You’re looking at the cast of J.J. Abrams re-imagining/prequel of Star Trek.
It’s kind of weird seeing the whole crew up there next to their original counterparts. For a long time Trek fan like myself, who has been around long enough to see the franchise go through it’s entire evolution the image above generates mixed feelings for me. It’s not just seeing new actors stepping into the shoes of beloved actors whose roles have become iconic… it’s also the fact that a couple of the actors above are no longer with us. James Doohan passed away not too long ago due to Alzheimers and DeForest Kelley was the first of the venerable crew to die, way back in 1999 if you can believe it.
Call me cheesy, but seeing the old with the new up there gives me a sense of the cycle of death and rebirth, not only for the actors – but hopefully, for Star Trek as well.
Although the casting of Simon Pegg as Scotty seems more than a bit odd to me, and Karl Urban seems too intense and rugged to play Dr. McCoy, overall at least visually J.J. Abrams and crew seem to have hit the mark at least as far as appearance is concerned. Normally I might be quite cynical towards a project like this, but like many Star Trek fans, after years and years of really bad movies and TV episodes I’m seriously craving a great Star Trek story on the screen.
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John over at The Movie Blog wrote that the new movie must ignore existing fans, but not being a fan of the franchise I’m afraid he’s missing the point. He equates the ever decreasing box office take of recent films with the fact that there just aren’t that many fans out there supporting Trek. I don’t think that’s the case at all – in fact I think it’s because the majority of Trek fans have high standards when it comes to their favorite franchise.
Rick Berman took over the franchise once Gene Roddenberry died, soon to be joined by Brannon Braga. I suppose things went along ok for a while with Star Trek: The Next Generation, and even Star Trek: Deep Space Nine… but when they were put in charge of feature films as well things went downhill pretty fast. Generations was an awful, terrible way to bridge the gap between the original crew and TNG, with the most ignoble death you could imagine for the legendary James T. Kirk.
Sure, First Contact wasn’t bad unless you count that hideously huge new version of the Enterprise and the fact that the character that had the heroic moment at the crucial point in the film was Data instead of Captain Picard. But then we were treated to the likes of Star Trek: Insurrection, so awful I don’t even rember much about it and the abysmal Star Trek: Nemesis with the ridiculous Picard’s son/clone/whatever story and Data being destroyed just to be “reborn” as a virtual infant.
And don’t get me started on Star Trek: Voyager, with the ship that managed to stay showroom new after half a dozen years spent half a galaxy from a starbase, and a crew that thought they wouldn’t get home in their lifetimes yet made no plans as to what would happen as they started to eventually die during the journey.
Then there was Enterprise. A concept that they wanted to be so different that not only didn’t they even put Star Trek in the title, but that they opened with a completetly different format including a song with bloody awful lyrics. I wasn’t opposed to the concept – hell, I was excited about it! But it took only about half a season for them to have phasers and transporter technology that matched that of Kirk and Co. 100 years hence. Oh, and since the “Lost in Space” concept worked so well for Voyager, they decided to send the crew to a far corner of the galaxy in this show as well, instead of showing us the formation of the Federation and other items that formed the foundation of The Original Series. The show started to come around in it’s final season when they handed the reins to Manny Coto as Producer, but by then fans had already left in droves and it was too late to bring them back.
For all intents and purposes it seemed that Trek was finally dead, or at least about to go on at least a 10 year hiatus… ah, but Paramount knew that even if it had been beaten into the ground there was still money to be squeezed from a franchise that had already brought them over a billion dollars in profit.
Thanks to us fans who are constantly and consistently disrespected and the world wide web, Paramount had access to our thoughts, likes and dislikes regarding the franchise. So they finally decided it was time for as close to a clean slate as you can get with the series: Bring in a brand new (and currently hot) team to helm a movie that will go back to the beginning. We’re talking J.J. Abrams, Robert Orci and Alex Kurtzman.
Contrary to the article over at The Movie Blog, everything that has been said by those involved in the production indicates that while they most certainly want to bring non-fans into theaters, they most certainly are interested in pleasing long time fans of Star Trek as well. They are going as far as working Leonard Nimoy into the story in what they say is a pivotal role.
