Reusing actors and actresses in new characters

Discussion in 'Future of Trek' started by NervousEnergy, May 13, 2014.

  1. NervousEnergy

    NervousEnergy Lieutenant Commander Red Shirt

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    Star Trek has a pretty long tradition of reusing actors and actresses between series, and even between seasons. Sometimes they only play minor characters, but other times the character-of-the-week becomes a major character in the next show.

    Armin Shimerman who played some Ferengi bit-parts in TNG, and went onto play Quark in DS9. Or James Cromwell: a few characters in TNG and went onto play Zephram Cochran in First Contact, as examples.

    So, if you were in charge of casting a new Star Trek series, what particular actors or actresses would you reuse into new parts? Who did they originally play, and who would you choose them to portray?

    Here are some of my choices:

    Sonita Henry. She had the minor role playing the alien nurse, at the start of Star Trek 2009, and I thought she looked fantastic. I'd love to see her portray an alien nurse or CMO in a new series.

    Susanna Thompson. She played the Borg Queen in Voyager (and nailed it!), and also Lenara Kahn: where she famously kissed Jadzia in 'Rejoined'. I think she would make a great Janeway-esque captain.

    Stephanie Niznik. She played the Helmsman in ST: Insurrection.
     
  2. 2takesfrakes

    2takesfrakes Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

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    I would cast Michael Dorn as a Human, Chief Medical Officer.

    Wil Wheaton as a latex alien, of some kind.

    Gates McFadden could even direct some episodes.
     
  3. BillJ

    BillJ The King of Kings Admiral

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    I wouldn't rehire anyone associated with past Trek.
     
  4. Bry_Sinclair

    Bry_Sinclair Vice Admiral Admiral

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    Nana Visitor as an alien Captain, a former resistance fighter who helped liberate her planet from a brutal occupation. Alexander Siddig as a genetically enhanced doctor. Nicole de Boer as a symbiotic alien counsellor. Aron Eisenberg as chief engineer from a non-allied profit-focused race. Armin Shimerman as Eisenberg characters uncle and bar owner. Cirroc Lofton as the former COs son and local news reporter. :)
     
  5. NervousEnergy

    NervousEnergy Lieutenant Commander Red Shirt

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    Any reason why?

    So, you would basically remake DS9?
     
  6. Bry_Sinclair

    Bry_Sinclair Vice Admiral Admiral

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    Not a remake, a continuation. Picking up ten years after the end of the Dominion War and seeing where things are at now. Would include several new characters, as well as the expansive list or recurring ones too.
     
  7. NervousEnergy

    NervousEnergy Lieutenant Commander Red Shirt

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    Cool. What ideas do you have for that?

    And, as the original question was actors/resses in NEW roles, do you have any in mind?
     
  8. BillJ

    BillJ The King of Kings Admiral

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    It has been nearly a decade since Trek was last on TV. A whole new generation of actors and creators are now on the scene. Trek needs to tap into that new generation both in front of and behind the camera.
     
  9. Ryan8bit

    Ryan8bit Commodore Commodore

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    But TNG used actors from TOS, and the new movies used a few actors from various Trek shows. Time doesn't really matter. I don't see any reason why a new show couldn't reuse actors, especially those previously in guest roles.
     
  10. NervousEnergy

    NervousEnergy Lieutenant Commander Red Shirt

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    A good example might be Diana Muldaur, who was a guest star in TOS, and then a major character in TNG.
     
  11. Greg Cox

    Greg Cox Admiral Premium Member

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    So you wouldn't have hired Majel Barrett to play Lwaxana Troi? Or, as pointed out, Diana Muldaur to play Pulaski?
     
  12. Bry_Sinclair

    Bry_Sinclair Vice Admiral Admiral

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    Or MB as the voice of Starfleet computers everywhere?
     
  13. Greg Cox

    Greg Cox Admiral Premium Member

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    Or Suzie Plakson as every alien under the sun? :)
     
  14. BillJ

    BillJ The King of Kings Admiral

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    Depends on what actors were available that fit the role that weren't already connected to the franchise. :shrug:

    As much as I like Plakson, I got tired of seeing her after a while.
     
  15. LOKAI of CHERON

    LOKAI of CHERON Commodore Commodore

    I'm struggling to envisage alternate future Trek scenarios that are as rickety an idea as this. IMHO, any kind of Berman Trek "continuation" would mothball the franchise faster than you could say... umm... mothball!
     
  16. 2takesfrakes

    2takesfrakes Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

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    STAR TREK has given us, the fans, so much enjoyment - in many cases, our entire lives - I just feel that those performers who've contributed to that and want to "come back to the house they grew up in" should be allowed to do so. I would prefer it not be a cross-over kind of thing, rather that they play different, original characters, in their guest starring roles. But these people are family - OK? - FAMILY!!! We can't just slam the door in Suzie Plakson's face if she wants to play a part in the next series. We need to tell her - sincerely tell her - "Welcome Home, honey ... we've been $aving a place, especially for you."
     
  17. NervousEnergy

    NervousEnergy Lieutenant Commander Red Shirt

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    Out of interest, which actor or actress has played the most number of different Trek characters over the years? I don't think it's Suzie Plakson, since she only played four. Anyone have any ideas?
     
  18. LOKAI of CHERON

    LOKAI of CHERON Commodore Commodore

    Off the top of my head, I'd say it's probably Jeffrey Combs.
     
  19. Bry_Sinclair

    Bry_Sinclair Vice Admiral Admiral

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    ^ I'd probably go for Vaughn Armstrong.
     
  20. Bry_Sinclair

    Bry_Sinclair Vice Admiral Admiral

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    Jamie Bamber as the Station's new XO, a human officer and family man who was also a POW for several months. Wentworth Miller as the new Science Officer, a Bajoran who grew up in the refugee camps. Summer Glau as the Betazoid Chief of Security, someone often underestimated due to her slight stature and heritage.