The stars of the new ‘Star Trek’ movie on reviving a much-loved franchise
The coming movie “Star Trek” is meant to completely reboot the science fiction franchise — which may be why the title doesn’t sport Roman numerals. Director J.J. Abrams recruited a new crew of actors to portray characters that have long been linked to the cast of the original “Star Trek” TV series, which first aired in 1966. Inheriting the role of space explorer Capt. Kirk from William Shatner is relative newcomer Chris Pine. Zachary Quinto, best known as a villain on the NBC series “Heroes,” plays Mr. Spock, a half-human alien who champions logic over emotion. The character was first embodied by Leonard Nimoy. The new movie focuses on the volatile youth of Kirk, Spock and their crewmates. The stakes are high: The property has been moribund on screen since the TV series “Star Trek: Enterprise” was canceled in 2005. In separate interviews, we spoke to Messrs. Pine and Quinto.
Chris Pine as Capt. Kirk
WSJ: J.J. Abrams has said he’s making the movie for future fans, not necessarily veterans. What’s he doing to freshen the story that might rattle Trek fans?
Mr. Pine: I’m not well-versed in the Trek canon, but we’re venturing into territory that’s only been covered in these paperback novels they sell. It’s definitely not going to please everyone. There’s a scene where my character is in a bar and he’s definitely inebriated and under the influence of his own arrogance. It’s him becoming the Kirk everyone knows. In my book that makes the journey a little more interesting. If he’s a clear-cut leader from the beginning, you don’t have anywhere to go.