Ah, but what about Bill Shatner? There’s been an amazing amount of discussion online with a “he said. she said” flavor to it. He has stated more than once that he is not in the film, that he wasn’t approached to be in the film and that he would like to be in the film. The producers continually state that of course they want him to be in the movie, but that they want to write a part for him worthy of the character.
It sounds like the writers are just blowing sunshine, but AICN contributor “Hercules” states that all the publicity about Shatner not being in the film is a lie. This is strictly unofficial of course, but I’m betting he’s right. I’ll go further and say that this may all even by orchestrated to drum up press and emotions surrounding the film.
Then there’s the report from IESB that the Enterprise will be significantly different in the upcoming film. They stated that:
“We have been told that the Enterprise has been redesigned. I have not been able to get specific details of how the old and new ship will differ but I have been told by multiple sources including people working on the film that the ship will indeed be different.”
No doubt the ship will look somewhat different in details, but “redesigned” so that it looks “different?” Rubbish.
So before you go off half-cocked slamming Trekkies, Trekkers or whatever you’d like to call us, keep in mind that if Abrams and crew deliver a kick-ass Trek movie you have our disdain for the crap Paramount has been putting out for years to thank.
Personally, I’m really looking forward to this and at least at this point am not approaching it with negative expectations at all. For the first time in a long time I’m hopeful when it comes to Star Trek.
Live Long and Prosper. Word.
[UPDATE: Come discuss what you think of the new Star Trek movie here.]
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59 Comments
LOL! Vic,totally agree with everything you said. It’s like a few years ago,when peole were saying Batman isn’t popular anymore because the last Shumacher film performed so poorly at the box office. People tend to forget that true fans aren’t going to support something that turns what they’re a fan of to crap. So,indeed,live long and prosper.
Hey Vic,
Saw your comment on our site and hopped over here.
While I’m not entirely convinced that Paramount actually wants old fans along (so far they are talking a lot about wanting us but not really doing anything to prove it) I totally agree with everything you said about Campea’s post.
Thanks for dropping by, dude!
I enjoyed your post as well.
Vic
I think the main problem with Voyager was that it was just bland and it was a little too PC. I am not a huge Trek fan though so maybe I am not a good indicator of what a good Trek series is. My only issue with the casting on the new movies is that some of the actors are really young looking. I know it is a restart of the franchise but the new Checkov looks 12. I am of an undecided opinion of JJ as director though. I liked Alias (the first two seasons at least), never have watched Lost, but absolutely hated MI3. Hopefully he can pull it off for the die hard Trek fans though; you guys are probably the only ones who have it worse then us Star Wars nuts had it with the prequels, you deserve better.
set a course for failure. Maxium Warp!!!! Go paramount spend over 200 mil on this ill-concieved star trek film concept. Better hope the remastered dvds of the original series sell. I know alot of fans, “myself included” see the bad habit Star Trek has of copying Star Wars in every way.
Makes me sick. I can’t wait for this Star Trek movie to bomb and have all the dumbshits behind this project get laid off. Just like the world is about to see the new Get Smart film bomb, the same will happen to Star Trek 11. What a colosul waste of time. They could have allready released a Voyager film by now and for 1/3 of the budget.
Fools fools fools.
They think some new generation will embrace this concept, they counldnt be more wrong.
set a course for failure. Maxium Warp!!!! Go paramount spend over 200 mil on this ill-concieved star trek film concept. Better hope the remastered dvds of the original series sell. I know alot of fans, “myself included” see the bad habit Star Trek has of copying Star Wars in every way.
Makes me sick. I can’t wait for this Star Trek movie to bomb and have all the dumbshits behind this project get laid off. Just like the world is about to see the new Get Smart film bomb, the same will happen to Star Trek 11. What a colosul waste of time. They could have allready released a Voyager film by now and for 1/3 of the budget.
Fools fools fools.
They think some new generation will embrace this concept, they counldnt be more wrong.
Hey Steve, tell us how you REALLY feel.
