signal is being lost, instead of pixelating, as a digital signal would, the picture shows analog "snow," which would be unheard of by that era.

Commander Tucker : You aren't saying much tonight. Don't tell me you're still upset about me and Amanda.

Subcommander T'Pol : I'm not upset.

Commander Tucker : Sure sounds like it.

Subcommander T'Pol : You're mistaken.

Commander Tucker : Why would a few neuropressure sessions between me and a MACO be such a big deal. Unless...

Subcommander T'Pol : Unless what?

Commander Tucker : Unless you're a little jealous.

Subcommander T'Pol : I don't experience jealousy.

Commander Tucker : You're doing a pretty fair imitation of it.

Subcommander T'Pol : I am not, in any way, jealous of you and Corporal Cole.

Commander Tucker : You know, your voice is tensing up. That's a dead giveaway.

Subcommander T'Pol : I didn't know you were an expert in vocal inflections.

Commander Tucker : I don't need to be an expert to read you. Come on, admit it. You're a little jealous.

Subcommander T'Pol : Are you implying that I'm attracted to you?

Commander Tucker : That kind of goes along with the assumption, doesn't it?

• Crazy credits The opening credits video footage of the Sojourner rover approaching the "Yogi" rock, taken by the Mars Pathfinder lander, make Star Trek: Enterprise the first television show or movie in history to use footage taken on another planet.
• Alternate versions The Region 1 DVD release of Season 3 modifies the opening credits of the first three episodes of the season to say "Star Trek: Enterprise" instead of "Enterprise", in order to be consistent with the rest of the season.
• Connections Featured in How William Shatner Changed the World (2005)

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Original ‘Star Trek’ Enterprise Model Resurfaces Decades After It Went Missing

The model used in the original series’ opening credits is now back with Eugene Roddenberry Jr., the son of the show’s creator

Julia Binswanger

Daily Correspondent

Nearly 50 years after it went missing, the original model of the  USS Starship Enterprise from the hit show “ Star Trek ” is finally voyaging home. The 33-inch model—the same one that appears in the opening credits of the original series—is now back with Eugene Roddenberry Jr., the son of the show’s creator.

“After five decades, I’m thrilled that someone happened upon this historic model of the USS Enterprise ,” says Roddenberry, who goes by “Rod,” in a Heritage Auctions statement . “I remember how it used to adorn my dad’s desk.”

The tiny model has been missing since Roddenberry’s father, Gene Roddenberry (who died in 1991), lent it to the makers of 1979’s  Star Trek: The Motion Picture , the first Star Trek feature film. Unfortunately, he never got it back. What happened to it at that point is unknown.

Last fall, the spaceship popped up on  eBay —with a starting bid of $1,000. The listing was titled “Rare Custom Star Trek USS Enterprise Spaceship by Richard Datin .” Datin, a model maker from the Howard Anderson special-effects company, built the original model out of solid wood. The  New York Times ’ Emily Schmall reports that the seller came across the item after discovering it in a storage unit. After receiving many inquiries about the item, the seller contacted Heritage Auctions.

“Once our team of experts concluded it was the real thing, we contacted Rod because we wanted to get the model back to where it belonged,” says Joe Maddalena, executive vice president at Heritage Auctions, in the statement. “We’re thrilled the Enterprise is finally in dry dock.”

The ship’s whereabouts after its disappearance remain a mystery; unfortunately, the missing years aren’t described in a captain’s log. The younger Roddenberry says there had even been rumors that he’d thrown it into a pool as a boy, per Jamie Stengle of the Associated Press (AP).

While the model would “easily” sell for over $1 million at auction, it’s a “priceless” piece of television history, Maddalena tells the AP.

Since Star Trek ’s debut in 1966, the Enterprise has become an instantly recognizable image—and a pioneering design that inspired many other fictional spacecraft.

“We didn’t want the Enterprise to look like something currently planned for our space program,” said Walter Jefferies, the Star Trek art director who designed the fictional craft, in the 1968 book The Making of Star Trek , per the auction house. “We knew that by the time the show got on the air, this type of thing would be old hat. We had to go further than even the most advanced space scientists were thinking.”

The younger Roddenberry rounded up a group of Star Trek production veterans to help authenticate and restore the model. One of them was Gary Kerr, a “Trek x-pert” who worked on the 2016 restoration of an 11-foot model of the Enterprise for the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum . Kerr still had old photos of the model sitting on the elder Roddenberry’s desk.

“We spent at least an hour photographing it, inspecting the paint, inspecting the dirt, looking under the base, the patina on the stem, the grain in the wood,” Roddenberry tells the Times . “It was a unanimous ‘This is 100 percent the one.’”

While other models of the Enterprise exist, the newly discovered ship is the original. Looking ahead, Roddenberry wants to ensure that this one-of-a-kind artifact is accessible to the public.

“This is not going home to adorn my shelves,” he tells the AP. “This is going to get restored and we’re working on ways to get it out so the public can see it, and my hope is that it will land in a museum somewhere.”

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Julia Binswanger is a freelance arts and culture reporter based in Chicago. Her work has been featured in WBEZ,  Chicago magazine,  Rebellious magazine and  PC magazine. 

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Long-lost first model of the USS Enterprise from ‘Star Trek’ boldly goes home after twisting voyage

The first model of the USS Enterprise is displayed at Heritage Auctions in Los Angeles, April 13, 2024. The model — used in the original “Star Trek” television series — has been returned to Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry, the son of “Star Trek” creator Gene Roddenberry, decades after it went missing in the 1970s. (Josh David Jordan/Heritage Auctions via AP)

Joe Maddalena, executive vice president of Heritage Auctions, left, and Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry, the son of “Star Trek” creator Gene Roddenberry, shake hands over the recently recovered first model of the USS Enterprise at the Heritage Auctions in Los Angeles, April 13, 2024. The model — used in the original “Star Trek” television series — has been returned to Eugene, decades after it went missing in the 1970s. (Josh David Jordan/Heritage Auctions via AP)

Joe Maddalena, executive vice president of Heritage Auctions, left, and Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry, the son of “Star Trek” creator Gene Roddenberry, view the recently recovered first model of the USS Enterprise at Heritage Auctions in Los Angeles, April 13, 2024. The model — used in the original “Star Trek” television series — has been returned to Eugene, decades after it went missing in the 1970s. (Josh David Jordan/Heritage Auctions via AP)

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DALLAS (AP) — The first model of the USS Enterprise — used in the opening credits of the original “Star Trek” television series — has boldly gone back home, returning to creator Gene Roddenberry’s son decades after it went missing.

