Chris Pine and Chris Hemsworth will not be returning for Star Trek 4 following a failed negotiation with Paramount over their salaries. Despite the actors' strong ties to prominent franchises such as Marvel and DC, Paramount is unwilling to meet their higher salary demands and is instead focusing on reducing the film's budget. Hemsworth was slated to reprise his role as George Kirk, a storyline that intrigued the audience, but the studio's decision places new director SJ Clarkson in a challenging position.

With Pine and Hemsworth's exit, speculation rises about the future of the cast and the direction Star Trek 4 might take. Although the loss of such key actors could suggest significant issues for the project, Paramount remains committed to moving forward with production. The studio might consider rebooting the franchise without focusing on the Kirk family, presenting an opportunity to redefine the iconic series, though the specifics remain nebulous. This development adds uncertainty to the project's future but signifies a possible new chapter for Star Trek.