'Star Trek' Creator's Son On Quentin Tarantino Movie Idea: 'I Struggle With That'

The son of "Star Trek" creator Gene Roddenberry was not on board with a potential Quentin Tarantino take on the sci-fi franchise.

Rod Roddenberry, CEO of the production company Roddenberry Entertainment, recently spoke with Forbes to mark "Star Trek's" 55th anniversary. During the interview, he admitted that he isn't sure if a Tarantino film would be ideal for the franchise.

"I struggle with that because I'm pretty myopic with the way I see 'Star Trek,'" he said.

Roddenberry said his reaction was not personal, but his intention was simply to protect the brand.

"I mentioned that I grew up with fans coming up to me saying how 'Star Trek' inspired them and gave them hope for the future. It's the optimism and the messaging in there that make 'Star Trek' what it was. I truly believe that. If you create a 'Star Trek' that is just action, that is not 'Star Trek,' in my opinion. That's what makes it different than 'Star Wars,' and I love 'Star Wars,' but they can both coexist. And I love Tarantino's work and the kind of films that he does. I am trying to have an open mind."

Roddenberry, who is an executive producer on all of Paramount's recent "Star Trek" shows, admitted that he "would be curious to read a script on [Tarantino's] take." He said he believes that as a fan, the director would know the essential elements of the franchise.

"I do not think you could say we're going to do a 'Reservoir Dogs' 'Star Trek,'" he said, referencing Tarantino's 1992 directorial debut. "I'll be honest, that doesn't work for me, but he is a fan, and I think as a fan, he probably understands to some degree that 'Star Trek' has to have some of this messaging. I would be curious, and I would try to have an open mind, but I'm not sure what it would be. I am glad that people are willing to explore that, at least."

Reports first surfaced back in December 2017 that Tarantino pitched an R-rated "Star Trek" movie to Paramount that he would direct. "Revenant" screenwriter Mark L. Smith, who was brought aboard to pen the script, later revealed that the idea would involve Captain Kirk and time travel and would draw inspiration from classic gangster films.

However, Paramount is not moving forward with the movie. In July, "WandaVision" director Matt Shakman was tapped to helm the next "Star Trek" film.

Last year, Tarantino told Deadline that he had moved on from the idea. "I think they might make that movie, but I just don’t think I’m going to direct it. It’s a good idea. They should definitely do it and I’ll be happy to come in and give them some notes on the first rough cut," he said at the time.