I have read grumblings over the past week about the casting of the movie..from PINE to BANA and others as well...well, you armchair quarterbacks, who would you have casted in this movie if you had had your way?? And remember the 'budget' aspect when you do this, because I am sure JJ had to stay in a certain area of cost, and I think he did a great job...
So....who would you cast instead???
Rob
Scorpio
Most of the choices are acceptable. The only two who I really, seriously have problems with are Pegg (I love the guy but he's not remotely like Scotty) and Yelchin (who not only doesn't resemble Chekov in any way but is, apparently, being used to play to the WORST aspects of the character only).
I'm not sold on Pine... but I can see him playing Kirk acceptable well to suspend my disbelief. I love Quinto's "look" but his voice is jarring as Spock... Nimoy's deep voice is as central to "Spock" as his look... and Quinto is "squeeky" by comparison. And then there are the various reviews who've said that they hate the guy's performance... we'll see if those are justifiable or not.
I LOVE Urban as McCoy, but the one time we hear his voice, I didn't pick up any hint of "Southern drawl," which is my only quibble with him.
As far as I'm concerned, the only "TOS" characters who belong in this movie are Kirk, Spock, and McCoy, (I'm not considering Pike in there... he's not one of the "regular cast") though I don't have a problem with Scotty being present IF he's important to the plot. As for the rest of the "second bananas," (Sulu, Uhura, Chekov)... they have no place in this movie at all as far as I'm concerned, so my "casting choice" for each of them would ideally be... NOBODY.
That said... if I were in charge of this movie AND if I were casting TOS roles... I'd have chosen an actual Russian actor (not someone with russian background but someone FROM RUSSIA) for Chekov, and someone from Africa (ideally someone whose first language is Swahili) as Uhura. There are actors and actresses from those parts of the world, and I found a couple of young russian actors who actually LOOK the part of Chekov, too.
Sulu is a different matter. I have no problem with Cho's look, and he may be good in the role. The only issue I have with him is an issue that really ought not be an issue at all... the fact that they cast a Korean in a role which has, for forty years, been associated with having a Japanese background. It doesn't bother ME in the least... and yes, the people from that part of the world are genetically common enough. But it's politically troublesome (and perpetuates the image of the "insensitive, self-righteous, insulting ugly american") to cast a member of one ethnic group in place of a member of another ethnic group, when there's so much bad blood between those two groups. SO... I'd probably have tried to get a Japanese actor for the part, though I have no problem, personally, with Cho so far.
I, like many others, think McGillian was born for the part of Scotty. He can do the "intense" look that's far more central to Montgomery Scott than the "funny" bit is, but still do the humor. Go back and pay attention to Scotty from TOS and note how often he's "grim" or "angry" or "distressed" or "determined"... versus how often he's "gleefully smiling." Pegg CAN do that sort of thing (see "Hot Fuzz") but not in a way that comes across remotely similarly to Doohan.
While Pine might be OK... there are many other actors who look more "Shatner-like" and could do just as well, and probably better. Actually, and I know this may sound sort of goofy, but I think Mark Walberg would have been a much better choice (and I generally try to shy away from "big name" choices, especially ones with lots of baggage).
As far as Pike... well, since this is an alternative reality where Pike never did Talos, never got promoted to Fleet Captain, never got crippled by delta-radiation rescuing cadets... then by all means, Ray Liotta could still work as an older, more seasoned Pike.
Hmmm... now, who to cast as "old Spock?" That's a tough one...
I think that decision is going to bite everyone in the butt when the guy is singled out as the worst element in the entire movie.