The model’s disappearance sometime in the 1970s had become the subject of lore, so it caused a stir when it popped up on eBay last fall. The sellers quickly took it down, and then contacted Dallas-based Heritage Auctions to authenticate it. Last weekend, the auction house facilitated the model’s return.

Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry, CEO of Roddenberry Entertainment, said he’s thrilled to have the model that had graced the desk of his father, who died in 1991 at age 70.

“This is not going home to adorn my shelves,” Roddenberry said. “This is going to get restored and we’re working on ways to get it out so the public can see it and my hope is that it will land in a museum somewhere.”

AP AUDIO: Long-lost first model of the USS Enterprise from ‘Star Trek’ boldly goes home after twisting voyage.

AP correspondent Margie Szaroleta reports on the return of the original model of the USS Enterprise from the TV show “Star Trek.”

Heritage’s executive vice president, Joe Maddalena, said the auction house was contacted by people who said they’d discovered it a storage unit, and when it was brought into their Beverly Hills office, he and a colleague “instantly knew that it was the real thing.”

They reached out to Roddenberry, who said he appreciates that everyone involved agreed returning the model was the right thing to do. He wouldn’t go into details on the agreement reached but said “I felt it important to reward that and show appreciation for that.”

Maddalena said the model vanished in the 1970s after Gene Roddenberry loaned it to makers of “Star Trek: The Motion Picture,” which was released in 1979.

“No one knew what happened to it,” Rod Roddenberry said.

The 3-foot (0.91-meter) model of the USS Enterprise was used in the show’s original pilot episode as well as the opening credits of the resulting TV series, and was the prototype for the 11-foot (3-meter) version featured in the series’ episodes. The larger model is on display at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum.

The original “Star Trek” television series, which aired in the late 1960s, kicked off an ever-expanding multiverse of cultural phenomena, with TV and movie spinoffs and conventions where a fanbase of zealous and devoted Trekkies can’t get enough of memorabilia.

This USS Enterprise model would easily sell for more than $1 million at auction, but really “it’s priceless,” Maddalena said.

“It could sell for any amount and I wouldn’t be surprised because of what it is,” he said. “It is truly a cultural icon.”

Roddenberry, who was just a young boy when the model went missing, said he has spotty memories of it, “almost a deja vu.” He said it wasn’t something he’d thought much about until people began contacting him after it appeared on eBay.

“I don’t think I really, fully comprehended at first that this was the first Enterprise ever created,” he said.

He said he has no idea if there was something nefarious behind the disappearance all those decades ago or if it was just mistakenly lost, but it would be interesting to find out more about what happened.

“This piece is incredibly important and it has its own story and this would be a great piece of the story,” Roddenberry said.

Thankfully, he said, the discovery has cleared up one rumor: That it was destroyed because as a young boy, he’d thrown it into a pool.

“Finally I’m vindicated after all these years,” he said with a laugh.

What Happened To Jolene Blalock After Playing T'Pol On Star Trek: Enterprise?

Easily one of the most prominent Vulcans next to Spock and Tuvok in the "Star Trek" franchise , T'Pol (Jolene Blalock) proved an essential member of Earth's first warp five expedition into space as told on "Star Trek: Enterprise." For the actor behind the complicated Vulcan High Council sub-commander, the role would prove her big break. An international model who appeared in both Playboy and Maxim, Blalock had landed a handful of guest appearances on shows like "Veronica's Closet" and "JAG," but the stoic Vulcan T'Pol was her first major role. It would also turn out to be her only major role, with the actor taking only a small number of TV and film roles until seemingly stepping completely out of the limelight after 2017.

But don't worry about Blalock. She's been plenty busy living her best life with her husband of more than two decades, Michael Rapino — the Live Nation Entertainment CEO with a net worth of at least $410 million. A mother of three, Blalock helped create the Rapino Foundation (which is now known as "R3VOLVE HAITI") with her husband to help address global systemic poverty. But with all that charity work on her plate, devoted T'Pol fans would still love to see Blalock find time to revisit the stars.

Sci-fi fan Blalock could bring T'Pol back

Jolene Blalock's post-"Trek" acting career may be a bit sparse, but considering she's been raising a family and running a charity organization and had no financial pressure to work, the roles she has taken are a sign that she's doing it for the pure love of the job. Blalock was more than happy to ditch the modeling industry when the profession turned out disappointing. As the actor explained in a 2002 interview with The Sun, "I'm jaded by my experiences in the modeling industry. You're never skinny or perfect enough and it was difficult mentally making the transition to acting."

But for her, getting a leading role in the sci-fi genre was a bonus. A lifelong sci-fi and fantasy fan, Blalock recounted her childhood days watching "Star Wars" and the original "Star Trek" series to Trek Today  in 2010. To the actor, science fiction is all about exploring what humanity is capable of. As she told Trek Today, "It makes us think outside of ourselves, it presents the question what if, what if we could jump the timeline, what if we could meet another intelligent species, what if we could colonize on another planet. It deals with very big ideas." After the end of "Enterprise," Blalock's TV appearance would include a few more sci-fi and fantasy franchises including "Stargate: SG-1," Legend of the Seeker," and "Starship Troopers 3: Marauders." She also showed up in shows like "House" and "CSI: Miami" before seemingly dropping out of acting.

But many fans are holding out hope that this break is only temporary. Given the natural longevity of Vulcans — not to mention the infinitely diverse sci-fi possibilities — T'Pol could potentially make an appearance in "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" as she was canonically born in 2088 or 2089.

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Welcome To The Enterprise Project

A monument to a genius.

Gene Roddenberry

While countless fans undoubtedly know the stories and the man behind them far better than I, I can share what Gene Roddenberry's vision means to me.

In 1966, at the tender age of 13, Star Trek first aired. 

I vividly remember watching it on a small black and white TV in my mother's beauty salon. 

Nothing, not Lost in Space, not Space 1999, ever gripped me quite like it.

Back then, I knew nothing of Gene Roddenberry. I had no idea the mastermind behind my favorite show was a genius.

