I’m sure Collins fit in perfectly as a bland preacher on a bland show about a bland family and their bland suburban dramas. The juxtaposition of Collin’s real life sins and his role as a holy roller are deliciously satisfying, though.
Actually, yeah. Maybe too imposing opposite Shatner, but he always gave really great performances. I could easily see him in the role.
Well, since I'm too lazy to look it up... who else auditioned for the role back in 1978? Anybody know? Well, that wasn't so hard after all... https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wik..._for_film_roles#Star_Trek:_The_Motion_Picture Sir Rhosis
Close contenders for Will Decker in 1978 were Andrew G Robinson (now aka Garak in DS9) and Tim Thomerson (Jay Allen in "The Flash" pilot of 1990).
Aargh! I had checked Memory Alpha under the entries for the movie title and character name, but didn't find that article. What do people feel about the auditioned contender listed?
I was able to ask Andy Robinson at a convention about auditioning for Decker. I can't remember much of what he said now, but he was thrilled that I knew. His voice is so Garak-like, I find it hard to imagine him in the role, but I loved Tim Thomerson as Gene/Jean in "Quark" (and as Jay Allen in "The Flash" pilot) and could easily see him as Will Decker.