'Star Trek Beyond': 10 Burning Questions

An ABC News reporter and "Star Trek" newbie has her questions answered.

ByABC News
July 22, 2016, 1:04 PM

— -- This year has been jam-packed with great movies like "Deadpool" and "Captain America: Civil War," and this weekend, we get "Star Trek Beyond."

Like other genre movies in 2016, "Beyond" is a treat for die-hard fans, but might be confusing for someone who doesn't know about "Star Trek." After all, this is the third movie to come from the modern incarnation of the iconic series that boldly goes where no man has gone before.

ABC News' Ricki Harris was kind enough to ask candid questions when watching clips from the movie's trailers, so that hopefully the answers will help others like her who are excited about the blockbuster, but don't want to be confused during the flick.

Here are her 10 burning questions. As always, be kind, she "boldly" asked what was on her mind!

1 - I saw "Star Wars" last year, these aren't related, right?

Sadly, no. The titles may seem similar, but the series are vastly different. J.J. Abrams is the main linchpin between the two iconic franchises, having directed films from both, but the actors, mostly, and the stories are different.

2 - What is the Starship Enterprise?

Good question. The Enterprise or USS Enterprise is the spacecraft we've seen for years as "Trek" fans and there is certainly a loyalty there, like a bond you would have with any character. It's the ship they use to travel to different galaxies and planets, and explore, Starfleet's mission. In some of the trailers for "Beyond," you see what looks to be the Enterprise being destroyed and that has fans everywhere cringing in horror. It's Captain James T. Kirk's ship, his baby, and fans love it too.

3 - Where does this take place?

Tough question to answer, but it's important to know it will happen most likely not be contained to Earth, but "where no man has gone before," so other planets and galaxies.

Also to be noted, it seems as shown in the trailers that the crew gets split up, thus it should take place simultaneously at different planets and regions of space ... and maybe even time? (Not like we haven't seen that before.)

4 - Why does Spock talk like that? "The fear of death is illogical."

Spock is only half human. He is also half Vulcan. The Vulcans are a humanoid species that focuses mainly on logic and reason. Spock, at times, shows emotion, but only for something huge, like when Kirk's life is on the line. Most of the time, however, he speaks in facts and figures when advising his captain.

5, 6 and 7 - Who are the other characters?

PHOTO: Zachary Quinto, left, as Spock and Karl Urban as Bones in "Star Trek Beyond."
Zachary Quinto, left, as Spock and Karl Urban as Bones in "Star Trek Beyond."

This is worth three questions. Let's take a look first at the crew. Captain Kirk, played by Chris Pine, is the leader. This iteration of Kirk is still cocky and brash, but comes from a troubled past and is still learning about life.

Uhura is Spock's love interest and all-around kick-butt lieutenant, played by Zoe Saldana. Scotty is the chief engineer and comic relief, played by Simon Pegg. Pegg also co-wrote the film, so he's doubly amazing. Bones or McCoy, played by Karl Urban, is the flirtatious doctor on board and one of Kirk's oldest friends in Starfleet.

Sulu, played by John Cho, is also a lieutenant and usually whom Kirk calls on to "punch it" and get the crew out and the ship of a dangerous situation. Spock, played by Zachary Quinto, is Kirk's voice of reason, literally, and dear friend. Chekov, played by the late Anton Yelchin, is a young navigator who is brilliant and vital to the crew.

As for the newbies, we have Krall, Jaylah and others. Krall, played by Idris Elba, is one of our villains, and one of the baddest in "Star Trek" history. He's even scary looking, with a crocodile-like face and quotes like "This is where the frontier pushes back!"

Jaylah, played by Sofia Boutella, is a female warrior that rivals any man, and as we have seen, kicks butt with the best of them. Her pale skin and striped face make her as imposing as her impressive moves.

PHOTO: Sofia Boutella as Jaylah in "Star Trek Beyond."
Sofia Boutella as Jaylah in "Star Trek Beyond."

8 - Is this supposed to be in the future?

Yes. This movie takes place in the mid-23rd century.

9 - Is this movie supposed to have humor too like the Marvel movies, not just action?

Yes. With Pegg co-writing and the trend to add sarcasm to modern action flicks like "Avengers," this franchise is no different. So, your gut is correct.

10 - Wait, why did Zachary Quinto just disappear?

I was waiting for this one. Those not familiar with "Star Trek" might not be aware that they often teleport onto different ships and different planets. That's what Spock just did.

Now, go enjoy the movie!