Should ST011 have a big name star?

[RAMA]

Most reports of international box office mention the lack of a big name actor in the movie as a reason it doesn't do as well overseas. It seems now the new version is accepted, they can further expand the popularity by hiring a big name star. Or would Trekkers prefer msotly no-names or stars of cinema past like the old ST movies?

RAMA

 

[BigC]

It would be difficult to have a "big name" as a recurring role. But as a One movie shot it would be good. Think Mel Gibson or Tom Hanks as the evil Col. Green/bad guy.

 

[Jax]

No because of the salary they would demand.

 

[donners22]

No because of the salary they would demand.

I would imagine that the main cast of XI would be a fair bit cheaper than those of the previous films. There are quite a few reports of actors from both generations holding out for more money, and with their history as those characters, the producers had no choice but to pay.

With that combined with the greater earning potential of this new breed of films, and the need for greater international success, I don't think it's a bad idea at all.

 

[MvRojo]

I wouldn't mind a big star being in the film. It would have some effect in the US, but have a much bigger effect internationally, where major actors still can draw crowds (which has been in the decline in the US).

 

[Praetor]

I'd be okay with a name if they could be fit in organically, and weren't forced and didn't overshadow anyone.

 

[Shatterhand]

I'd prefer that the J.J. Trekverse stay away from big name actors or actresses unless one or more of the following conditions are met:

1. The star(s) are at least casual fans and they're doing it for the love of Star Trek and not just for the money.

2. If their presence in the movie is limited to a cameo, keep it fluid and subtle, as Praetor suggested. Their appearance should flow easily with the pace of the movie and the storyline, and not be the biggest "wow" moment of the movie. We don't need to hear a familiar voice, have the main characters turn around, and the camera does a close-up on the actor/actress as the viewers say "OMG, they got (fill in big-name star here)!!!" One could argue that Leonard Nimoy's appearance in Star Trek was like this, but his appearance was not a cameo.

3. If their presence in the movie is meant to be greater than a cameo, make sure the choice of the "big-name star" reflects their talent and what strengths they can bring to the story, not their ability to bring in more money here or overseas. Sure, better overseas returns are nice, but not if it means putting in a star that just doesn't fit in the movie's environment.

4. Their appearance must not be overhyped in the media, nor should their role in the movie be too campy or "hambone". The former will steal the focus from where it belongs: the actors portraying the Enterprise crew, while the latter will damage the storytelling and have a more negative than positive effect on the film.

 

[clint g]

Id love to see Tom Hanks as a crazy Admiral in the film 8)

Not only would it bring publicity and attention to the film, but hes a good actor and being a Trekkie I'm sure he'll bring alot of energy and excitement to the part he's playing.

 

[Flake]

They need a big name because it will mean more $$ internationally. Yes it will cost more but a big star will act as bait for the overseas people and after that they will be hooked.

 

[Flake]

Jason Statham would be cheap and he is well known overseas.

 

[SonicRanger]

Think Mel Gibson... as the evil Col. Green/bad guy.

I do already. And he wouldn't have to act.

 

[CommanderRaytas]

Jason Statham? And people are already complaining about ST XI being a brainless action flick.

I'd watch it though.

 

[barnaclelapse]

If they're right for a role, then by all means.

 

[SonicRanger]

How about Eric Bana?

Hey, if David Warner can do it...

 

[cubbie]

How is greater than $100 million dollars internationally a poor showing? Something that has never been achieved by a Star Trek movie before.

No, Trek does not need a big name actor wasting the budget away. A cameo by Hanks or someone like him would be great, but not for big bucks.

 

[CommanderRaytas]

Natalie Portman as moon princess fighting against a powerful trade feder.... oh. Damn.

 

[Starbreaker]

Leonard Nimoy isn't big enough?

 

[Jeri]

After this success, the existing cast are becoming bigger-name stars; I have been wondering if when they signed, they locked into a certain figure.

If not, just their salaries alone could be an issue to the next movie's guest cast.

 

[Kpnuts]

Star Trek 2 doesn't need one

 

[JoeD80]

I don't follow; the movie that just came out had Leonard Nimoy, Winona Ryder, John Cho, Simon Pegg, Bruce Greenwood -- all fairly well-known names. Perhaps not the biggest stars possible, but they aren't unknowns by any means.