Milestone Years
- 15th Anniversary: May 8, 2024
- 20th Anniversary: May 8, 2029
- 25th Anniversary: May 8, 2034
- 30th Anniversary: May 8, 2039
Inspiration Behind the Movie
Director J.J. Abrams and writers Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci sought to revive the Star Trek franchise by creating an alternate timeline that allowed for fresh storytelling without discarding beloved lore. The goal was to appeal to both longtime fans and new audiences while preserving the spirit of exploration and unity.
You Might Not Know
- Leonard Nimoy’s return as Spock Prime helped bridge old and new timelines.
- The film used real-life U.S. Navy locations for parts of the Enterprise.
- Chris Pine avoided impersonating William Shatner to make the role his own.
- Ben Burtt, the sound designer behind Star Wars, crafted the film’s soundscape.
- It won the franchise’s first Academy Award—for Best Makeup.
Food Ideas
- “Redshirt” raspberry cupcakes
- Warp core energy drinks (blue slushies)
- Vulcan veggie platters with logical arrangements
- Phaser-blasted popcorn (with hot seasoning)
- Starfleet sandwiches cut into insignia shapes
Release Date: May 8, 2009
Summary:
In this fresh take on the legendary sci-fi saga, James T. Kirk and Spock must overcome their differences and unite a new crew aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise. Facing a time-traveling Romulan villain bent on vengeance, they race to protect the future and live up to their destinies.
Genre(s) and MPAA Rating: Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure, PG-13
Key Cast Members:
Chris Pine
Zachary Quinto
Zoe Saldana
Karl Urban
Simon Pegg
John Cho
Anton Yelchin
Eric Bana
Leonard Nimoy
Ways to Celebrate
- Host a “Starfleet Academy” trivia challenge
- Wear uniforms or create your own crew badge
- Rewatch episodes or movies featuring the original cast
- Build the Enterprise with LEGO or model kits
- Debate your favorite Star Trek captains with friends
Filming Locations
- Vulcan scenes were shot in the Vasquez Rocks, California
- The U.S.S. Enterprise interior used a Budweiser brewery in Van Nuys for engineering scenes
- Starfleet Academy scenes were filmed at the California State University, Northridge
- Snowy Delta Vega scenes were filmed in Alaska and digitally enhanced