Star Trek 4 Shelved, As Director Takes Game Of Thrones Job

It looks like the fourth entry in the new Star Trek series has hit an intergalactic roadbump. Deadline reports that SJ Clarkson, who was announced as the franchise's first female director, is no longer involved with the project, and the film isf "shelved."

Clarkson is keeping busy without Star Trek, however, as she's directing the new Game of Thrones spin-off for HBO. Clarkson also directed episodes of Orange is the New Black and Jessica Jones.

This is just the latest setback for Star Trek 4, as it was previously reported that Chris Pine--who played the iconic Captain Kirk--had dropped out after contract negotiations broke down. Chris Hemsworth, who played Kirk's father, also reportedly couldn't come to terms on a contract.

The 2009 Star Trek reboot made $385 million worldwide, while 2013's Star Trek: Into Darkness pulled in $467 million globally. 2016's Beyond was the worst performer of the bunch, bringing in $343 million worldwide.

Back in August, it was reported that the new Star Trek movie was a "priority" at Paramount, with deals expected to close for the other cast members, including Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg, and John Cho. Actor Anton Yelchin, who played Chekov in the new films, died in June 2016 in a car accident.

The fourth Star Trek was being written by JD Payne and Patrick McKay, and while the film now may never happen, the pair are writing Amazon's ambitious Lord of the Rings TV show. Star Trek 4's story, which has never been revealed, was producer JJ Abrams' favourite in the history of the franchise.

What happens next with the new Star Trek film remains to be seen, but whatever the case, it seems like it won't be coming anytime soon.

The new, untitled fourth Star Trek movie was expected to be followed by another Star Trek film from Quentin Tarantino. However, it remains to be seen if that's ever going to happen.