S.J. Clarkson will boldly go where no woman has gone before. Deadline reports that she’s been tapped to helm “Star Trek 4,” making her the first woman to direct a feature in the “Star Trek” franchise.
With about 20 years of experience directing, Clarkson is no stranger to genre fare. She’s helmed episodes of “Jessica Jones,” “The Defenders,” and “Heroes,” as well as shows such as “Orange Is the New Black, “Dexter,” and “House.”
Paramount hasn’t released a statement about Clarkson’s involvement. The studio, did, however comment on the pic more generally. At CinemaCon in Las Vegas they acknowledged that a fourth movie in the franchise is indeed planned. Chris Hemsworth, who plays Chris Pine’s father in 2009’s “Star Trek,” and Zachary Quinto, who portrays Spock, are set to return. Details are scarce and vague, but sources tell Variety “a key plot point sees Pine’s character running into his father in a time travel ploy.”
Since “Star Trek’s” big screen reboot in 2009, the franchise, which also includes “Star Trek: Into Darkness” and “Star Trek Beyond,” has taken in nearly $1.2 billion worldwide.
Victoria Mahoney is also set to make history behind the scenes of a beloved sci-fi franchise. The “Yelling to the Sky” helmer will serve as second unit director on “Star Wars: Episode IX.” She’ll be the first black woman to direct in the franchise’s history.
