Scott Bakula hasn't played Jonathon Archer since Star Trek: Enterprise ended in 2001, and although it seemed like a possible comeback was recently on the cards, a franchise update suggests the plan has once more been sidelined in favor of another project. Most known for his role as Dr. Sam Beckett in Quantum leap before becoming the Enterprise NX-01's commanding officer, Captain Archer since become one of Bakula's biggest castings.
Although Star Trek: Enterprise certainly had its critics when it initially aired, the passage of time has allowed Trekkies to look upon the show far more favorably than they once did. It's probably still the least liked Star Trek spinoff show of the franchise's golden era, but there are many who would welcome a Star Trek: Picard-style project that brought Bakula back as the pivotal Starfleet and Federation legend.
Earlier this year, TrekMovie broke the news that Scott Bakula had been working with producer Mike Sussman to craft a pitch for a show about what Archer did next after Enterprise. Sussman wrote and produced for Enterprise and also Star Trek: Voyager. Paramount rejected the pitch a couple of years ago. Since revealed to have been called Star Trek: United, Bakula's return was intended to be a "political thriller and family drama" set during the Federation's formative years.
While Bakula remains hopeful that he and Sussman can further refine their United pitch to the point where Paramount might greenlight the show, it remains speculative for now. That being said, another Star Trek project has just been announced, and while it could have, in theory, allowed Bakula to reprise his franchise role, it sounds like those behind the upcoming production have other plans in mind.
A new Star Trek movie has been announced in the wake of the Kelvin Timeline's end
Only ever really referred to as Star Trek 4, another installment in J.J. Abrams' Kelvin Timeline movies has long been rumored. Sadly, it's now been confirmed to no longer be part of Paramount's plans. So, Chris Pine's Captain Kirk and the rest of the series' cast won't be back for another installment. I love those movies, so I am very disappointed by this revelation. Thankfully, Paramount is planning to make another Star Trek movie instead.
Variety recently reported that filmmaking duo Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley are teaming up once again, this time to pen the script for and direct the next feature-length Star Trek adventure, which will presumably be set in the Prime Timeline. Their previous projects include the script for 2017's Spider-Man: Homecoming and 2023's Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves. If you've seen these two movies, then you'll know how good Goldstein and Daley can be.
What Star Trek's new movie announcement means for Bakula's plan to return as Jonathon Archer
With the failure that was 2025's Star Trek: Section 31, the franchise has been without a good movie since 2016's Star Trek Beyond, which was also the last feature-length project to be released in cinemas. Section 31 went straight to Paramount+, and received largely negative reviews. While I'd be surprised if Star Trek moved away from TV altogether, it would make sense if the focus shifted more into efforts to make a hit movie.
Furthermore, the upcoming Star Trek movie is reportedly not connected to any current or previous shows. If Archer was set to show up in the movie, then it would inarguably feel like a legacy sequel to Enterprise. As such, it seems less likely than ever that Bakula will get his Star Trek wish, and with the franchise's apparent shift in its priorities, we now may never get to see Star Trek: United come to fruition.