One of the problems of Star Trek is that nothing can be definite in the universe; every surprising twist or grave choice is backed up by the vague, but likely, option of making the point moot. Examples of this concept range from seeing Spock's coffin on the Genesis Planet to the end of nearly every episode of Star Trek Voyager. The stories require this plot concession because, in fear of making other possible ideas untenable, there are always plans for more Star Trek. A franchise can't be shoved into a corner because of the natural plot of a single episode. This very fact extends Star Trek's legacy while also stifling its creative urge to continue.
What is even worse about prequels is that the ruse of story advancement in the universe is lessens the chance of exciting entertainment from the creators. All that occurs in the story must both be sequel friendly and also not have any surprise advancement that wasn't set up in the shows before.
Now the big wigs and new producers are thinking seriously about Star Trek's next sequel, even though the new film has a month left to premiere. Planning of the next plot is currently going on, while this films director is pondering in public about whether he will direct in Star Trek again. Even the actors are lined up for the next one, a provision for sequels in their original contract.
Sadly for me, I have read a few spoilers for this new film, and it seems the producers of the new Star Trek have set it up for an easy second act. They did this by seriously subverting the Star Trek universe their film was set in. With an ingenious use of time travel (the ingenious part being that audiences won't expect time travel in Star Trek to have consequences), the film creates a logical stage for further advancement while opening up the universe to completely new story-lines.
I guess you could call it a new hope. I won't though, due to my dislike of Star Wars. Lets just say it's a re-imagining.
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