Star Trek XI - New faces, right fit?

[PKTrekGirl]

^ You don't like it? I'm just curious as to why not.

I haven't watched this season of Heroes yet (I watch that show on DVD), but I thought he did a fine job in that during season one - some good solid acting.

And the fact that he bears a passing resemblance to Nimoy is a bit of a bonus.

He bears a passing resemblance, yes. I think if I showed up at a local Halloween party and he was dressed as Spock, I would say, "Good choice. You pulled it off." But that's about the level I would place him at, in terms of similarity.

(Now granted, I have not seen the movie yet, and I may be blown away, but neither have any of the people who seem to think he is simply perfect.)

As to his acting, I think he does an alright job on a show that has a lot of buzz at the moment (or had a lot of buzz, anyway). I think some of the temporary fanboy excitement over "Heroes" spilled over onto the fanboy excitement over the Quinto casting.

He does an okay job on a television show that does not ask for ridiculous amounts of acting on the part of its actors.

And as for the role he plays on "Heroes", there is nothing about how he plays Sylar that would indicate, for good or for bad, his ability to convincingly play Spock.

And yes, I realize that Nimoy was just a t.v. actor when he first played Spock. I guess I have been so impressed by Nimoy's ability to absolutely define that character over the years, that I'm not as giddy as some others are to hand over the mantle to some flash-in-the-pan (for the moment, anyway) t.v. actor who only bears a passing resemblance to him.

Again, his performance may blow me away. But I've seen nothing to indicate that, so far.

** Plus, we all know I hate the gays.

Well, I agree with you on alot of points. I by no means think he's a dead ringer for Nimoy or anything...but yeah...he's close enough to make you nod and think "Oh...okay. Pretty reasonable."

But that is not my main reason - I don't think these guys necessarily have to look like the Originals at all, in fact. It's just sorta a nice little bonus in Quinto's case.

I do think he's a pretty good actor - at least based on his performance in Heroes season 1. I've not seen season 2 yet, so I don't know how he did there...but I did think he was pretty convincing as what was essentially evil incarnate in that show's first season.

Now, granted, the role of Sylar is nothing like the role of Spock. Not even a little bit. And I will most certainly concede that his casting was at least partly based on the Heroes hype coming out of season 1. After all, it doesn't hurt to cast a guy who can bring in the fanbois as well as some of the general public...because at the end of the day, he was the most talked about character on that show...even among non-scifi fans.

However, that said, I do think he is a pretty decent actor. I know it was a different sort of role...but I did think he did extremely well with it, and therefore shows substantial promise in a more general sense. Certainly it was a compelling and well-written story and the writers of Heroes get a tremendous amount of the credit for the success of that show in it's first season (and a tremendous amount of the blame for season 2, from what I hear). But if there was one actor in the entire cast who could have ruined season 1 of that show with shitty acting, it would have been Quinto. If he hadn't been convincing as the Big Bad...then the whole thing could easily have caved in upon itself.

Now...is he the best actor evah? No...probably not. Or, at least he hasn't proven that yet. Can he fill Nimoy's shoes? No...probably not that either. But then, can anyone?

I don't know. I was pretty impressed with him on Heroes, so I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt and be jazzed about his casting.

In truth, I'm probably more worried about Chris Pine...because I didn't even know who he was before I became mod of this forum, and I still have not seen a single thing he's done. Maybe he looks a bit like Shatner...but you talk about big shoes to fill? They don't get any bigger than Shatner's. And not knowing this guy at all, I do worry if he is up to the task.

 

[Jackson_Roykirk]

I must be the only guy on the planet that doesn't think the Quinto casting is the greatest catch of all time.

From What I've seen and heard from Karl Urban, I wouldn't be surprised if he is the "best fit" in both acting and looks among the regular seven (plus Capt. Pike).

 

[Samuel T. Cogley]

In truth, I'm probably more worried about Chris Pine...because I didn't even know who he was before I became mod of this forum, and I still have not seen a single thing he's done. Maybe he looks a bit like Shatner...but you talk about big shoes to fill? They don't get any bigger than Shatner's. And not knowing this guy at all, I do worry if he is up to the task.

