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Leonard Nimoy tells us why he came back to Star Trek
Leonard Nimoy, who reprises his most famous role in J.J. Abrams' upcoming Star Trek, told SCI FI Wire that he's pleased to return to the franchise that at one point seemed to be done with him. (Possible spoilers ahead!)
"I don't think I ever said that I was done with Star Trek," Nimoy said in an exclusive interview a few weeks ago. "I think that Star Trek was kind of done with me for a while. I acted in the first six films. I directed two of them. I wrote story for two of them. I produced one of them. I was very, very active in the first six films. When the next film came [Star Trek: Generations] along, there was no role for Spock. And they killed Kirk. So one would have to ask the makers of those films, and the next few, why I was not involved. I was never offered anything that was like a Spock role. I was asked to direct the seventh film. I didn't think much of the script, and I passed."
But Abrams came to Nimoy with more than a cameo role, and it was enough to entice Nimoy out of semi-retirement. "In this particular case, they came to me with an idea that really valued the Spock character, valued my presence, gave me a role to play that I felt was worth coming back for, and I came back," he said. "So I don't think I ever turned my back on Star Trek. I think I was just allowed to drift away."
In Star Trek, Nimoy plays an older version of the character—dubbed "Spock Prime" in the script by Transformers writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman—that goes back to the first meeting of James T. Kirk (Chris Pine), young Spock (Zachary Quinto) and the rest of the crew of the starship Enterprise.
We spoke to Nimoy exclusively about Star Trek. Following is the first part of our two-part interview. The second part posts tomorrow. Star Trek opens May 8.
J.J.'s been talking about the movie lately, and we wanted to know from your perspective what makes his movie a Star Trek movie, and how is it going to be different from what's come before?
Nimoy: Well, we haven't seen this bringing together of the original crew before. It's a story that's never been told. And I think it's told very, very well. ... I'm talking about the original crew members—Kirk and Spock and McCoy and Uhura and Sulu and Scotty—all coming together for the first time, coming out of Starfleet Academy and being assigned in various ways to various ships and ending up together on the Enterprise is a story that's never been told. How they all came together, how they came to be the crew of the Enterprise. And I think it's very well told, and I think the actors are doing a wonderful job, and I think the script really captures the essence of those characters and brings them together in a very entertaining, very exciting way. So I think that's all very new.
What specifically do you feel are essential elements to make Star Trek feel like Star Trek?
Nimoy: The crew is a wonderful mix of chemistries, and I think that's been captured in this movie. The relationships, the way these relationships are established, the different kinds of people that they are and the different functions that they serve and the way that they come together to become a unit. I think really captures the essence of what the original crew was all about when we saw Star Trek in the original series.
Roberto Orci, as well as J.J., have been quoted as saying that the new film will be a little bit more rock and roll. Do you know what they mean by that?
Nimoy: Well, it certainly is a larger production than any Star Trek movie we've seen before. More adventure than we've seen before, and on a larger scale. I don't know how else to describe it. It's a big adventure, a very big adventure. Very ambitious in its size. And I think that some of the previous films have had a certain amount of size, but this picture has a budget that allows it to go much further than any other previous film.
I think also they were speaking kind of about the pace of the film.
Nimoy: Yeah, that too, yeah. No question about it. Look, when you're on a smaller budget, you tend to stay on certain scenes longer, you tend to stay on dialogue scenes longer with the actors. You tend to stay in less sets. This picture has more sets, more action, larger [more] ships, larger experiences, larger adventures, because the appetite of the filmmakers is larger and they were given a larger budget to do it with. I think it's a wonderful movie. ... It's a very exciting film. ...
What was it specifically about the reappearance of Spock that brought you back?
Nimoy: The role is a functional role in the show. It's not a cameo. It's a role that's specifically written for Spock and for Spock's place in the Star Trek story. So that makes it attractive and worthwhile to me. I had not been offered a role like that since the first six Star Trek movies.
What do you think of Zachary Quinto, who plays the younger version of your character?
