The value (or not) of casting nu-Trek actors as their Discovery counterparts when the time comes

[Jedi Marso]

This is a topic I suspect will generate some strong reactions in the fan base, either for or against.

Given that DSC is a 'prime verse' show, the producers could go two ways here in future seasons when they want familiar faces from the old TOS to show up in the new venue.

1) Recast any TOS characters making cameos in DSC.

2) Employ 'nu-Trek' cast members in their appropriate roles, but with the understanding that these aren't actually the 'nu-Trek' versions of their characters, but their prime-verse counterparts.

On a visual level it would be interesting to maintain the continuity of using the same people for the same roles, up to and including Winona Ryder as Amanda and the same guy (can't think of his name) who played Pike in the first two movies. More to the point, the nu-Trek is about the proper age now to actually represent their counterparts in the prime-verse in the new series.

On the con side, there is the potential for such a casting deal to generate hella confusion and disorientation among casual fans, to say nothing of the potential for non-intentional 'cross pollination' between prime-verse and JJ-verse storylines to rear its ugly head. Plus, recasting these roles will allow for more flexibility (in terms of their availability for appearances) and definitely cost less money.

Have at it!

 

[Trek16]

the guy who plays Pike is called Bruce Greenwood.
I'm all up for the Kelvin actors to appear even though I'm more of a fan of the Prime Universe, as the one good thing about the Kelvin timeline is that the characters are pretty well cast.

 

[Kor]

Henry Cavill is not playing Superman in upcoming Supergirl episodes. Somebody else is. Conversely, Grant Gustin is not playing the Flash in the new Justice League movie.

I imagine it will be the same if the Prime counterparts of any characters who appeared in the KelvinVerse show up on STD.

Kor

 

[Jedi Marso]

Henry Cavill is not playing Superman in upcoming Supergirl episodes. Somebody else is. Conversely, Grant Gustin is not playing the Flash in the new Justice League movie.

I imagine it will be the same if the Prime counterparts of any characters who appeared in the KelvinVerse show up on STD.

Kor

I tend to think you're right, but would you be averse to seeing the nu-Trek actors in their roles?

 

[Trek16]

at the same time Fuller seems to want Winona Ryder for Amanda as he could have mentioned Amanda without mentioning Ryder. He also seems to be a fan of the Kelvin Timeline from a few interviews I read.

 

[Bry_Sinclair]

Personally, I'd prefer if no TOS regular characters appeared. The odd guest character appearance here and there (Spock's mother, Pike, etc) is a different matter as they are undeveloped bit parts, but I'd say leave TOS alone and focus on making DIS its own entity.

 

[cultcross]

Personally, I'd prefer if no TOS regular characters appeared. The odd guest character appearance here and there (Spock's mother, Pike, etc) is a different matter as they are undeveloped bit parts, but I'd say leave TOS alone and focus on making DIS its own entity.

This. Especially with the ongoing films set in a different timeline, leave the TOS cast out of Discovery.
If they don't, I'd prefer a recast, as otherwise you'd have the Kelvinverse cast playing their prime counterparts, at the same time they play their Kelvinverse characters. Possible of course, but a little strange. Better to recast.

 

[Spider]

fuller has made comments about both Greenwood and Ryder, saying he likes the characters and would like to see them on the show. Maybe in the 2nd season he said, because the first season is already mapped out (apparently) without them. Not a done deal at all. But I do agree with Fuller, its a nice idea for some cameo appearances that WILL NOT be a major plot line.

 

[Tomalak]

If you're going to include TOS characters in the series, whether as cameos or whatever, it would make sense to cast the actors playing them in the films, if they are available and affordable. Why wouldn't you? If you can get Quinto to appear, doesn't it make sense to use him rather than cast a third Spock?

 

[Michael]

As I said in another thread, Bruce Greenwood as Pike would be amazing. He's great in everything he's in. But other than him I don't think it's necessary to show one of the other characters. Okay, Richard Robau would be kinda cool, too. But only if played by Faran Tahir.

 

[Shalashaska]

As I said in another thread, Bruce Greenwood as Pike would be amazing. He's great in everything he's in. But other than him I don't think it's necessary to show one of the other characters. Okay, Richard Robau would be kinda cool, too. But only if played by Faran Tahir.

Wouldn't Robau be dead and/or much older?

 

[Cake]

The series is suppose to be about 10 years before TOS. So I think it would be better for most roles, if they cast younger actors than use the actors of the new movies. Chris Pine is the youngest of the regulars and already 35. The others are all close to or over 40. They are simply too old for a prequel show now.

It is also a money question. If they cast some young actors for the roles, maybe quite unknown ones, they can save a lot of money.

 

[scifib5st]

In Oct. 2004 "In Harms Way" came out. Kirk Carley played Capt. Pike, he did a outstanding job. I would like to see him do more of this.

 

[Cake]

If you're going to include TOS characters in the series, whether as cameos or whatever, it would make sense to cast the actors playing them in the films, if they are available and affordable. Why wouldn't you? If you can get Quinto to appear, doesn't it make sense to use him rather than cast a third Spock?

Actually it would be the 10th actor to play Spock. If you don't count deleted scenes and voice actors, it would be still actor number 8.

 

[mdtauk]

What about Tom Hardy for young Picard LOL

 

[LtChange]

If they will use TOS characters (which would be a fun thing to do if done right) I think the batter way forward is to recast them from younger actors, and leave the Kelvin Timeline counterparts alone.

 

[Tomalak]

Actually it would be the 10th actor to play Spock. If you don't count deleted scenes and voice actors, it would be still actor number 8.

Why did I know someone would pick up on that?

No, the baby and the kids in Search for Spock etc don't count, nor do any other voice actors or whatever.

 

[mos6507]

If you can get Quinto to appear, doesn't it make sense to use him rather than cast a third Spock?

It opens up a whole can of worms, like how the Kelvin cast might portray the Prime versions. The different timeline has been used to handwave all sorts of different character personalities, like Quinto being so much of a damn hothead and Kirk being an entitled punk who is given command without truly earning it. I don't want them playing these roles anywhere near the same way if they appear in Discovery.

Bruce Greenwood as Pike would be amazing.

He's pretty much the only one who could crossover since that role kind of symbolized the prime-trek by-the-book hard-ass sensibility. But before long he'd have his accident and be mute in the wheelchair.

 

[dinzy]

They should just keep them out. Pike makes sense and Quinto as Spok could also work visually, Bones may work but the others would be a hard sell as early 20s. If they are going the stunt casting route, I would prefer they just use Trek actors. nu an/or old, in drastically different roles, preferably as a different race.

 

[BillJ]

I think by the time we're ready for such things, they'll need to recast. The actors are continuing to age, and every one would be roughly 10-20 years younger in the Prime timeline of the 2250's.