His vision of the future became not just mine, but a dream shared by billions worldwide. It's a vision where humanity finally recognizes itself as one family, one race, where collaboration is the key to our collective survival and prosperity.

A Lifelong Dream: The USS Enterprise Replica

The dream of a full-scale replica of the USS Enterprise has captivated Star Trek fans ever since the show boldly ventured onto our screens in 1966.  

In 1992, the Goddard Group, led by Gary Goddard, 

came tantalizingly close to making this dream a reality.

However, the ambitious attempt ultimately fell short.  

One potential reason for this may be the project's singular focus: serving as an entertainment platform to attract visitors to Las Vegas.

To build a new sustainable community and a Star Trek Theme Park. 

The centerpiece of the park will be the U.S.S. Enterprise. 

This Enterprise will be a full-scale replica that includes a fully functional saucer section. The saucer section allows the crew to live and work aboard the ship. 

Guests will have the option to stay aboard the ship for limited periods or lease quarters and office space on a monthly basis. 

The ship and shuttlecraft will be Living Monuments able to take visitors on a virtual space and educational adventure across the galaxy. 

The First Federation Town

Imagine this: Fresh air fills your lungs, nature flourishes around you, safety reigns even at night, and everything you need is conveniently at hand.  This idyllic setting is just the beginning.

Picture the most stunning people sharing this haven, enjoying the finest cuisine and top-notch healthcare.  This, in essence, is the dream we hold for this remarkable community.

Welcome to the 23rd century: a time where we've mastered the art of living in harmony with nature and each other.  Here, love is the guiding principle.

This isn't just a community, it's the pinnacle of human ingenuity and imagination.  

Imagine a green, high-tech haven, meticulously designed with your well-being in mind.  It's a beacon of progress, destined to inspire communities across the globe.

Federation Visitor Center

The Visitor Center is where the adventure begins. Step into the 23rd century the moment you cross this threshold.

Constructed as an ultra-modern spaceport, it will serve as a security checkpoint, baggage claim, ticket counter, and intergalactic reservation center.

It will also boast the largest Star Trek museum and convention venue in the known universe.

In addition to these attractions, the Visitor Center will provide overnight accommodations, intergalactic dining venues, clubs, bars, a gym, and a thermal bath.

Starfleet Command, including Starfleet Security and Starfleet Academy , also calls the Visitor Center home.

B uilding the Dream Together: Local Star Trek Chapters

Our vision is to create a network of local chapters, fostering fellowship and fun among Trekkies. 

Here, fans can connect, coordinate local activities, and celebrate their shared passion for Star Trek.

These chapters are led by dedicated, long-time fans who volunteer their time and expertise to make this dream a reality.

Why Members?

Why Join Our Star Trek Family?

Our members are the heart and soul of our mission to boldly go where no fan has gone before.

Together, We Rise

Alone, our dream remains just that.  But with a passionate community behind us, we can show the world the power of collective action.   

Having a strong membership base demonstrates to media, investors, governments, and even Paramount that there's a global force united by the dream of building the U.S.S. Enterprise.

A Journey That Began in 2020

Our mission launched on Facebook on October 2, 2020, and since then, our incredible community has grown to over seven thousand strong!  As awareness spreads, so does our movement.

Find Your Place in the Crew

We offer tiered memberships to cater to different levels of participation.  Want to be deeply involved?  Our active membership levels are perfect for you!  And for those seeking the ultimate commitment, consider becoming a Partner and taking your involvement to the next level.

We Are Trekkies

A Love That Unites Billions: Star Trek's Enduring Legacy

We are a vast and diverse community, yet bound by one great love: Star Trek. 

While some of our fellow Trekkies, like the irreplaceable Nichelle Nichols, have recently passed, and the generation that first witnessed the show in 1966 may have limited time left, their legacy lives on.

Let's come together, hearts and minds united, as a passionate community to achieve the seemingly impossible.  For many of us, time is indeed precious.

Brothers and Sisters In Trek

Spreading the Word: Your Key to Making the Dream a Reality!

The most powerful tool we have is our collective voice. 

Share our vision! We have a vast library of exciting videos in our resource section. Start by sharing these with your friends, family, and online communities.

Let's aim high – can you imagine bringing in twenty new members each? It may seem ambitious, but together, we can achieve incredible things!

For those with creative talents, we encourage you to craft videos or images that capture the essence of our dream and inspire others to join. Remember, this is a grassroots movement! Let's leverage our creativity to build momentum.

One Hundred Thousand Strong: A Stepping Stone

While one hundred thousand members is a significant milestone before approaching Paramount, our true north star is one million strong.

The power lies within you. We, as a team, cannot do this alone. We need every single person who shares the dream of seeing the Enterprise rise from the ground. Let's join forces and make this a reality!

Not Just For Fun

Our primary goal is to create a new sustainable community.

Building a Better Future: The First Federation Town

Imagine a vibrant community inspired by Star Trek's ideals of unity and progress. This isn't just a dream; it's our vision for the first Federation Town – a sustainable haven for all.

A Home for Everyone:

This inclusive community welcomes those who share a love for learning, exploration, and the concept of IDIC (Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations).  It will be a haven for seniors, the disabled, and anyone seeking a supportive, forward-thinking environment.

A Sustainable Oasis:

Picture a breathtaking blend of cutting-edge technology and natural beauty. Our eco-friendly community will serve as a model for sustainable living, offering a refreshing escape from the urban sprawl.

A Beacon of Hope:

This futuristic town isn't just about living comfortably; it's about inspiring positive change. We aim to be a shining example for other communities, demonstrating the power of collaboration and environmental responsibility.

The U.S.S. Enterprise: More Than Just a Starship

The U.S.S. Enterprise wasn't just the setting for Star Trek – it was the very heart and soul of the show.  It carried the crew on a grand adventure across the galaxy, not just seeking out the wonders of space, but also on a profound journey of self-discovery.

Our Vision: A Starship for Inner Exploration

Just like the Enterprise, our ship will not merely transport passengers through space.  We envision a virtual voyage unlike any other, a journey across space and time that unlocks a universe of possibilities within each visitor.

JOBS, JOBS, AND MORE JOBS

Imagine the vast number of people needed to build the U.S.S. Enterprise replica, the visitor center, and the entire sustainable community. Add to that the ongoing jobs required for operation, security, and maintenance. This project has the potential to be a massive economic engine, creating countless American jobs. 