Nimoy: I think very highly of Zack Quinto. I think he's a very good actor. What I've seen of the movie, I think he does a wonderful job, as does the rest of the crew. I think they're all very, very good in their roles.
Do you see some of your performance in Zachary's performance? Or is it a different kind of interpretation of the same character?
Nimoy: Well, you know, it's the same character in name, but you must remember that the Spock that he's playing is a Spock that existed before the Spock that I played. He was younger, not quite so experienced, and therefore somewhat different. He's the Spock that arrives off of his home planet of Vulcan and goes to the Federation for the first time. And that's ... a somewhat different character than what you saw me play in the Star Trek original series. By the time we get into the series, my Spock was a little bit more mature, a little bit different. ...
One of the things that struck me about Zach's performance was that he is more volatile a character than we were used to seeing.
Nimoy: Well, that's interesting, that's interesting. I think you may be right, and I think that points to what I said before: that it hasn't quite arrived as the Spock that I was playing in the original series. He's younger than that, and not quite as seasoned.
Tomorrow: Nimoy speaks about putting the pointed ears back on and slipping back into the character of Spock.
By Captain Spock at 7:33 AM ON 04/27/09
The fact that Leonard Nimoy came out of retirement to work on this film is all the convincing I need to see it.
By Bundy at 8:18 AM ON 04/27/09
I saw the episode "Where No Man Has Gone Before" over the weekend and in it Kirk was refered to as James R. Kirk but in the new movie he's called James T. Kirk. THIS MOVIE IS NOT CANON!!!!! RISE WITH ME FANBOYS, PUT ON YOUR SPOCK EARS AND TINFOIL HATS AND BOYCOTT THIS MOVIE!!!!!
By Rundal at 8:46 AM ON 04/27/09
Bundy, that gravestone with James R Kirk is the only instance in which his middle name is not referred to as Tiberius.
By oldtrekkie at 8:50 AM ON 04/27/09
Bundy, I don't know what you're talking about, but he's always been James Tiberius Kirk! You must have heard wrong or something.
By Bundy at 9:10 AM ON 04/27/09
Looks like this is not the crowd for sarcasm.
By GROKOZ at 9:14 AM ON 04/27/09
Media Preview Report: It's a mess. Deeply disappointing. On so many levels. The Kobayashi Maru revelation has no dignity or smarts. Eric Bana could have been played by anyone, and is never a scary villain. Any episode of the re-imagined Battlestar Galactica delivers more punches, more fear, more revelation, more surprises and more satisfaction. There are script holes a Federation Class fleet could sail through. Spock/Prime Spock spoiler: how could a younger Spock pilot a craft he had never seen that an older future Spock knew how to? The death of an entire Star Trek planet and its inhabitants leaves you feeling no emotional loss - and that is typical of the lack of emotional engagement with the viewer. You will not get involved with so much of this film. While the new Trek bridge is the most advanced of all the films, wait 'til you see the lower decks - it's not even a set - just an industrial warehouse. Doesn't make any logical sense. There's a lot of likeable moments, but as many of my mentors tell me: a film needs more than moments to thrill and engage, it needs a compelling narrative. But put to rest those rumours about Chris Pine. He's supremely vital and excellent as the young Kirk. Quinto also, but some of those familiar names are so exaggerated - or so badly drawn that they add to the deep feelings of disappoiont of this viewer. Remember how you felt after Phantom Menace followed Return Of The Jedi. Be prepared for a familiar experience.
By Shaun at 9:18 AM ON 04/27/09
how quickly star trek fans forget... even gene roddenberry played fast and loose with trek’s sacred "canon" during the run of the original star trek, while he was helping to create this mystical "canon" certain fans are obsessed with. mr. Roddenberry was all about change, growth and acceptance of new ideas. and in the end, it is just a hollywood movie…
By Fortyseven at 9:28 AM ON 04/27/09
Damned right, Bundy. James Rodriguez Kirk forever!
