Star Trek rumours seem to be the flavour of the month right now… but this is the biggest one I’ve heard yet… and probably the most unlikely. However, it’s so bold that I just had to mention it here. Tom Hanks is whispered to possibly be on board for the next Star Trek project.
So how on earth does a franchise like Star Trek, while on total life support, even dream of landing a top 5 and multi Oscar winning actor like Tom Hanks? Well apparently it’s all about WHO you know. The good folks over at M&C give us the following:
Fan site Sci-Fi Heaven is reporting that Tom Hanks may somehow be involved in the next new Star Trek project, whatever that is. Hanks involvement supposedly hinges on what direction Paramount Pictures decides to go with the franchise. Should they choose to develop the Trek script turned in to them by Erik Jendresen a few months ago, the claim is that Tom Hanks comes with it.
Where’s the connection? Well, Erik had a hand in writing the Tom Hanks mini-series “Band of Brothers”.
As Josh point out, I think this is pretty thin logic. Just because some guy knows another guy doesn’t mean anything really. But ok, let’s play fantasy for a moment shall we….
IF Tom Hanks signed up to appear in any sort of new Star Trek project, it would almost certainly revitalize the entire franchise. Star Trek would suddenly get a desperately needed influx of NEW audience members (something that Star Trek hasn’t had in almost 10 years) and instant credibility (something the franchise has lacked for quite some time as well). That being the case… I could see Paramount putting up BIG dollars to secure Hank’s involvement. However….
What on earth would Tom Hanks have to gain from a project like Star Trek? The man already has more money than Poland and isn’t about to get any Oscar nominations for a Sci-Fi project like Star Trek either. It seems to me that right now Hanks is about trying to secure his spot in history as one of the all time greats. Star Trek wouldn’t help him in that endeavor… even if the film (or films) was a success.
Tom Hank in a Star Trek film would be a no lose situation for Paramount and the Star Trek franchise… but a no win situation for Hanks himself. So no… not a chance in hell.