The Enterprise: Beyond Entertainment

The dream of building the U.S.S. Enterprise is more than just a thrilling ride. It's a catalyst for progress , offering:

• A Jobs Engine: Countless jobs will be created during construction and sustained through operation.
• Space & Environment Education: This project will be a launchpad for learning about space exploration and environmental responsibility.
• A Thriving Green Community: We'll build a sustainable community alongside the starship, a testament to a greener future.
• A Living Monument to the Future: The Enterprise will stand as a symbol of human ingenuity and our potential to reach for the stars.
• The Ultimate Star Trek Adventure: This project will be the greatest Star Trek adventure ever realized, a chance to truly live the dream.

Director & Founder

Ernesto Mack Luton: A Lifelong Trekkie with a Dream

Ernesto Mack Luton, also known as Enoch Luton in Civil War reenactments and Mack Ernst for his "Trek Life" fan videos, is the founder and director of this organization. 

A Vietnam-era Navy veteran, Ernesto served for six years after volunteering at the age of 17. Though spared deployment due to his age, his military service instilled in him a strong sense of duty and leadership.

Following his military service, Ernesto built a diverse career. He is a licensed private detective in Pennsylvania (formerly in New Jersey) and a retired counselor from Philadelphia's juvenile detention system. 

Since 2004, he has also run Starfleet Quartermaster, Inc., a successful online business specializing in vintage Star Trek Pfaltzgraff dinnerware collectibles.

Ernesto's passion for Star Trek extends beyond collecting. A visit to Star Trek: The Experience in Las Vegas sparked his belief in the power of entertainment-based education. This experience, coupled with his lifelong love for Star Trek, ultimately led him to dream of building a full-scale replica of the U.S.S. Enterprise.

"At 70, I'm a senior citizen with a dream," Ernesto reflects. "It was a solitary dream for years, but a voice whispered to me – share it with the world. Now, this dream has become a mission – an impossible mission for one, but with a million and one Trekkies by my side, anything is possible."                                        

Inspiration

THIS EXPERIENCE PUT THE BUG IN ME 

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The Enterprise Project Priorities

Reducing waste, protecting wildlife.

At The Enterprise Project, we believe that reducing waste is a key component of environmental sustainability. Our goal is to include a waste reduction program in our new community that will help individuals and businesses reduce their waste and adopt more sustainable practices, such as composting and recycling.

One goal is to develop a wildlife conservation program. We would like to work to protect endangered species and their habitats. We would like to partner with local organizations and communities to promote responsible wildlife management and conservation

Climate Change

Climate change is one of the biggest threats to our planet. At The Enterprise Project, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Copyright © 2022 The Enterprise Project, Inc. - All Rights Reserved.

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Star Trek: Enterprise opening title sequences

• View history

The opening title sequences for Star Trek: Enterprise contained a number of images referencing modern-day as well as historical exploration and space travel leading up to the launch of Enterprise NX-01 in 2151 .

Two versions of the opening title sequence were created by Montgomery/Cobb , one for the prime Star Trek universe to the tune of " Where My Heart Will Take Me " which was seen at the beginning of the majority of episodes, and the other which documented the rise of the Terran Empire in the mirror universe episodes " In a Mirror, Darkly " and " In a Mirror, Darkly, Part II " which was done to an instrumental.

Prime universe [ ]

• ↑ Sourced from Harmonia Macrocosmica , a 1660 star atlas by Andreas Cellarius . Detailed versions of the image can be found here (plate 11).
• ↑ This map was a modified version of the 18th century Dutch map "Platte kaart van de geheele waereld om te dienen tot de Nederlandsche reizen" (flat map of the whole world to serve the Dutch travels). A detailed version can be found here . Additional travel routes have been added to the original map. Most Dutch island names were given by explorer Jacob Roggeveen and are no longer in use. The Dutch used on the map is archaic by modern standards.
• ↑ StarTrek.com elaborates ancient Polynesians were among the first to explore the open oceans in their outrigger canoes. [1] (X)
• ↑ Historically, the Royal Navy has had two ships named HMS Enterprize (spelled with a 'z'): an eight-gun sloop captured from the Spanish in 1743, and a ten-gun tender later captured by the Americans in 1775.
• ↑ This schematic is Plate IX from "Astronomy explained upon Sir Isaac Newton's principles : and made easy to those who have not studied mathematics", an eighteenth century handbook by James Ferguson.
• ↑ This is actually one of the later shuttles with the name Enterprise digitally inserted. The footage shows the orbiter's name on the forward fuselage under the cockpit windows, where the operational shuttles had their names painted; Enterprise had her name painted on the payload bay doors just above the hinge and behind the crew module, where it remains to this day. [2] [3]
• ↑ Superimposed is another illustration from "Astronomy explained upon Sir Isaac Newton's principles : and made easy to those who have not studied mathematics" by James Ferguson. This time it is Plate III.
• ↑ The vehicle's importance to the history of sea exploration was tied to the fact that it was the first submarine to operate on the principles of flight. [4] A full size version of the map can be seen here .
• ↑ Superimposed is yet another illustration from "Astronomy explained upon Sir Isaac Newton's principles : and made easy to those who have not studied mathematics" by James Ferguson. This is Plate XI.
• ↑ Stock footage from the Apollo 11 mission ( Star Trek Encyclopedia  (4th ed., vol. 1, p. 16)).
• ↑ Superimposed is the first of a number of appearances of Plate XII from the book "Astronomy explained upon Sir Isaac Newton's principles : and made easy to those who have not studied mathematics" by James Ferguson.
• ↑ Stock footage showing the launch of STS-95 . John Glenn is the astronaut in the center. ( Star Trek Encyclopedia (4th ed. vol. 1, p. 306))
• ↑ Identified as the International Space Station by the panel number "NOD1/C2-07" [5] [6]
• ↑ The drawing is another appearance of Plate XII from the book "Astronomy explained upon Sir Isaac Newton's principles : and made easy to those who have not studied mathematics" by James Ferguson.
• ↑ The ship was designed by Production Illustrator John Eaves specifically for the opening sequence as step between the space shuttle and the Phoenix . [7] It was given a lifting body design and its designation was intended to suggest that it was a descendant of the real-life NASA space shuttle Enterprise ( Star Trek Encyclopedia  (4th ed., vol. 2, p. 117)). A StarTrek.com feature on the opening sequence described the ship as a "hypersonic spaceplane". [8] (X)
• ↑ Footage reused from Star Trek: First Contact . Overlayed is Plate XII, a diagram from the book "Astronomy explained upon Sir Isaac Newton's principles : and made easy to those who have not studied mathematics" by James Ferguson.
• ↑ The Emmette was designed by Production Illustrator John Eaves specifically for the opening sequence. The design on the bottom was intended to match the design of the top of the Enterprise NX-01. [9]