Yeah, he's pretty much screwed.

He's a good-looking guy, and he seems nice enough. But he doesn't seem to have much in the personality department. Larger-than-life, he is not.

But if younger audiences aren't comparing him to Shatner, they may not realize the difference, or care.

And with all the Shatner hating "fans" on this board, they'll be so happy to have anyone else play Kirk that they will likely praise Pine's performance, even if he sucks.

 

[Samuel T. Cogley]

I must be the only guy on the planet that doesn't think the Quinto casting is the greatest catch of all time.

From What I've seen and heard from Karl Urban, I wouldn't be surprised if he is the "best fit" in both acting and looks among the regular seven (plus Capt. Pike).

Yeah, my gut tells me that Urban will steal the show, at least as far as nailing the part goes.

 

[PKTrekGirl]

In truth, I'm probably more worried about Chris Pine...because I didn't even know who he was before I became mod of this forum, and I still have not seen a single thing he's done. Maybe he looks a bit like Shatner...but you talk about big shoes to fill? They don't get any bigger than Shatner's. And not knowing this guy at all, I do worry if he is up to the task.

Yeah, he's pretty much screwed.

He's a good-looking guy, and he seems nice enough. But he doesn't seem to have much in the personality department. Larger-than-life, he is not.

See, this kinda worries me. Because I think that Kirk needs to be larger than life. Shatner made 'larger than life' look easy...because he had the personality for it. Still does. I mean, who else could get the laughs Shatner does, just by saying his own character's name: "Denny Crane"?

I don't know Pine at all - in fact, my entire exposure to him consists of about 2 photographs. But if he's lacking in personality IRL, then I think Kirk is gonna be a tough sell. Because I do think that role, more than about any other in Star Trek, screams out for someone who is alot like Shatner to be cast. Chiefly because Shatner, IMO, put a whole lot of himself into that role to begin with.

Now true, maybe not as much of himself as he's given Denny Crane...but certainly a fair sized chunk of Kirk is, in fact, Shatner himself.

But if younger audiences aren't comparing him to Shatner, they may not realize the difference, or care.

I know you are right about this. But I have a difficult time wrapping my brain around the possibility of there being people out there who know so little about Shanter & Kirk that they can avoid making even a surface comparison between Shatner and Pine. Maybe TNG through ENT is chiefly the domain of fanbois & girls these days...and of course the vast majority of folks couldn't care less about Trek in general. However, I have a hard time picturing the person who doesn't know who William Shatner is...at least peripherally.

But then, I'm the one who never ceases to be amazed at what some of these 'men (and women) on the street' say to Jay Leno.

So there ya go. The world is chock FULL of individuals who really HAVE, apparently, been living under rocks.

And with all the Shatner hating "fans" on this board, they'll be so happy to have anyone else play Kirk that they will likely praise Pine's performance, even if he sucks.

Sadly, this is true enough.

Still don't get why any Star Trek fan would hate Shatner, given the fact that his character's appeal is at in large part responsible for there being ANY Star Trek subsequent to 1969.

But whatdaya gonna do?

 

[Samuel T. Cogley]

But whatdaya gonna do?

"Fight 'em until we can't." - Kara Thrace

 

[Gepard]

And yes, I realize that Nimoy was just a t.v. actor when he first played Spock. I guess I have been so impressed by Nimoy's ability to absolutely define that character over the years, that I'm not as giddy as some others are to hand over the mantle to some flash-in-the-pan (for the moment, anyway) t.v. actor who only bears a passing resemblance to him.

And with all the Shatner hating "fans" on this board, they'll be so happy to have anyone else play Kirk that they will likely praise Pine's performance, even if he sucks.

Did somebody kill you and replace you with...well, with any one of the sorts of posters you usually mock?

 

[ancient]

The SHAT's will affects even the strongest mind. Such is the awesome power of the SHAT.

Anyway, I like that they chose to pick people with a resemblence to the original actors. Spock, McCoy and Uhura are the best recasts in that regard. Personally I'm most excited about Urban, I think his McCoy will be the break-out highlight.

Pine is ok, but I've never seen him act so eh. I'll have to wait & see.

Chekov I'd just as soon omit.

