Capt. Robert April in ST Sequel?

[urbandk]

I know there are at least two people who would be thrilled. One of them is me.

We just got off the phone with Greenwood after chatting with him about the great weekend Star Trek had at the box office. In speaking with the actor, he revealed that he has created quite a backstory for Captain Pike, which JJ Abrams hopes to utilize in the upcoming sequel. Unlike the original Pike, Greenwood's interpretation of the character will eventually rise from his wheelchair to one-day walk again. While this isn't exactly news, Greenwood hinted that Pike's personal story, as it pertains to this version of the new Star Trek timeline, would be tied directly into Captain Robert April, who, according to the Star Trek animated series, was the original Captain of the Starship Enterprise. April was only seen in one episode of the animated series. His voice was supplied by James Doohan, otherwise known as Scotty, and in the Star Trek Encyclopedia, his profile is accompanied by a picture of series creator Gene Roddenberry in a Starfleet uniform. Neither Paramount nor Roddenberry ever considered the animated series part of the official Star Trek cannon [sic], which has led to debate about April's place as the first captain of the Enterprise. The character is certainly up for interpretation, as a human actor has never before portrayed him on screen. Who do you think would be perfect for the role?

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[Aragorn]

Is April supposed to be older than Pike or a contemporary? Liam Neeson? Pierce Brosnan?

 

[KirkusOveractus]

Ray Liotta

*ducks and runs*

 

[urbandk]

Well according to M/A he was born in 2195, which would make him 59 at the time of the Cage. Pike looks to be about 40 there, although he looks older in the new film, so I'd expect April to be maybe ten years older than Pike in any sequel. Just a guess.

 

[Ensign_Redshirt]

If we go by April's established age from "The Counter-Clock Incident" (I know, they don't necessarily feel bound by it), he should be 63 years old in 2258.

 

[Jax]

Liam Neeson would be great IMO.

 

[urbandk]

I wonder if they will include Number One.

 

[KirkusOveractus]

I think they should cast someone that has some stature, but not overwhelm the movie (if they decide to cast April).

I do like the concept, which follows the current movie. Kind of Nimoy and Greenwood as the "adults", or the guiding forces for the younger crew.

Maybe that concept I've read here and there, about April being captain of the Constitution, with Pike as XO, could work in a passing mention, with both being Admirals in the sequel.

 

[T J]

Perhaps his dentures can save the day. j/k

 

[The Wormhole]

The news of Robert April being in the movie is fucking awesome! Though only a rumour, it actually has me excited, moreso than anything in Trek XI did!

Please let it be true! I so totally want Robert April to be in the movie. This has to happen. It has to!

 

[Kpnuts]

Robert April isn't canon. No one outside hardcore Trek fans care about him. They won't introduce him.

 

[The Wormhole]

Robert April isn't canon. No one outside hardcore Trek fans care about him. They won't introduce him.

Captain Robau never existed. This time two years ago, no one cared about him, not even hardcore Trek fans. Yet he was still in Trek XI.

Count on Captain April in Trek XII.

 

[Aragorn]

I think they should cast someone that has some stature, but not overwhelm the movie (if they decide to cast April).

Unless he turns out to be the bad guy.

 

[Kirby]

Liam Neeson would be great IMO.

Agreed, but for some reason I have a mental image of Corbin Bernsen.

 

[blaXXer]

The news of Robert April being in the movie is fucking awesome! Though only a rumour, it actually has me excited, moreso than anything in Trek XI did!

Please let it be true! I so totally want Robert April to be in the movie. This has to happen. It has to!

...even if he commands a starship with a leading zero in the registry?

 

[Jeri]

Ok, I'll bite; where was the leading-zero number dialog? I don't remember it.

 

[Aragorn]

The Kelvin's registry number starts with zero, pissing off some severely demented posters on here. Of course, there was also the NX-01, but oh well.

 

[Jeri]

It's on the hull?

 

[Therin of Andor]

Leslie Nielsen in "Forbidden Planet" mode, or is he way too old these days?

Doohan did a wonderful English accent for April in TAS. Hopefully this isn't an April Fool's joke.

 

[Kirk1980]

Dammit Therin, where's the wincing icon when it's needed!?