Mirror universe [ ]

• ↑ Featured immediately after the identifying imagery of HMS Enterpize , the clipping was, according to Star Trek historian David Tilotta , actually intended to show Enterprize in action. [10] The very same ship had already been featured almost three decades earlier in the Star Trek: The Original Series episode " The City on the Edge of Forever ", through the Guardian of Forever , as well as in the prior Enterprise fourth season episode " Storm Front, Part II " as part of the resetting time stream . The clipping originated from the 1945 RKO Pictures swashbuckling movie The Spanish Main and depicts the studio model of the "hero" ship, the Barracuda , in action against a Spanish man-of-war. Contrary to what the Star Trek clipping use suggested, the original movie was shot in Technicolor. [11] Many of RKO's assets were acquired by Desilu Studios , after the former went defunct in 1957, which however did not include its backlog catalog of movie productions, it being divided over several other major Hollywood studios. The first Star Trek use of this particular clip by Desilu therefore constituted a copyright infringement, as currently understood.
• ↑ This footage is reused from the 1927 Paramount Pictures silent World War I movie Wings . [12] Pictured is an American Curtiss P-1 Hawk standing in for a German Fokker D.VII fighter aircraft.
• ↑ The footage is reused from the 1927 Paramount Pictures silent war movie Wings . [13] The same scene, albeit flipped, was also seen in the resetting time stream shown in "Storm Front, Part II".
• ↑ The footage is reused from the 1927 Paramount Pictures silent war movie Wings . [14]
• ↑ This footage is taken from an actual, contemporary German propaganda reel. [15]
• ↑ This footage is reused from the 1990 Earth Cold War Paramount Pictures film The Hunt for Red October . [16]
• ↑ This footage is reused from the 2000 Universal Studios World War II film U-571 .
• ↑ The footage of the building being destroyed is reused from the episode VOY : " Dragon's Teeth ", which depicted a conflict on the Vaadwaur homeworld .
• ↑ The footage of the Bird-of-Prey being destroyed is reused from ENT : " The Expanse " in which it was shown to be Duras' Bird-of-Prey .
• ↑ This footage is reused from ENT : " The Xindi ".
• ↑ This footage is reused from ENT : " United ".
• ↑ This footage is reused from ENT : " Countdown ".

External links [ ]

• Star Trek: Enterprise opening credits at StarTrek.com
• NASA references in Enterprise  at Ex Astris Scientia
• Star Trek: Enterprise Introductory Sequence at Wrolf's Wreck
• 3 ISS Enterprise (NCC-1701)

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Original ‘Star Trek’ Enterprise Model Is Found After Being Missing for Decades

The 33-inch model surfaced on eBay after disappearing around 1979. An auction house is giving it to the son of Gene Roddenberry, the creator of “Star Trek.”

• Share full article

By Emily Schmall

The first model of the U.S.S. Enterprise, the starship that appeared in the opening credits of the original “Star Trek” television series , has been returned to Eugene Roddenberry Jr., the son of the creator of the series, decades after it went missing.

“After a long journey, she’s home,” Mr. Roddenberry wrote on social media on Thursday.

For die-hard Trekkies, the model’s disappearance had become the subject of folklore, so an eBay listing last fall, with a starting bid of $1,000, didn’t go unnoticed.

“Red alert,” someone in an online costume and prop-making forum wrote, linking to the listing.

Mr. Roddenberry’s father, Gene Roddenberry, created the television series, which first aired in 1966 and ran for three seasons. It spawned numerous spinoffs, several films and a franchise that has included conventions and legions of devoted fans with an avid interest in memorabilia.

The seller of the model was bombarded with inquiries and quickly took the listing down.

The seller contacted Heritage Auctions to authenticate it, the auction house’s executive vice president, Joe Maddalena, said on Saturday. As soon as the seller, who said he had found it in a storage unit, brought it to the auction house’s office in Beverly Hills, Calif., Mr. Maddalena said he knew it was real.

“That’s when I reached out to Rod to say, ‘We’ve got this. This is it,’” he said, adding that the model was being transferred to Mr. Roddenberry.

Mr. Roddenberry, who is known as Rod, said on Saturday that he would restore the model and seek to have it displayed in a museum or other institution. He said reclaiming the item had only piqued his interest in the circumstances about its disappearance.

“Whoever borrowed it or misplaced it or lost it, something happened somewhere,” he said. “Where’s it been?”

It was unclear how the model ended up in the storage unit and who had it before its discovery.

The original U.S.S. Enterprise, a 33-inch model, was mostly made of solid wood by Richard C. Datin, a model maker for the Howard Anderson Company, a special-effects company that created the opening credits for some of the 20th century’s biggest TV shows .

An enlarged 11-foot model was used in subsequent “Star Trek” television episodes, and is now part of the permanent collection of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum , where it was donated by Paramount Studios in 1974.

Mr. Roddenberry, who said he gave the seller a “reward” for its recovery but did not disclose the terms, assembled a group of “Star Trek” production veterans, model makers and restoration specialists in Beverly Hills to authenticate the find.

The group included a “Star Trek” art supervisor, Michael Okuda, and his wife, Denise, an artist on “Star Trek” television series and films, and Gary Kerr, a “Trek x-pert” who served as technical consultant for the Smithsonian during a 2016 restoration of the 11-foot model.

“We spent at least an hour photographing it, inspecting the paint, inspecting the dirt, looking under the base, the patina on the stem, the grain in the wood,” Mr. Roddenberry said.

“It was a unanimous ‘This is 100 percent the one,’” he said.

Gene Roddenberry, who died in 1991 , kept the original model, which appeared in the show’s opening credits and pilot episode, on his desk.

Mr. Kerr compared the model to 1960s photos he had of the model on Mr. Roddenberry’s desk.

“The wood grain matched exactly, so that was it,” he said on Saturday.