Sulu meh. Sulu is Sulu.

The new Scotty may be good or bad, I can't really make up my mind there.

 

[darkshadow0001]

Yeah, an interesting article. Nothing new though. It's more or less what we are discussing here since the cast was announced. Although I still don't get why the new actors are supposed to look just like the originals.

I would rather have them look like the originals. Or at least a close proximity, that way you know who they are representing. Not everything has to be a "redo".

I was shocked at how much Chris Pine looked like the 60's Kirk in uniform... I knew there was a resemblance, but he's almost a spitting image...

 

[Samuel T. Cogley]

Did somebody kill you and replace you with...well, with any one of the sorts of posters you usually mock?

I hope not, or T'Bonz will perma-ban me again.

 

[taliesyn30]

I am sure they will do wonders with the rest, as they seem to have done with Mr Pine!

For those of you who don't know Simon Pegg - check out these films:

• Shaun Of The Dead
• Hot Fuzz
• Run, Fat Boy, Run

The first two are hilarious - the third passable. If you get the chance then catch his comedy series, Spaced, which is odd to say the least but if you like that offbeat British humor, you will love it!

Also, watch the Doctor Who episode - The Long Game - he is in that too (am I allowed to mention The Doctor on this forum?!)

Tal x

 

[wamdue]

where did the uniform pics of Kirk & Spock come from. did I miss them or are they "fanart"

 

[Michael]

where did the uniform pics of Kirk & Spock come from. did I miss them or are they "fanart"

Here:

thanks....those photos are actually from TrekMovie.com

it would have been nice for this website to acknowledge that

 

[sidious618]

I don't care how much like the originals they are. As long as it fits somewhat and they are good actors I'm happy.

 

[ancient]

Casting people with a similar look is pretty much a given for well-known established characters. That's what got Routh cast as Superman.

Remember all the bitching about the new Bond over his looks? If you can avoid that it's nice. It's not 100% needed, but definitely a way to sooth the fans, and keep the flow of the franchise.

 

[Temis the Vorta]

Quinto is definitely the closest, downright eerie. Yelchin is pretty close. There's an actor named Eion Bailey who would have been an even better fit for Kirk, but Pine's not bad, particularly in that photo. (I love that photo, it exudes Kirk-ness. )

Saldana is fine. Cho and Urban, maybe if you squint. Pegg is still . Even if he can handle the role, his looks are bound to be a distraction. For the next movie, recast with Paul McGillion, and that minor slip can be forgiven. But really, if the Big Three come off well, everything else will be secondary.

He bears a passing resemblance, yes.

Then I must be psychic because the first time I saw Quinto on 24, years and years ago, my first thought was that it was really weird that some guy who looks just like a younger version of Leonard Nimoy works in CTU.

 

[Samuel T. Cogley]

One thing is certain, we are all seeing totally different things when we look at these new actors and compare them to the old ones. Which, I suppose, is a good thing. Keeps it interesting.

 

[Temis the Vorta]

One thing is certain, we are all seeing totally different things when we look at these new actors and compare them to the old ones. Which, I suppose, is a good thing. Keeps it interesting.

If we're going entirely by looks and not making assumptions about their acting ability (and isn't this thread about looks?) then it's easy enough to objectively assess how much an actor physically resembles another. By that standard, only Quinto really looks like Nimoy, and Pegg looks absolutely nothing like Doohan. Just look at their head shape, completely different. Pegg's head is shaped like a turnip, Doohan's head is large and blocky. The others have at least some resemblance to the original.

 

[Samuel T. Cogley]

If we're going entirely by looks and not making assumptions about their acting ability (and isn't this thread about looks?) then it's easy enough to objectively assess how much an actor physically resembles another.

Well, we all certainly have an opinion about that. But there has been little consensus. Most opinions I have seen on that topic have been conflicting. Of course, our own personal opinions on the matter remain fairly consistent.

 

[Kegek]

I thought Yelchin had a striking resemblance to Koenig when he was cast... but he had a different haircut in the first picture I saw of him then the picture in that article. Far more Chekov-esque. Anyway, I think he's a good fit looks-wise, and one of the best of the new cast.