The new Star Trek movie has scored rave reviews since it premiered to the critics last month and as a result has many people excited – and not just the long-time Trekkies.
Directed by the master of 21st century sci-fi and fantasy TV, J.J. Abrams (Lost, Cloverfield), Star Trek is the eleventh film to come out of the mega-series and chronicles the lives of the main Star Trek characters before they all jet off on the USS Enterprise.
For those (like myself) who know jack all about Star Trek, here is a run-down of the back stories (or are they front stories in a prequel?) of the main characters:
Captain James T. Kirk
The main character of the Star Trek series and star of the new film, James T. Kirk was originally played by William Shatner and is characterised by his stern tone, humour and arrogance. Kirk becomes the captain of the USS Enterprise, and Trekkies generally consider him to be an iconic hero and the quintessential leader.
According to actor Chris Pine (Smokin’ Aces, Bottleshock) , the Kirk in the 2009 rendition of Star Trek is “a 25-year-old [who acts like a] 15-year-old” and is “angry at the world”. He is depicted as a “reckless, bar fighting-rebel” who, over the course of the film, reaches maturity before becoming captain of the USS Enterprise.
Christopher Pike
In the original Star Trek series, Christopher Pike is James Kirk’s predecessor as captain of the USS Enterprise. The 2009 Star Trek movie depicts Captain Pike taking an interest in the young, wayward James Kirk and daring him to join Starfleet. Pike coerces Kirk with tales of his father’s heroism and the opportunity to preserve the legacy.
Played by Bruce Greenwood (National Treasure: Book of Secrets), Pike can be seen in the new Star Trek trailers advising young Kirk of his future with the Starfleet.
Dr Leonard ‘Bones’ McCoy
Leonard McCoy becomes the chief medical officer aboard the USS Enterprise under the Captaincy of James T. Kirk. Dr. ‘Bones’ McCoy and Kirk become close friends, almost to a brotherly extent. The depth of trust Dr. McCoy places in this friendship is often indicated by his jealous, passionate arguments with Kirk’s other confidante, science officer Spock.
The sometimes cantankerous McCoy (nicknamed ‘Bones’) is characterised by his great compassion for humanity and role as Kirk’s conscience, offering a moral counterpoint to the cold logic of Spock. Kiwi actor, Karl Urban (The Bourne Supremacy) portrays McCoy in the 2009 reboot. Urban trained with a dialect coach to replicate the original McCoy’s accent (traditionally played by DeForest Kelley).
Nyota Uhura
Uhura joins the USS Enterprise as a lieutenant and serves as the chief communications officer to later become a full commander under Captain Kirk in Star Trek: The Original Series and Star Trek: The Animated Series. Uhura becomes a love interest for Captain James Kirk.
She is significant character in the original Star Trek series, traditionally for being an African-American actress on a major TV show in the 80s (first played by Nichelle Nichols). The interracial kiss Uhura shares with Kirk in the original show was highly controversial at the time. With a rep like that, Trekkies will be judging Zoe Saldana’s (Vantage Point) performance as Uhura quite harshly.
Mr Spock
Another iconic Star Trek character you can expect to see is Mr Spock – originally played by Leonard Nimoy who reprised his role to star alongside Zachary Quinto (Heroes) as the younger Spock.
Spock is the science officer of the USS Enterprise and like Dr. McCoy, a close friend of Captain Kirk. He is half human and half-Vulcan, and will eventually sacrifice himself to save the ship after he transfers his katra – his memories and experience – to McCoy, despite their turbulent and competitive relationship as Kirk’s two closest friends.
Nero
The super-evil Romulan baddie, Nero, is described as a “half-mad captain” who “seeks the death of every intelligent being and the annihilation of every civilised world”. Part of his future involves escaping from the Klingon prison, Rura Penthe.
Aussie Eric Bana (Love the Beast, The Other Boleyn Girl) plays the crazed, young Nero as he plots revenge when his home planet, Romulus is destroyed by a supernova.
Montgomery “Scotty” Scott
Scotty is a Scottish Starfleet engineer and was originally played by James Doohan throughout the original TV series and in the first seven Star Trek films. He eventually serves as the Enterprise’s Chief Engineer and Second Officer.
Scotty is more commonly known as the character who inspired the catch phrase “Beam me up, Scotty” – a line that has gained currency in pop culture even beyond Trekkie circles. In the new Star Trek, Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead) portrays the knowledgeable Scotsman.
Star Trek is in cinemas on 7 May 2009.