The model went missing after Mr. Roddenberry lent it to the makers of “Star Trek: The Motion Picture,” which was released in 1979, Mr. Maddalena said.

“This is a major discovery,” he said, likening the model to the ruby slippers from “The Wizard of Oz,” a prop that was stolen in 2005 and recovered by the F.B.I. in 2018, and that Heritage Auctions is selling.

While the slippers represent hope, he said, the starship Enterprise model “represents dreams.”

“It’s a portal to what could be,” he said.

Emily Schmall covers breaking news and feature stories and is based in Chicago. More about Emily Schmall

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93-Year-Old William Shatner ‘Might Consider’ Returning as Captain Kirk in New ‘Star Trek’ Project Through De-Aging: ‘It Takes Years Off of Your Face’

By Zack Sharf

Digital News Director

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William Shatner recently told Canadian Press that he wouldn’t rule out returning as Captain Kirk in a new “ Star Trek ” project if the script impressed him. While the actor’s age might pose an issue as Shatner turned 93 years old in March, that’s nothing a bit of de-aging technology couldn’t fix.

“It’s an intriguing idea,” Shatner said about returning as Kirk. “It’s almost impossible. But if was a great role and so well-written and if there were a reason to be there not just to make a cameo appearance, but if there were a genuine reason for the character appearing, I might consider it.”

Popular on Variety

“[It] takes years off of your face, so that in a film you can look 10, 20, 30, 50 years younger than you are,” Shatner said.

Another issue around Shatner’s “Star Trek” return is Kirk’s death in the 1994 film “Star Trek Generations,” which is the last time Shatner appeared in the iconic franchise. He’s already brainstormed a plot device that could serve as a workaround and have his version of Kirk come back to life.

“A company that wants to freeze my body and my brain for the future might be a way of going about it,” Shatner said. “‘We’ve got Captain Kirk’s brain frozen here.’ There’s a scenario. ‘Let’s see if we can bring back a little bit of this, a little salt, a little pepper. Oh, look at that. Here comes Captain Kirk!’”

Variety exclusively reported in March that Steve Yockey, creator of the Max series “The Flight Attendant,” had signed on to write the script for “Star Trek 4.” The movie is being designed as the final installment for Pine and the cast. Several attempts to get a fourth “Star Trek” movie off the ground with this cast have failed over the years. One version of the project was to be directed by Matt Shakman (“WandaVision”) and written by Lindsey Beer (“Sierra Burgess Is a Loser”) and Geneva Robertson-Dworet (“Captain Marvel”). Shakman left the project to direct Marvel’s “The Fantastic Four” instead.

Other “Star Trek” projects remain in development at Paramount as well. The studio is working with screenwriter Seth Grahame-Smith (“Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter”) and director by Toby Haynes (“Black Mirror: USS Callister”) on an origin story movie, while a project with screenwriter Kalinda Vazquez (“Fear the Walking Dead”) that was first announced in 2021 also remains in development.

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Star Trek: Enterprise Actors and Director Discuss the Series' Unfulfilled Potential

• Star Trek: Enterprise struggled to distinguish itself within the Star Trek universe, often echoing themes and styles seen in previous series.
• The aftermath of 9/11 significantly altered the trajectory of Star Trek: Enterprise , with a move to a serialized narrative that may have alienated fans who preferred the traditional style.
• The choice of network, UPN, may have impacted the show's reach and reception, suggesting that network dynamics play a significant role in a show's performance.

Few franchises have been as influential and enduring as Star Trek . Within the vast Star Trek narrative, the prequel series "Enterprise" occupies a distinctive and memorable position. Star Trek: Enterprise , despite its popularity, encountered difficulties leading to an unexpectedly brief run of only four seasons, concluding in 2005. A substantial gap followed the 2005 finale of "Enterprise" in the Star Trek TV series, which remained until Star Trek: Discovery came along in 2017.

Recently, key figures from "Enterprise" including actors Connor Trinneer, Dominic Keating, and director James L. Conway, alongside producer Mark Cartier, gathered on The Shuttlepod Show to dissect the reasons behind the series' struggle. Their insights offer a candid look into the complexities of television production and the evolving landscape of science fiction storytelling.

James L. Conway, who directed the series premiere among other episodes, reflected on the show's challenges in distinguishing itself within the Star Trek universe. Conway suggested that "Enterprise" didn't fully capitalize on its potential as a prequel with new characters and a fresh perspective. Instead, it often tread familiar ground, echoing themes and styles seen in previous Star Trek series.

James L. Conway: I think the show didn’t live up to the expectation of it being a different show. It just became another Star Trek show instead of taking the whole idea of a prequel and new characters and doing something different. It just felt, I think, very familiar to the audience.

Connor Trinneer, a pivotal actor in the series, attributed the show's altered trajectory to the influence of external events. He highlighted how the aftermath of 9/11 significantly altered the series' trajectory. A significant change occurred in the third season with a move to a serialized narrative, especially with the Xindi arc, contrasting with the franchise's traditional episode-by-episode structure. This innovation, shifting away from the classic Star Trek formula, may have been too abrupt for fans who preferred the traditional style. According to Trineer:

"I also think that our world changed so radically with 9/11. It changed our show. That maybe the initial goal for Enterprise had changed when everything changed. Our show changed. We had the Xindi. We had season 3 that was a serial arc for a whole season, which hadn’t been done…"

Dominic Keating, another principal actor, added that the series' narrative shift was partly influenced by the success of contemporary shows like 24 , which popularized the concept of a single story arc spanning an entire season. This new direction, successful in other series, may not have aligned well with the unique expectations of Star Trek fans, steeped in the series' legacy. Keating shared:

"It was in response to 24’s success, too. The one arc…

Producer Mark Cartier also weighed in, mentioning the role of network dynamics in the show's performance. He expressed reservations about "Enterprise" being aired on UPN, a network that may not have been the ideal platform for a series of its caliber. The implication here is that network choice can significantly impact a show's reach and reception.

Mark Cartier: Well also, it was on UPN, which is not where I would want my show to be…

RELATED: Star Trek Movies in Order: How to Watch Chronologically and by Release Date

From Fledgling Series to Beloved Classic: The Resurgence of Star Trek: Enterprise

In recent years, "Enterprise" has experienced a revival in its popularity, overcoming past challenges. With its availability on streaming platforms, new and old fans alike have discovered or revisited the series, leading to a growing appreciation of its contributions to the Star Trek universe. The call for more content related to "Enterprise," whether through character appearances or story continuations in current Star Trek series on Paramount+, is a testament to its enduring appeal. This renewed interest also highlights how perceptions of a show can evolve over time, as viewers reevaluate its place within a larger narrative landscape.

