Thanks to Deadline, we have word that Quentin Tarantino (The Hateful Eight) pitched an idea for a Star Trek film to J.J. Abrams. Now, a writer’s room is going to be assembled with a group of pros hearing Tarantino out, with the possibility of Quentin himself directing the film.
So… Tarantino, the man behind Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, Jackie Brown — would love to direct a Star Trek movie one day. He’s revealed in the past that he would rather do a Star Trek movie over a Star Wars flick and that’s because he was a fan of the original series as well as The Next Generation. J.J. Abrams, who helmed the first two flicks of the new trilogy would produce the effort if it takes off and Tarantino himself who would get at the very least a story credit, may even direct the thing… How about that? Tarantino in space? Sign me up.
Tarantino is still working on his upcoming ninth untitled film that will feature the Charles Manson cult murder of Sharon Tate somewhere in the story (though it’s said to only be a backdrop of the movie, which features a stuntman/actor duo trying to make it big in Hollywood in 1969). The movie has a tentative release date of Aug. 9, 2019 and will be distributed by Sony pictures — the first time Tarantino will not be releasing a film via The Weinstein Company, in light of the recent scandals which will likely bankrupt that studio. Margot Robbie is being courted to play the role of Sharon Tate (the actress and former wife of director Roman Polanski, who was killed along with others in her home by Manson’s cult members, 50 years before the release of the film). Other A-listers being scouted include Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt.
What Film Genres Should Tarantino Direct Before he Retires?
#5 Horror
There are usually one or two agonisingly beautiful set pieces in a Tarantino film that ratchet up the tension to such unbearable high levels until they literally explode in a hail of gunfire and death. So in other words — Quentin making a horror movie in the same way would be a no-brainer. Imagine if Quentin one day decided to make a three hour horror epic? Yeah you’d be there. Death Proof was close and Tarantino considers it his “slasher” movie, but I don’t see it in that way. It’s close, but not true horror. From Dusk Till Dawn! Yes that’s definitely horror and Tarantino definitely helped write it — but his pal Robert Rodriguez directed it. I’d like to see 100% Tarantino in this genre, but I don’t think it’ll happen — because — Death Proof.
#4. Anime
Remember the anime sequence in Kill Bill? Jarring, violent, extremely stylised, beautiful. The filmmaker has expressed wanting to dive back into this genre for YEARS now but has never taken the plunge and I think if he were to do an animated film in this style, it would be a masterpiece.
#3. Justice System/ Prison
I think Tarantino already has a story treatment for a prison drama and I was under the impression he was going to do that after The Hateful Eight, but then we wound up with a 1960’s Hollywood ensemble piece instead featuring Charles Manson. I love a good prison flick, with a decent mix of courtroom drama thrown in there and I would love to see what Tarantino does with this style of movie.
#2. Science Fiction
Sci-Fi is actually the LAST film genre that I would have expected Tarantino to tackle and this new Star Trek news has really got me excited to see what could potentially happen when the man known for his love of spaghetti westerns and ultra violence is able to accomplish in outer freaking space. The film doesn’t even need to be R-Rated — just deliver that incredible soundtrack, Tarantino dialog and I’m all set.
#1. Mafia/ Period Piece
It’s the one that makes the most sense doesn’t it? Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown — all are sort of “gangster” flicks, but they’re modern day ones. Imagine what Tarantino could do with a 1930’s Mafia movie? The possibilities are endless and although I doubt we’ll see one, it doesn’t hurt to dream.