The Star Trek franchise turns sixty this year, although sadly, there’s not exactly a lot to celebrate right now. Paramount+ is currently burning through what remains of Strange New Worlds and Starfleet Academy episodes. Meanwhile, a new Trek film seems nowhere closer to production. However, Trekkers have one movie celebrating Star Trek coming to theaters this year to look forward to. According to Deadline, a new documentary, The Sixty-Year Mission: How Star Trek Changed Television And The World is getting an October release at Regal cinemas. And producing it is none other than William Shatner himself. You can check out the film’s poster, and read its official synopsis, down below.
This epic documentary reveals how bold artistic choices, behind-the-scenes conflicts, and groundbreaking ideas came together to create an enduring television classic. Through exclusive interviews and never-before-seen archival materials, The Sixty-Year Mission uncovers that truth is indeed stranger than science-fiction.
Mark A. Altman, who wrote the book Star Trek: The Fifty-Year Mission, directs the movie. That book is maybe the most comprehensive (and honest) behind-the-scenes history of the franchise yet. If the film is anything like the book, this is a “warts and all” recounting of the origins of Trek. The film features interviews with Star Trek living legends Shatner, George Takei, and Walter Koenig. Gene Roddenberry, Jr., the son of Trek’s late creator, also appears, along with several Trek writers, directors, producers, and fans. Actors from later iterations of the franchise appear, but the documentary seems mostly focused on the original show. Some talent will appear at select Q&A screenings.
Writer/director Mark Altman said, “This film is a love letter to Star Trek. I’m immensely grateful to Regal for offering this gift to fans for the show’s 60th birthday. I’m confident that the film will appeal both to longtime fans of the franchise as well as new viewers who might be wondering what the unique alchemy of this pop culture icon is really about.” The Sixty-Year Mission: How Star Trek Changed Television And The World arrives in Regal cinemas on October 9.