By Snowkestrel at 9:58 AM ON 04/27/09
@Bundy
You're RIGHT!!! OMG!!! And did you notice the actors' names??? They're ALL WRONG!!!! Where's DeForest Kelley??? Where's George Takei???
@Old Trekkie
Bundy is right. In "Where No Man has Gone Before" Gary Mitchell created a headstone for Kirk's grave, and the middle initial was R. I suppose even psychic (psychotic?) near-godlike people can make mistakes too!
By Sylver at 10:53 AM ON 04/27/09
What makes Trek Trek is the combination of different cultures and races all coming together in times of adversity and finding a way through. Together. If this movie embraces that ideal (which it hopefully will) then it won't stray far from Gene's vision. I'm usually anti remakes as Hollywood appear lacking in original ideas and intent on ruining everything better that went before. However with the quality of Lost on his CV JJ should be able to pull it off.
By jpl1976 at 10:58 AM ON 04/27/09
Instead of going by Media Preview Report, I will get my reviews from places like SFX Magazine, Empire Magazine and other magazines and websites that are geared toward the Science Fiction Genre
By Greg at 11:11 AM ON 04/27/09
Instead of going by any reviews that tell me what to think of this film before I've even seen it, I'm going to see it myself and make my own decision. It's not like I'm going to skip it just because some uptight Trekker is miffed about messing with canon. And considering I very much like classic Trek and very much like J.J. Abrams' work, there's a good chance I'll like it.
By chill at 11:39 AM ON 04/27/09
GROKOZ wasn't complaining about the movie not being "canon", he was complaining about the movie being a mess. Just a bad movie. Canon doesn't matter one way or another if the movie is just plain horrible.
By thanatos at 12:04 PM ON 04/27/09
...Gene always wanted Kirk's middle name to be Roddenberry, but the budget and the state of SFX in the 60s couldn't support it...
By sirbb87 at 12:09 PM ON 04/27/09
If Grokoz wants to match bad reviews to good reviews, he'll lose by a long shot. He's outnumbered right now about 10 to 1. And I'm talking reviews by mainstream, reputable entertainment news divisions.
By DJ Jarak at 12:54 PM ON 04/27/09
I so can't wait till May 7th!
By stargazer_1682 at 2:13 PM ON 04/27/09
You know, it's weird they didn't even approach him about Generations, when Scotty and Chekov's roles were clearly written with Spock and McCoy in mind. I mean, why would Scotty seem so puzzled by Kirk's behavior as the ship left space dock? His line asking if something wrong with Kirk's chair was obviously meant for Spock. And Chekov seeing to the medical needs of the ship never made sense to me, until I read a reviewing suggesting the role was meant to be McCoy; and suddenly it all fell into place.
By Jpnoir at 2:20 PM ON 04/27/09
hey just enjoy the ride with this new film. i am not afraid of the changes. Been a trekkie all of my life and i am glad to see Star Trek back on screen. be bold to see this film with open mind. if not happy with it, then go watch the crappy fan-made films.
By Kenoshi at 2:42 PM ON 04/27/09
They did approach Lenoard Nimoy about Generations, and after looking at the script he decided not to take part, and most of the original series cast walked out with him. The writers for Generations had zero respect for the Original Series cast (and the intelligence of the audience in general) and it showed.
By Methos at 3:02 PM ON 04/27/09
Jews out in space! Zooming around protecting the Hebrew Race!
By Arcade1701 at 3:20 PM ON 04/27/09
Ah well if the movie flops can always write it off as a star trek from the mirror universe point of view....
By smegforbrain at 4:31 PM ON 04/27/09
"The fact that Leonard Nimoy came out of retirement to work on this film is all the convincing I need to see it. "
Nimoy was also in Star Trek V.
'Nuff said.
By Gilveron at 4:34 PM ON 04/27/09
All of the members of the original cast were offered roles in Generations, and all but Walter Koenig, James Doohan, and William Shatner declined to appear. Shortly after the movie came out, I remember at a convention George Takei summed up his feelings during the Q&A. When asked why he turned down the role (which eventually became his daughter) he said, "did you read the script? Then you know why I didn't do it."
