Gene Roddenberry's Complex Feelings About Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, had mixed feelings about Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan when it first came out. However, over time, he came to appreciate the film's success and its impact on the franchise. He recognized that despite his initial reservations, the movie significantly contributed to the enduring legacy of Star Trek.

When Wrath of Khan first came out, I remembered thinking that it was a parody of Star Trek, more than a respectful homage to the series. The iconic performances, including Spock's 'permed wig coiffed,' seemed to mock rather than honor the original series. As for the following movies, they were even worse. The movie is enjoyable but hardly respectful of the original series. Unfortunately, the aspect that Star Trek became a winking, dumb parody has taken over 21st-century Star Trek.

Contrary to the popular perception, Gene Roddenberry did not entirely reject the film. In reality, it was his very involvement that led to his detailed criticisms. Renowned director Nicholas Meyer has written about the series of memos that Roddenberry sent during the film's production, expressing his discontent with the movie and how he felt it violated his vision for Star Trek.

Further evidence of Roddenberry's reservations is a nine-page letter he wrote to producer Harve Bennett. In this letter, he lays out his objections in detail. He did not like that Starfleet was portrayed as a primarily military organization. He also objected to the use of human weakness as a source of conflict in the film, feeling that by the time of Star Trek, human beings had evolved beyond such primal instincts. He found the scientific basis for the Genesis Project unsatisfactory and unnecessary, given the abundance of fertile worlds elsewhere. Additionally, he felt that Khan von Kan setColor was presented as a one-note mustache-twirling villain, contrary to the original character's complexity. He also criticized the use of the Kobayashi Maru test and David Marcus' negative opinions about Starfleet.

It is worth noting that some of Roddenberry's frustrations were based on his limited involvement in the film. Following the success of the first film, the studio pushed Roddenberry into a consultant role, reducing his direct influence on the second installment.

Despite these criticisms, it is clear that Gene Roddenberry's legacy is intrinsically tied to the success of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. His detailed feedback and criticisms helped shape the film, leading to significant changes before it was released. This underscores the complex and sometimes contentious relationship between the franchise's creator and its expanding storytelling.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, Gene Roddenberry had mixed feelings about Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. While he did not initially embrace the film, his detailed critiques and memos helped improve it, contributing significantly to the film's eventual success. The story of Roddenberry's relationship with the movie highlights the challenges and compromises involved in bringing a beloved franchise to the big screen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Did Gene Roddenberry like Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan?

Gene Roddenberry did not entirely like Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Initially, he had mixed feelings and reservations about the film, regarding it as a parody. However, he contributed significantly to shaping the film through his detailed criticisms and memos, which ultimately helped improve it.

What were Gene Roddenberry's main objections to Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan?

Gene Roddenberry's main objections to Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan included:

Portraying Starfleet as a primarily military organization Using human weakness as a source of conflict Scientifically unsatisfying aspects of the Genesis Project Simplistic portrayal of Khan von Kan as a one-note villain Use of the Kobayashi Maru test Negative opinions about Starfleet expressed by characters

How did Gene Roddenberry's objections impact the final film?

Gene Roddenberry's detailed feedback and memos led to significant changes in the film, which were implemented before it was released. His criticisms, although initially harsh, contributed to the final product, making Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan the success it became.