I’ve been a Star Trek fan for longer than probably some of my site readers have been alive, and I think if done well this could be a good idea. Of course that’s no guarantee that it WILL be done well.
And if they made a “Voyager” movie not only would I not go see it, and wouldn’t even RENT it on DVD.
Vic
Oh sure you would, Vic. We are Trek fans and loyal to the Trek universe. There have been stinkers in the past years but we are always hopeful that Paramount will get it right, just as you said above. Voyager and Enterprise were the worst of all the series but we still watched it, and cringed at the final episode of Enterprise for killing Tripp and not even having the final frontier speech when Archer was to speak before the council. Paramount knows just how fanatical we can be, and I’m sure they are banking on us showing up in droves. Well, I’m 44 and getting older each day. I will always treasure the memories of Spock and McCoy arguing, Data pretending to be human, Quark trying to swindle someone; and even the Doctor trying to be more than his programming and Porthos trying to find his new cheese fixation. I’m getting old, I’m getting tired of bad movies, but I will attend this one and hope that “Infinite Diversity exists in Infinite movie Combinations”.
John,
I would agree with you but believe or not I *do* have my limits. I actually stopped watching during “Voyager” two or three final seasons (I forget exactly), so there are tons of epsisode of that show that I’ve never seen.
Vic
Vic,
I definately understand, my Trek brotha. You may want to check Voyager out on Spike TV; the final 2 seasons were using the Borg a lot. But the final episode, I thought, was a little bland; going out with a whimper instead of a bang type (like Enterprise).
Anyway, back to the movie. A poster referenced the fact that the actor playing Chekov looks too young; well, this is suppose to be years before Kirk takes over the Enterprise and since Chekov was young when he started serving on the Enterprise, it would stand to reason that he would be even younger in this movie (possibly a cadet). The actor playing Kirk looks very close to a young Shatner and the actress playing Uhura looks close to a young Nichols. Body wise it’s looking good.
I did tune in for the series finale (LAME ending, totally!). You couldn’t pay me to go back and watch the show. I may catch those episodes on my Borg compilation Trek DVD set though…
Vic
I don’t remember reading this on your site but earthsmightiest.com has said that Rachel Nichols of Alias is rumored to have a role in the movie. She would probably play Janice Rand or Chistine Chapel.
Yeah, thanks. I figured minor role, not worth writing about.
Vic
I AM WAITING FOR STAR TREK ROGUE
TO BE MADE. I WANT A NEW CAPTAIN AND
CREW,UNIFORM, SHIP THE WHOLE WORKS.
STAR TREK ROGUE IS A DARK TIME FOR
THE FEDERATION WHERE EVERYTHING INCLUDING
PRIME DIRECTIVE IS BROKEN APART.
BRING IT ON PEOPLE!
Star Trek rogue, never heard of it.
Huh, that was prob real, they put out alot of fringe Star Trek comics during the 90’s…
Yea Jimmy I’m a huge Star Trek fan myself.
^
Jimmy when you reply, you have to click on to the address where it says : see all comments, if you just reply it goes to the WebMaster and ends there…
^
Personally I would love to see ANY new Star Trek even if it was THAT dark.
^
Chao baby reminds me of song by The Cult.
I am consider my self a Star Trek fan, but not to Trekkie level. I mostly saw the Star Trek through marathons and re-runs. But even as a girl, I loved what I saw. I adored Next Generation, and was deeply enamored with Picard. However, I stopped watching the television franchise by DSN. I was probably in my earlier teens, and I realized it just wasn’t as good.
I never saw any of the movies, mostly because I could never convince anyone to go with me. But I do really want there to be a new, and better Star Trek saga, and I don’t trust the T.V. to provide that for me, because it’s failed so far.
When I read in a magazine that they were making this new movie, I spazzed. And you know, I am a apart of that new generation of fans, who respects the original show, but is still willing to embrace this new one. Yet, I still know of some of the older crowd, who saw the show when it first aired, who are going to see it as well.
The only thing to REALLY bug me about this new one: Why is Checkov going to be in a movie telling the story about when the crew FIRST started, if he didn’t show up until the second season?
