Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto Sign On for Fourth STAR TREK Film

The Hollywood Reporter reports that Chris Pine has signed on to star in the fourth installment of STAR TREK to the tune of $6 million, alongside fellow actor Zachary Quinto. With the third movie just heading into production this week in Vancouver, Paramount has already quietly confirmed that Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto will reprise their roles as Kirk and Spock in the fourth installment of the franchise.

Sources stated that Paramount as well as producer/financier Skydance Entertainment have recently renegotiated with the STAR TREK stars, adding an extra $10 million to $15 million to the movie's budget. Two possible reasons for the star's increase in salary is the slow development process of the movie or the actors' increase in fame.

When the original cast signed on for the first movie, they also signed on for the option of two sequels. Typically, when a movie is successful, a studio will give new deals to the stars. In the case of STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS, Paramount did not renegotiate with the stars, instead just giving them the raises that were stated in their contracts. Paramount argued that while the first reboot was successful, it was not a blockbuster, and therefore, did not warrant renegotiating with the stars.

After the even higher success of STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS, Paramount announced a third movie. But, when the original script was scrapped and a new director had to be found, developments were delayed. When things finally got back on track for the movie, the stars deals became an issue.

The actors' argued that their contracts became invalid as of 2014 due to a law in California. Paramount disputed that assessment, but neither party wanted to go to court over the argument. After some renegociation, Paramount and the stars came to the conclusion of hefty raises and better performance bonuses.

While the stars received more money, Paramount was granted options for a fourth movie with the Pine and Quinto pairing, keeping the classic duo intact.