If the writing team working on Star Trek XII need any help, Harlan Ellison is ready to lend a hand.
The author best known to television fans for his script that became the original "Star Trek" episode "City on the Edge of Forever," told readers on his personal Web site that he wouldn't mind becoming part of the creative team looking to create a sequel to the 2009 hit "Star Trek," despite the fact he has yet to even see the film.
"I would jump at the chance to work with the inordinately-talented J.J. Abrams on a new Star Trek film," Ellison wrote. "Yes, I would likely try to steer him toward the original film idea I was asked to pitch by the late Gene Roddenberry and a production exec whose name I have blissfully flensed from memory."
Even if Abrams didn't like the story idea, Ellison said he would definitely like to be a part in thinking a bit outside the box.
"If the very smart Abrams didn't want to go that way, I would be wide-open to rethinking such a film from the git-go," he said.
But even bringing Ellison to the lot would force them to shell out some dough.
"Paramount would, of course, have to pay me from the first meet git-go, but I have absolutely no attitude that would prevent me from jumping in to work with such a clever [fellow]. One is never too old to come up with fresh ideas, particularly if one has lived long enough, and cleverly enough, to know what has already been done to death, 16 times over," Ellison said.
The author recently settled a lawsuit he had filed against the Star Trek rights holders over merchandising of elements of "City on the Edge of Forever" he created.
If Abrams were to learn about Ellison's desire, and feel that it might be a good fit, he might have to hand the author a copy of the "Star Trek" DVD since Ellison should probably catch up on what's happened in the new Trekverse so far since he hasn't even seen the film.
"No big reason, I just didn't get to it when it was first-run," Ellison explained. "I'll catch up to it ... whenever.
"I wouldn't make book on Ellison being contacted for anything Trekwisde, but lah dee dah," he said.
Why would Ellison suddenly be willing to work with Abrams when he outright refused to have anything to do with the franchise creator in the first place?
"Where the downside to getting topside of the radar of J.J. Abrams?" Ellison asked. "This guy ain't Roddenberry. He's a writer I respect, whose work has frequently blown the lid off my box of supriseability. But then again, he already knows that. It isn't as if I'd kept my admiration chained in the darkest cell of the basement of Bedlam."
So what would Ellison have to offer to the Star Trek franchise? If Paramount puts out some money to keep the author happy, they might find out.
The 12th movie in the franchise, and the second under the watchful eye of J.J. Abrams, is currently in development by Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman and Damon Lindelof.
I belief that since Startrek from J.J. did well he might as well join the group,he ain't cheap i tell you. GTO