The Star Trek series now includes "Enterprise" as a uniquely esteemed installment. Once seen as an underperformer, it's now regarded with a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for its attempts to innovate within a well-established franchise. Star Trek: Enterprise's evolution from a fledgling series to a beloved classic highlights the capricious nature of television narratives and the enduring charm of the Star Trek legacy.

Star Trek: Enterprise

Release Date 2001-09-26

Cast Dominic Keating, Connor Trinneer, Linda Park, John Billingsley, Scott Bakula, Jolene Blalock, Anthony Montgomery

Genres Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure

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William shatner willing to return to ‘star trek’ as de-aged captain kirk.

The 93-year-old actor says he's down to return as James T. Kirk for a new movie, and has an idea about how to make it work.

By James Hibberd

James Hibberd

Writer-at-Large

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“Mr. Scott, set the de-ager for 40 years!”

William Shatner says he’s down to play Captain James T. Kirk in a movie again, and has an idea for how it might work.

The 93-year-old sci-fi legend told the Canadian Press that he’d be willing to return to the Starship Enterprise under certain conditions.

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William shatner on living boldly throughout acting career: "the future is unheralded", 'star trek: lower decks' to end with season 5.

Shatner suggested he could play a younger version of his iconic character, thanks to a company he’s working with that specializes in de-aging technology that “takes years off your face, so that in a film you can look 10, 20, 30, 50 years younger than you are.”

While Kirk was, of course, killed off in the 1994 film Star Trek: Generations (photo above), Shatner suggested that Kirk’s body and brain might have been frozen for posterity and then he gets revived years later.

“‘We’ve got Captain Kirk’s brain frozen here,'” he mused. “There’s a scenario. ‘Let’s see if we can bring back a little bit of this, a little salt, a little pepper [in his hair]. Oh, look at that. Here comes Captain Kirk!'”

The prospect of this happening seems rather unlikely, of course. But filmmakers keep getting rather bold with de-aging technology, so it’s hardly impossible that a future Trek film might take Shatner up on his offer and at least try for a de-aged Kirk flashback or cameo of some kind.

Shatner was doing this interview to promote his biographical documentary You Can Call Me Bill , which is being released On Demand.

The actor famously journeyed into space in 2021 as a member of Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin craft, becoming the oldest person to ever go into orbit.

Shatner has managed to remain quite sharp, energetic and hearty despite his years. The actor credits both genetic luck and taking care of himself.

“I eat well, I exercise, I ride horses a lot,” he said. “My wife cooks non-inflammatory foods extremely well.”

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'Star Trek: Enterprise' Star Casts Doubt on a Potential Reunion

All the faith of the heart in the world may not be enough to bring the show back.

The Big Picture

• Former Star Trek: Enterprise cast member John Billingsley believes it is unlikely that the series will have a reunion due to logistical issues and the current endeavors of the cast members.
• While other Star Trek shows have seen the return of past cast members, Star Trek: Enterprise has only had limited participation in the franchise's recent resurgence.
• Star Trek: Enterprise , which takes place before the original series, faced struggles with ratings and was eventually canceled, leading to a decade-long absence of Star Trek on TV.

With four new Star Trek shows currently airing, many former Trek cast members have returned to duty and reprised their roles. One past Trek series, however, has so far been left out: the misbegotten early-aughts prequel series Star Trek: Enterprise . If one cast member from that series can be believed, it's likely to stay that way. In a new interview with Screen Rant , John Billingsley , who played the eccentric Denobulan physician Doctor Phlox on all four seasons of the series, threw cold water on the notion of a reunion; he believes that there are simply too many logistical problems to see the cast return to the NX-01. Says Billingsley, "I doubt very much that Enterprise itself could or would ever come back. I mean, there are just too many issues with it. Scott Bakula has moved on. He's always got a jillion projects in the works. Jolene Blalock married, had three kids, and has, I think, more or less retired from the business. I don't think anybody's in touch with her." However, Billingsley does have a not-entirely-serious pitch for a Phlox spinoff: "Maybe you could just bring me back. And it could just be Old Fat Phlox, which is the show I've also pitched for many years, where I'm just sitting on a rocking chair on the porch going, 'Back in the day when I was having intergalactic adventures...'"

Many actors and characters from previous Star Trek generations have returned to the franchise in recent years. Star Trek: Picard is based around the much-hyped return of Patrick Stewart , with the rest of his Star Trek: The Next Generation castmates returning for the final season. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine has been represented with a number of cast members, including Armin Shimerman and Nana Visitor , returning for episodes of Star Trek: Lower Decks , while Star Trek: Prodigy features Star Trek: Voyager 's Kathryn Janeway ( Kate Mulgrew ) as one of its main characters. Even George Takei and Walter Koenig , from Star Trek: The Original Series , have returned for voice cameos. Enterprise 's participation in this has so far been limited to a small guest spot for Connor Trineer 's Trip Tucker in one of the surreal animated shorts of Star Trek: Very Short Treks .

What is 'Star Trek: Enterprise'?

Taking place a century before the events of the adventures of Kirk and Spock, Enterprise follows the launch of the first starship Enterprise, captained by Jonathan Archer (Bakula). Over its first two seasons, the series struggled to attract viewers on UPN with episodic adventures. The third season changed course, and featured a season-long plotline where the Enterprise crew raced to find the mysterious alien race who'd committed a deadly terrorist attack on Earth, mirroring the then-contemporary realities of a post-9/11 America and the War on Terror. The fourth season saw another creative reimagining that took a deep dive into Star Trek continuity, revisiting fan-favorite concepts like the Mirror Universe , the Romulans, and the origin of the Klingons' changing appearance. While the fourth season was the best-received of the series, ratings remained weak, and Enterprise was canceled. The series ended with "These are the Voyages...", a finale that, despite cameos from Next Generation favorites Jonathan Frakes and Martina Sirtis , remains controversial. The 2005 end of Enterprise was the death knell for Star Trek on TV for over a decade; the franchise wouldn't return to the small screen until the 2017 launch of Star Trek: Discovery .

