Year: 2016
Runtime: 122 min
Language: English
Director: Justin Lin
During an extensive mission beyond Federation space, the U.S.S. Enterprise is severely damaged by an unknown enemy. The crew finds themselves stranded on a hostile planet and must contend with limited resources and a dangerous alien environment. Facing a formidable threat led by the ruthless Krall, Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, and the crew fight for survival while uncovering a plot involving the exploitation of ancient technology.
Warning: spoilers below!
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Still thinking about how Star Trek Beyond (2016) ended? Here’s a full breakdown of the ending, key final moments, major twists, and the deeper meaning behind the film’s conclusion.
At the end of Star Trek Beyond, the crew of the USS Enterprise celebrates the launch of their new starship, the USS Enterprise-A, signaling a fresh start for their adventures. Throughout the film, Captain Kirk faces off against Krall, a human war veteran who has become a villain after surviving the destruction of his ship, the USS Franklin. Krall’s goal is to unleash a devastating bioweapon called the Abronath, which he plans to use to wipe out the inhabitants of Starbase Yorktown. As Kirk and his crew work to stop him, they discover that Krall is actually Balthazar Edison, a now embittered human captain.
Kirk, with the help of Spock, McCoy, and Scotty, fights to prevent Krall from activating the weapon. In the climax, Kirk manages to override the atmospheric regulator that Krall tries to use to unleash the Abronath, ultimately ejecting Krall and the weapon into the vacuum of space. This victory allows the Federation to survive and paves the way for a new mission — a five-year journey that promises more adventures.
The film ends with Kirk declining a promotion to Vice Admiral, choosing instead to stay with his crew aboard the USS Enterprise, which is quickly renamed the Enterprise-A after its destruction earlier in the film. The closing scene shows the crew aboard their new ship, looking forward to their next chapter. Several characters, including Spock and Kirk, reaffirm their bonds and commitment to their mission, suggesting ongoing camaraderie and exploration. The film also teases potential new characters, like Jaylah, who might join Starfleet, and hints at future stories, although the long-awaited Star Trek 4 has yet to materialize after years of delays and script changes. Despite these setbacks, the ending signifies hope, renewal, and the unending quest to explore the final frontier.
Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:58
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