![Unraveling the Mysteries of Krall’s Unique Abilities in Star Trek Beyond 2 l intro 1714089678](https://i0.wp.com/theubj.com/uae/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/l-intro-1714089678.jpg?w=1170)
Directed by Justin Lin, “Star Trek Beyond” was introduced to audiences in 2016 during an interesting period of “Star Trek” history. Preceded by the successful “Star Trek” films of 2009 and 2013, which were directed by J.J. Abrams and transformed the normally cerebral franchise into a series of more visceral, action-oriented blockbusters, “Beyond” was met with high expectations. These revamped “Star Trek” entries even attracted comparisons to “Star Wars” in terms of their action-driven narratives. But with the release of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” in 2015, a thirst for intergalactic adventure films was rekindled by the venerable “Star Wars” brand itself – diminishing the novelty of the Abrams’ “Star Trek” films.
With the reemergence of actual “Star Wars” movies, interest waned in what some fans deridingly called the “fake ‘Star Wars’” provided by the new “Star Trek” adaptations. “Star Trek Beyond” didn’t achieve the same level of box office success, stalling further cinematic pursuits in the Kelvin timeline. The possibility of a fourth film exists but is taken with a grain of skepticism.
The narrative of the Kelvin timeline consistently features a vindictive villain seeking revenge, with “Beyond” focusing on Krall (portrayed by Idris Elba), an enigmatic alien with an arsenal of lethal space drones and the arcane ability to drain life force from beings, much like a vampire. After crash-landing on the planet Altamid a century prior, Krall utilized ancient Altamid tech to plot against the Federation.
The specifics around Krall’s “DNA vampire” skill set are not elaborated on in the film, prompting co-writer Doug Jung to provide insights in a 2016 interview with Trek Core.
The Secret Identity of Krall
As “Star Trek Beyond” progresses, a reveal comes to light: Krall was once Balthazar Edison, a human Starfleet officer of the U.S.S. Franklin. Having used the DNA vampire technology to prolong his life, Edison also became physically altered, taking on the form of a non-human entity. Edison’s bitterness towards the Federation’s diplomacy with former adversaries like the Xindi motivated his multi-year quest for a deadly artifact that he aimed to utilize as a biological weapon to annihilate the Federation and its principles of peace.
When Krall employs this vampiric technology on captured Starfleet personnel, his mutations begin to reverse, slowly restoring his human appearance. According to Jung, the transformation had to be carefully depicted to keep viewers unaware of Krall’s true human origins.
“We had a lot of different versions. We hinted at it a lot more at one point. We talked about it more at one point. And then ultimately we just sort of decided that we needed it to be part of the whole reveal package. It’s a complex idea […] [T]here was actually another phase that we took out, where Krall became too human-looking, and you would have connected the dots a little more.”
Jung expresses a sense of achievement in crafting a story where the audience remained oblivious to the connection between Krall and the derelict NX starship until the pivotal moment.
Understanding Krall’s Historical Context
“Star Trek Beyond” provides a backdrop that Edison’s ship, the U.S.S. Franklin, found itself on Altamid after flying through a wormhole. The film’s timeline places the original crash in the mid-2160s, following Archer’s adventures in the 2150s, shown in “Star Trek: Enterprise.” Thus, Edison (now Krall) transformed into an alien, renounced his human heritage by discarding human language, and assumed a new alien persona to spite the Federation’s ethos.
Having survived nearly a century through his vampiric practices, Krall’s encounter with the contemporary U.S.S. Enterprise and its predominantly human crew allows him to reintegrate human DNA, prompting a gradual reversion to his original form.
Although the film narrates these details somewhat implicitly, they enrich the character arc of Krall beyond a simple villain’s thirst for vengeance, contributing complexity to the Kelvin series’ narrative tapestry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Why did Krall change his name from Balthazar Edison?
- Krall, originally Balthazar Edison, chose to abandon his human identity and adopt a new name to reflect his disdain for the Federation’s ideals and his transformation into a non-human species.
- How does Krall’s DNA vampire technology work?
- The technology enables Krall to absorb the life force of other beings, extending his lifespan and causing physical mutations which can be reversed when he absorbs DNA from humans.
- Are there plans for a fourth Star Trek film in the Kelvin timeline?
- Though there has been speculation about a fourth film, the status is uncertain, and no definitive plans have been confirmed.
- What was Krall’s plan in Star Trek Beyond?
- Krall intended to use a deadly relic as a biological weapon to obliterate the Federation, motivated by a grudge against its policy of peace with former enemies like the Xindi.
Conclusion
In Justin Lin’s “Star Trek Beyond”, the character of Krall, depicted by Idris Elba, offers a complex and elaborate backstory that enriches the Kelvin timeline’s lore. His unique vampiric powers, historical grievances, and transformative journey all coalesce to provide a compelling villainous presence in the franchise. The revelation of his human past as Balthazar Edison underscores the intricate storylines “Star Trek” is known for, even within the action-centric reimagining of its universe. While a fourth film remains uncertain, Krall’s legacy within “Star Trek” stands as a testament to the series’ dedication to deep character development and multi-layered storytelling.