All four seasons of Star Trek: Enterprise are available to stream now on Paramount+. Stay tuned to Collider for future updates, and watch CBS' trailer for the first season of Star Trek: Enterprise on Blu-ray below.

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William Shatner Says He’d Be Willing To Do Another ‘Star Trek’ Voyage

By Bruce Haring

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Captain Kirk says he is open to a return to Star Trek – if the storytelling is stellar.

“It’s an intriguing idea,” said William Shatner , the legendary captain of the starship Enterprise, speaking to the Canadian Press on a video call while promoting his new documentary, You Can Call Me Bill, which arrives Tuesday.

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Bill Maher Uncovers The Truth Behind William Shatner's Most Famous 'Star Trek' Kiss

Shatner’s last appearancewas in the 1994 film Star Trek Generations , and – spoiler alert – he dies.

But Shatner cited a software company he promotes that would allow him to play a younger version of the captain. The company, Otoy, specializes in technology that “takes years off of your face, so that in a film you can look 10, 20, 30, 50 years younger than you are,” Shatner said.

Shatner even has a scenario where Kirk is resurrected.

“A company that wants to freeze my body and my brain for the future might be a way of going about it,” he said. “‘We’ve got Captain Kirk’s brain frozen here.’ There’s a scenario. ‘Let’s see if we can bring back a little bit of this, a little salt, a little pepper. Oh, look at that. Here comes Captain Kirk!’”

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I've been missing detmer & owosekun in star trek: discovery season 5.

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Where’s Saru? Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Sidelined The Kelpien Hero

Star trek: discovery season 5’s betazoid is a marina sirtis counselor troi tribute, star trek: discovery sets up a problem for starfleet academy show to solve.

WARNING: Contains SPOILERS for Star Trek: Discovery season 5.

• Detmer and Owosekun's absence in Star Trek: Discovery season 5 has been keenly felt by fans and the crew of the USS Discovery.
• Lt. Commanders Detmer and Owosekun have only made brief appearances in two out of the six episodes of season 5 so far.
• Star Trek: Discovery season 5's new bridge characters makes it feel like the USS DIscovery has a new crew.

Lt. Commander Keyla Detmer (Emily Coutts) and Lt. Commander Joann Owosekun (Oyin Oladejo) have been conspicuously absent from Star Trek: Discovery season 5. Both Detmer and Owosekun have been serving on the bridge of the USS Discovery since season 1, as the helmsman and the operations officer, respectively. Although they have not been featured as prominently as some of the other characters, Detmer and Owosekun are compelling characters who have always been a welcome presence . More than any other Star Trek show, Discovery focuses on its lead, Captain Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green), but Detmer and Owo have been a part of her story since the beginning.

Star Trek: Discovery season 4 expanded the roles of Lt. Commanders Detmer and Owosekun, as they both helped the USS Discovery uncover the truth about the Dark Matter Anomaly. In Star Trek: Discovery season 4, episode 8, "All In," Owosekun accompanied Captain Burnham on a mission to a black-market casino, where her hand-to-hand combat skills proved incredibly useful in earning money in a fighting ring. Detmer, too, was part of an away team a few episodes later, in Star Trek: Discovery season 4, episode 11,"Rosetta," when Discovery visited the homeworld of Species 10-C. Star Trek : Discovery season 5 is the show's final season, and it's likely Detmer and Owo will return before the end, but their absence throughout much of the season so far has been keenly felt.

Detmer's piloting skills have also come in handy on multiple occasions, and both officers excel when stationed on the bridge.

Despite the potential for a great storyline in season 5, Doug Jones's Saru has been absent for much of Star Trek: Discovery's final season.

Detmer & Owosekun Have Been Noticeably Absent From Star Trek: Discovery Season 5

Detmer and owosekun have only appeared in two out of discovery season 5's six episodes so far..

Detmer and Owosekun have briefly popped up in a couple of episodes of Star Trek: Discovery season 5, but have otherwise been completely absent. Lt. Commander Asha (Christina Dixon) and Lt. Gallo (Natalie Liconti) took over Detmer and Owo's stations on the USS DIscovery's bridge, while Keyla and Joann were only mentioned in dialogue. After the events of Star Trek: Discovery season 5, episode 5 , "Mirrors," Detmer and Owo were ordered to polit the ISS Enterprise back to Federation Headquarters. This means they will likely remain absent for the rest of Discovery's search for the Progenitors' technology, which is disappointing, as both characters would be fun additions to this intergalactic treasure hunt.

When Captain Burnham brought Commander Rayner (Callum Keith Rennie) aboard as the USS Discovery's new First Officer, he did quick meet-and-greets with the ship's crew members. Detmer and Owosekun were conspicuously absent from these scenes as well, again replaced by Asha and Gallo. Despite all their talk of family, Discovery's crew has not fully coalesced into a solid core group the way other Star Trek casts have. As Star Trek: Discovery season 5 was filming, the cast and crew were unaware that it would be the show's last season, making it all the more unfortunate that Detmer and Owosekun do not have more of a presence in what will be Discovery's final episodes.

Star Trek: Discovery Feels Like The Starship Has A New Crew In Season 5

Star trek: discovery changes its dynamic every season..

Since the days of Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) and his Starship Enterprise crew, most Star Trek shows have featured ensemble casts. While the Captains were more or less the main characters, the other senior officers also featured prominently in certain episodes. Star Trek: The Original Series came to focus on the iconic trio of Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy), and Dr. Leonard McCoy (DeForest Kelley), while Star Trek: The Next Generation would have episodes that often showcased one character. Star Trek: Discovery has always centered Michael Burnham by design, but that means some of the other characters have been sidelined.

Discovery has struggled to find its identity, experimenting with different kinds of stories and cycling through crew members.

Over the course of its five seasons, Star Trek: Discovery has struggled to find its identity, experimenting with different kinds of stories and cycling through crew members. When Michael Burnham became Captain of Discovery at the end of season 3, it finally felt like the show had found its rhythm. Star Trek: Discovery season 4 still focused on Burnham, but allowed more of the characters to play a larger role. Burnham is a great character, and she will always be Discovery's star, but the crew felt more like a family than ever in season 4, and Star Trek: Discovery season 5 has shifted the dynamics yet again.

New episodes of Star Trek: Discovery stream Thursdays on Paramount+.

Star Trek: Discovery

• Star Trek: Discovery (2017)