Star Trek 4 Returns to UK Cinemas for 40th Anniversary Re-Release in 2026

Admiral Kirk and Spock are heading back to the big screen again—Star Trek 4: The Voyage Home is set to return to theaters for its 40th anniversary.

Key takeaways

• Matt Ferguson designed a commemorative poster for the 40th anniversary re-release announcement.
• William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy are expected to return to theaters beginning September 4, 2026.
• Tickets for the classic 1980s movie are already available.
• The theatrical run appears to be limited to UK cinemas at launch, with no wider release confirmed yet.
• The re-release arrives in the same year as Star Trek’s 60th anniversary, culminating on September 8.

Re-release details and where it’s playing

The new information suggests Star Trek 4’s theater return will be restricted to cinemas across the United Kingdom when it premieres later this year. At the moment, there’s no official word confirming whether the film will show in theaters outside the UK.

Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home will be coming back to UK theaters this September, marking the movie’s 40th anniversary and Star Trek’s 60th anniversary at the same time.

In a message accompanying his artwork, the artist wrote that he was happy to create fresh pieces for the re-release, adding that more details about special screenings are expected soon.

Why it’s returning: 40 years, 60 years, and Star Trek Day

Star Trek 4 was directed by Leonard Nimoy and first premiered in 1986. With the 40th birthday of the film comes the franchise’s larger milestone—Star Trek’s 60th anniversary—plus a full slate of events aimed at keeping longtime Trekkies celebrating throughout the year.

Those celebrations are set to peak on Star Trek Day, September 8.

An official synopsis for Star Trek 4 describes the plot this way: using a Klingon vessel, the crew of the Enterprise goes back to 1980s Earth to obtain two whales that could help prevent the destruction of their own time period.

Matt Ferguson’s Star Trek poster work

Ferguson previously contributed to the franchise’s anniversary push with Star Trek 4, but he’s also been behind poster artwork for other Star Trek anniversary releases—covering Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan and Star Trek 3: The Search for Spock as well.

As Star Trek celebrates its 60-year history, he also reflected on his role in creating artwork for these milestone editions.

LEGO Star Trek Enterprise Build Photos

Star Trek 4: The Voyage Home will be landing back in theaters again this September. While the situation for any additional regions hasn’t been confirmed yet, fans can also check out an 8/10 review of the collector’s edition.

Michael Cripe is a freelance writer with IGN. He’s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).