Christine,
Welcome to Screen Rant. Nice to have a female Star Trek fan chiming in (my wife is one as well, you’re a rare breed).
Regarding Chekov, I think that is just one of probably many bits of “canon” that Abrams is going to bend in order to make this new movie.
That particular point doesn’t bother me much. I just assume he was already on the ship as part of the crew and was promoted to the bridge during season two.
Vic
Hi Vic, I’m another dedicated Female Trekkie. I have always been of the opinion that The Shat WILL be in this movie. JJ and he would see eye to eye on the whole “he’s NOT in the film” approach to generating interest, debate, controversy. I believe it will not be revealed til the first showing. I believed it is designed to get the net around all those (trekkie) people who were not going to see the film.
Just my 2 cents worth. Really enjoyed your article…cheers
Remember, with Star Trek everything is possible. Don’t they travel through time as they wish? A simple turn around the sun at Warp 8 does the job. Shatner will be in it.
I’ve got a fever… and the only prescription… is more KLINGONS!!!
As an avid Sci-fi fan I look forward to many more shows/films. Star Trek was the first program I ever watched in colour on TV along time ago. They are ‘Fantasy’ all different, all have their own story to tell, each one is to be given credit whether they full fill your idea of ‘purity’ or not and that should be the natural way of things. You are privy to looking at someones creation this should spur you on to greater/better things. Thank you, to all the writers, actors, camera operators and everyone else involved for giving some of us hopes and dreams of a better future!
Hei! Another girl trek fan here!
Just read the whole page and thought i should comment! i am still a young fan (20)but ever since our first tv in the family home we’ve been watching star trek, i think that would hav been the time of the original series reruns and the start of TNG perhaps, my earliest memories of it were watching and loving all the original films, i was also given Generations on video one Christmas and the first double episode of Voyager one birthday(seems a long time ago now), so i’v pretty much grown up with it! a lot of the games i played with my brothers when we were younger were based around Star Trek(i used to be Beverly a lot, later 7of9!)!i liked TNG very much, found Voyager not too bad (better when the Borg came into it) and DS9 was probably my favourite looking back(especially the later series when Worf and O’Brian joined and when the Dominion war really got going!)but i pretty much lost interest with Enterprise, didn’t like many of the characters (except Travis and Hoshie)and just found it a bit borring tbh!
not overly sure about the new movie, might be interesting, think it’s pretty cool how Simon Pegg’s in it cos i’m a fan of his films, might be good, might be bad,hard to tell yet! It might be like Hitchhickers Guide and LOTR, i’m a big fan of the books, radio series and everything and was into it a long while before the films, but when i saw the films i was pretty disapointed, hope it doesn’t happen again!
These Die hard trek fans need to give it a rest. I love the ol’ Star Trek series, but all the movies had a cheesy overtone to them…especially in the big budget theatrical department.
This is the first film where they really are going all out to give the production a truely epic look and feel.
you people act like you’re entitled to something…you’re not. Just be thankful they are pulling it out of the fire and breathing some life back into it…
I am so excited about this film I could bust! I’ve watch Star Trek since I was a small boy, my father being a huge fan. This film seems to be taking the opportunity to return to a balance between Science fantasy and science fiction that I feel was missing from past efforts. It is my guess that when Star Trek began to be referred to by modern science and acknowledged by members of Nasa as an influence on the world of tomorrow, the franchise began taking itself too seriously, and as a result, caged itself into what was possible rather than the original vision that made the first TV series so exciting, which to me was to go, where no man has gone before to witness what was formally thought to be impossible and deal with it on a human level. As far as looking like Star Wars, I don’t see it, and I know the Star Wars language very well, the visual language of this film feels more like early 60’s science fiction brought up to date by today technology and vision and design. It can be hard to tell from the trailer, but I’m extremely hopeful! I like the fresh faces, the youthful vigor and energy of this new cast. My dad does too
I just watch the latest trailer for the new ST flick. I’m a long time fan of the series all of them. It’s true that when you write something new the old can be made to seem less important. I found good in all the TV series of trek and many of the movies accept for STV seems like trek was looking to make a spoof of itself in that one. I’m sure I’m not the only fan that thought so. Of the new movie I can say only this. Of all the movies I’ve seen during my travels this one looks the most human. The must be careful not to parody themselves though. As the temptation is sure to be there. Stay true to the story and it should do fine.
