STAR TREK: PHASE II Recasts Kirk
- Thread starter doubleohfive
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John Kelley is back as McCoy for the episode they're currently filming. 
Yes, John is currently filming with Brian, our new Kirk, and Brandon.
I have getting used to and liked James as Kirk very much, but I have the deepest respect for his decision and hope it´ll bring our little production a step ahead. What I´ve seen so far from Brian was very promising.
I have getting used to and liked James as Kirk very much, but I have the deepest respect for his decision and hope it´ll bring our little production a step ahead. What I´ve seen so far from Brian was very promising.
After being unavailabe for our "Mind-Sifter" shoot last year, Doctor John Kelley returns to the role of Dr. McCoy in the episode we are currently shooting: "Bread and Savagery."
Here's a shot of "Doc John" with our new Captain Kirk--Mr. Brian Gross--on the surface of Planet 892-IV:
And here's one of Kirk and Spock (Mr. Brandon Stacy):
And for those keeping score--our "Lieutenant Kyle" (played by Mr. Jay Storey), our "Janice Rand" (played by Ms. Meghan King Johnson), and our "Christine Chapel" (played by Ms. Shannon Quinlan Giles) have each been portrayed by only the original New Voyages/Phase II actors and haven't had to be recast.
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I've written a brief story about the change. If you'd like to see it, please click here.
Loken
Lieutenant Commander
I know it's entirely subjective because I'm used to James, but the new guy just looks 'wrong' to me in those shots.
Honestly, I'm sure he's fine, and I trust you all to cast the right guy, but it's really a little jarring not to see James. Guess I'd gotten far more used to him as Kirk than I thought.
Honestly, I'm sure he's fine, and I trust you all to cast the right guy, but it's really a little jarring not to see James. Guess I'd gotten far more used to him as Kirk than I thought.
Any chance for a former captain of HMS Pinafore, like me, to sign on board in some capacity? I've been itching to make the transition from stage to screen. Here's a piece of the action 
Knight Templar
Commodore
I always felt that Cawley was a little "over the top" as Kirk. He captured well some of the best moments similar to Shatners overacting but there were more subtle nuances of Kirks character that I think he couldn't capture.
Still for sheer enthusiasm for the role he would be very hard to beat.
Still for sheer enthusiasm for the role he would be very hard to beat.
I've added a link to your write-up from the "Bread and Savages" section of my Phase II page at Star Trek Reviewed, vis: http://startrekreviewed.blogspot.com/2009/06/20.html
John Kelley is back as McCoy for the episode they're currently filming.
Oh, sweet! I hadn't heard that.
Loken
Lieutenant Commander
It has been great being on set these last 3 days. I got to work opposite Brian's Kirk last night in the vignette "Go Boldly" as Captain Garth. I can tell you this guy is not only a pro, but getting better every day as he becomes comfortable as Kirk.
I think everyone will be impressed.
Alec
I think everyone will be impressed.
Alec
No kidding?? How cool is THAT?? Now, THAT's something I've GOT to see!!
Interesting timing. I wonder if the falling out he had with Vic Mignogna and Vic launching "Star Trek Continues" (with the Farragut team's help) had any bearing on this decision?
Maybe he wanted someone who looked closer to Shatner to take over? I liked some of the Phase II episodes, loved the exact duplicates of the sets, especially the bridge but I always had a little problem accepting "Elvis as Kirk" but I do appreciate all James has done in keeping TOS alive.
I'm looking forward to seeing both Phase II and ST Continues, I grew up on TOS and it's always been my favorite. As long as these guys keep it alive, I'll support both camps.
Loken
Lieutenant Commander
You know, James is working a lot as Elvis, and he just can't cut his hair. If you go back to "Come What May" (Which even James will tell you you should only do as a last resort!) you will see his "Elvis Kirk". ) But after that he wasn't working so much and so didn't have the Elvis haircut and it looked fine. Now he does have an Elvis cut and that was a big factor.
Plus, he wants P2 to grow and get better, and he felt that he needed to step aside to do that. He really is committed to making Phase II better in any way he can. Oh and let's face it, having Kirk played by a professional actor who is handsome, younger than STC's Kirk by 20 years, and a Shatner look alike, certainly is a one up on that other production. But who cares?
Ultimately, P2 doesn't have to compete with anyone. The more Star Trek the better is the feeling here on set. Todd Haberkorn is a very good friend of mine, and even this morning I was sending him a text telling him people here miss him as Sulu, and I was hoping he kills it as Spock in STC. Unlike what some people feel, one production does not have to lose for another to win. We can all win and make great Star Trek and enjoy it all. I am especially looking forward two productions NOT getting a lot of attention: Star Trek: Secret Voyage and Star Trek: Ajax, both made by super groups of people.
Alec
Plus, he wants P2 to grow and get better, and he felt that he needed to step aside to do that. He really is committed to making Phase II better in any way he can. Oh and let's face it, having Kirk played by a professional actor who is handsome, younger than STC's Kirk by 20 years, and a Shatner look alike, certainly is a one up on that other production. But who cares?
Ultimately, P2 doesn't have to compete with anyone. The more Star Trek the better is the feeling here on set. Todd Haberkorn is a very good friend of mine, and even this morning I was sending him a text telling him people here miss him as Sulu, and I was hoping he kills it as Spock in STC. Unlike what some people feel, one production does not have to lose for another to win. We can all win and make great Star Trek and enjoy it all. I am especially looking forward two productions NOT getting a lot of attention: Star Trek: Secret Voyage and Star Trek: Ajax, both made by super groups of people.
Alec
Ultimately the success or failure of every show will depend on the quality of the writing. The best sets, best special fx and even the best actors won't save show that doesn't tell a good story. There's plenty of room for production companies that can tell good stories! The situation with STC kinda reminds me of the situation when some of the James Bond scripts fell into public domain and Sean Connery made "Never say 'Never' Again" at the same time that Roger Moore made one of his "official" Bond films. They both did well at the box office, reflecting the fact that they were pretty good movies. The audience was the winner in that deal and I think we have the potential to win with this one. Hurt feelings and some bitterness may be inevitable between the companies, but I hope they're kept to a minimum and everyone involved just sticks to doing the best they can to put out a good product.
That's an inapt comparison, as neither group actually has the rights to use Star Trek. Furthermore, you're factually incorrect on the Bond situation, as nothing lapsed into the public domain.
Never Say Never Again had its origins in the early 60s when Bond creator Ian Fleming worked with Kevin McClory and Jack Whittingham on a potential Bond script. When that fell through Fleming turned it into the novel Thunderball. This resulted in a lawsuit from McClory. The long and short of it was McClory received screen rights to the Thunderball story some years after the film came out. McClory exercised those rights in order to make Never Say Never Again.
More details here on wikipedia (link) and here on the blog G-BLATT's dreams (link).
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