Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)

With the assistance of the Enterprise crew, Admiral Kirk must stop an old nemesis, Khan Noonien Singh, from using the life-generating Genesis Device as the ultimate weapon.

Director:

Nicholas Meyer

Writers:

Gene Roddenberry (television series Star Trek), Harve Bennett (story)

Stars:

William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley

3 wins & 9 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
William Shatner	...	Kirk
Leonard Nimoy	...	Spock
DeForest Kelley	...	McCoy
James Doohan	...	Scotty
Walter Koenig	...	Chekov
George Takei	...	Sulu
Nichelle Nichols	...	Uhura
Bibi Besch	...	Carol
Merritt Butrick	...	David
Paul Winfield	...	Terrell
Kirstie Alley	...	Saavik
Ricardo Montalban	...	Khan
Ike Eisenmann	...	Preston
John Vargas	...	Jedda
John Winston	...	Kyle

Storyline

It is the 23rd century. Admiral James T. Kirk is an instructor at Starfleet Academy and feeling old; the prospect of attending his ship, the USS Enterprise--now a training ship--on a two-week cadet cruise does not make him feel any younger. But the training cruise becomes a deadly serious mission when his nemesis Khan Noonien Singh--infamous conqueror from late 20th century Earth--appears after years of exile. Khan later revealed that the planet Ceti Alpha VI exploded, and shifted the orbit of the fifth planet as a Mars-like haven. He begins capturing Project Genesis, a top secret device holding the power of creation itself, and schemes the utter destruction of Kirk.

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Plot Keywords:

planet | space station | trap | taunt | jamming communications | 

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Taglines:

Beyond the darkness...beyond the human evolution...is Khan. A genetically superior tyrant. Exiled to a barren planet; banished by a Starship Commander he is destined to destroy. Left for dead, Khan has survived.

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for violence and language

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Startrek.com

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 June 1982 (USA)

Also Known As:

Star Trek II: The Undiscovered Country

Filming Locations:

Paramount Studios - 5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$11,200,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$14,347,221, 6 June 1982, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$78,912,963

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$97,000,000

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

113 min 116 min (director's cut)

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) Dolby (35 mm prints)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

There was no comic book adaptation of the film until 2009, when one was published by IDW Publishing.

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Goofs

After Carol Marcus calls the Enterprise to determine why Admiral Kirk was allegedly taking Genesis, Kirk contacts Starfleet, then tells Spock that Starfleet has ordered them to go to Regula I because the Enterprise is the "only ship in the quadrant."

But Starfleet knew that Reliant was close to Regula I and working closely with the science station. Starfleet should have tried to contact Reliant first. And when Reliant failed to respond, Starfleet should have warned Kirk.

Instead, Kirk is surprised by Reliant's presence near Regula I.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Saavik: Captain's log: Stardate 8130.3. Starship Enterprise on training mission to Gamma Hydra, section 14, coordinates 22-87-4. Approaching Neutral Zone; all systems normal and functioning.
Sulu: Leaving section 14 for section 15.
Saavik: Standby. Project parabolic course to avoid entering Neutral Zone.
Sulu: Aye, captain.

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Crazy Credits

After the opening credits: "In the 23rd century..."

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Connections

Featured in Nostalgia Critic: The Top 11 Best Movie Sequels (2017)

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Soundtracks

Amazing Grace (Scottish Bagpipes)
(uncredited)
Written by John Newton
Composed by James Horner
Conducted by James Horner
[Played during funeral scene]

User Reviews

Still the best Star Trek Film after over 20 years!

There have been many Star Trek films but The Wrath of Khan is still the best. Second to none for thrills, action and adventure. With the best musical score by James Horner to keep us on the edge of our seats. If you haven't seen this at least 10 times go and put it on now!! The new special edition with previously unreleased footage brings the whole thing together in an even better way (no spoilers, sorry!). The regular cast are at their best but Ricardo Montalban steals the show as Khan. Done in true Star Trek tradition, unlike the disappointing special-effects-fest of the first Motion Picture, this film will go on to be one of the all time greats of sci-fi.