Chris Pine and Chris Hemsworth out in a disagreement over money
Chris Pine and Chris Hemsworth are out from Star Trek’s fourth sequel, according to The Hollywood Reporter, following a breakdown in negotiations between the actors and Paramount Pictures. The actors and the studio have both left the table.
Pine has played Capt. Kirk in the three “Kelvin Timeline” films rebooting the sci-fi adventure since 2009. Hemsworth was expected to return as Kirk’s father, a role he played in 2009’s Star Trek. The Hollywood Reporter says negotiations with stars Zoe Saldana, Zachary Quinto, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg and John Cho are expected to close soon.
THR suggested that Pine and Hemsworth are seeking money commensurate with starring in a large-scale summer blockbuster, somewhat like the Marvel Cinematic Universe or Disney’s Star Wars films. Paramount is said to be balking at such demands, considering Star Trek not to be a franchise at that kind of a pay grade. Pine and Hemsworth are contending they already have agreements in place that Paranount and Skydance Media are trying to lower following a disappointing box office performance for 2016’s Star Trek Beyond. That movie, according to Box Office Mojo, was profitable against a production budget of $185 million, but only because of a strong overseas take. Domestically, it only made $158 million.
Production on the film is expected to continue, THR says. S. J. Clarkson is aboard to direct, as the first woman to helm a Star Trek movie in franchise history.