Just to beam off here for a moment. I think what failed in the Star Wars prequels was the fixation on one character. We have had glimpses of the main characters past in the Original series during the series itself. So a lore exists to a degree. But just the same hopefully not to a level that over turns every rock. Leave room for doubt and question.
I’m hopeful this movie is going to be great. I’m looking forward to it as I would any new trek release. History is to be written I’m hoping it’s to revisionist and more forward looking.. then ever before.
I usually avoid commenting on blogs but with Star Trek I’ve decided to break my silence. I’m old school,I remembered waiting for the Saturday morning cartoons of Star Trek in the early 70’s. One of those should be considered cannon.
I like the tech and the focus on continuity. My favorite series outside the original was DS9. Voyager was second, especially after Seven joined the crew. She gave Janeway headaches in the begining.
My opinions of the movies:
I-pretty movie, very little plot
II- Checkov was not part of the crew when Khan first met Kirk. Okay on the plot.
III- Kirk saving Spock’s life or bring him back from the dead. That had to happen.
IV- Save the whales.
V- Spock has a brother cool. God at the center of the galaxy? Right!
VI- Continued war with the Klingons instead of peace? Movie funded by Halliburton.
VII- If Picard could go back in time, why did he go farther back and have that fool arrested, by Worf, instead of involving Kirk?
How many people believe that Spock will allow his best friend to stay dead with several forms of time travel available?
VIII- Enterprise E, nice, Montana, April 4, 2063? I will be there in my wheelchair ready to pop a cork when the Vulcans land. Cochran was cool.
IX- Should have been made into a TV episode instead of movie, good moral story.
X- Picard clone? Ok, become the leader of an oppressed people? Then threaten the Romulan Empire? Right. But, Crusher could have cured him. Good space battle against a cloaked ship. Data downloaded into his older, slower brother? Right. Worf acting like a buffoon? I don’t think so! Transporters on the Enterprise were down but not each shuttle craft on board and they have the same range. Or Wesley could have appeared and stopped time. He was at the wedding.
I’ve watched the trailer for the new movie. My observations
1. Young Kirk joyrides his parents car over a cliff? The next trailer shows Papa Kirk braking a branch on young James’ backside. And his older brother Sam was watching and laughing.
2. Starships are constructed or reconstructed in space not in the cornfields of Iowa. Did Captain Christopher Pike and Spock do some damage the Enterprise?
3. Checkov had not graduated from the Academy.
4. Kirk trying to fight Spock? Spock could have handled the whole bridge crew.
5. I don’t mind the update to original but the underlying “Trek way of doing things and relationships” should remain.
some good points section 31!
Just seen the trailer, hmm it seems they’re trying quite hard to make it more of an action film rather then sci fi, trying to make star trek ‘cooler’ or something!
i do like the look of the Vulcans from what i saw tho, they look kinda Elvish!!
Scary that new Spock is played by Sylar, but he really does look the part!
And just loving Simon Pegg as Scotty, he’s deffinatly going to be great!!
Beth,
You are absolutely right about them trying to make Star Trek “cooler” to draw in this new generation of viewers. If Kirk says “dude or cool”. I think I will have to write a letter of protest to my congressman!
lol,yes that would be a step too far!
if they are going down that road there’s a good chance of it failing, they tried it with Enterprise and i for one really didn’t like that series much at all! They try and make Star Trek for a wider audience and they’ll end up loosing what makes it different, Enterprise was more like one of those terrible, cheap looking sci fi series like Andromida and stuff with poor stories, far too stuck in the now with the acting and script to be convincingly futuristic, and letting the effects tell the story too much. If they just stuck to making good sci fi for the current fans it would make much more of an impact and wouldn’t risk sacrificing a good story just for the fical views of the commercial media and public looking to be entertained with the next big thrill!
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