I think this was pretty much the view of most of the original cast, who, like Nimoy, felt their roles were too small an unimportant, and that they had made an appropriate good-bye in Star Trek VI. Or as Takei added, "Sulu was the Captain of his own ship, now suddenly he's back at the helm of the Enterprise with no explanation? That made no sense to me."
By Captain Zacary R Wildstar Captain SSD Dexterous at 6:28 PM ON 04/27/09
I hope that "Prime"spock's part in the movie takes place in the 25th century. He didn't look that Old in the 24 th. I know that Nimoy is getting older but they could have used make up to make him look a certain age. When I saw the photo above I thought to my self Dang!
By Spaceman Spiff at 6:48 PM ON 04/27/09
Anyone who has kept up with these articles know that I have not expressed alot of faith in this movie.
I do have alot of respect for Nimoy however so if he thinks it has some merit maybe it's worth a shot. I still don't like the things I've pointed out before though.
And I couldn't help but wonder while I was reading this, If the studio ahd given previous Trek films the a budget comparable with what they've given this one and given the directors the support and liscense they've given Abrams then maybe the other Trek films would have been better.
I wonder how many butts Abrams has to kiss to get this gig.
By jbs780 at 7:22 PM ON 04/27/09
Spiff...it is my understanding...and I may be mistaken, but it is my understanding that the studio came to Abrams, he didn't come to them.
C'mon now...the reviews are most all coming in WAY POSITIVE. The one posted above comes from where? Written by who? That person's opinion is as valid as anyone else's, but that is one person...who we don't know anything about. Every other review I have seen...several...indicate that the flick ABSOLUTLY ROCKS! Most of them what's seen it, say it's GREAT...not just good...GREAT. I'm not making that up.
It is OK to be a fan of TOS aaaaaaaand the new movie...if it is as good as the VAST MAJORITY of the reviews indicate that wont be a problem.
So c'mon Spiff...beam aboard...could be fun! 8^)
"Why Captcha? WHY!?!" he said, rolling his eyes to the heavens, then shaking his head...
By I am Not Spock at 7:47 PM ON 04/27/09
Yes, Leonard Nimoy was in Star Trek V but that was due to a contractual obligation...He willingly chose to come out of retirement to make this movie. That makes all the difference in the world.
By Spaceman Spiff at 7:49 PM ON 04/27/09
Oh I'll go see it...eventually. At the discount theater. 8 bucks is just too much. Actually right now 8 bucks is too much for any movie.
True it could turn out to be great. And if it turns out that I like this movie(I will try very hard to keep an open mind, however I stick to my assessment of the temporal incursion plot device) then I will come on this site and admit it.
Believe it or not I was very much looking foreward to this film when i heard it announced. I even defended it against some others on another board who gated the idea of a prequel. But then the details started coming out and the more I heard the more disapointed I became.
But keep one of the transporter pads open for me jbs780. I am a BIG Trek fan and it is possible that just might join you.
But don't hold you breath. After all, in space no one can hear you scream but niether can they hear your loud lamenting wail for what might have been.
1st try
===================================
visit Worm's Sci Fi Haven for lots of Sci Fi fun.
By Robby at 9:04 AM ON 04/28/09
Wait... Leonard Nimoy is in this movie, but he's old and not in his blue tunic? What about the gold tunic in the very first episode?
This isn't canon! I want blue tunics!
By Sylver at 10:21 AM ON 04/28/09
You want blue tunics eh squire? My advice is buy the blu-ray of the original series and stop waving that nerdage handbag about eh? You'll be banging on about how you weren't invited to Sulu's wedding next...
By Son of a Maui Portagee at 5:14 PM ON 04/28/09
jpl1976,
Science-fiction, now that's been the primary source of my disappointment with the stewardship of the franchise by Paramount. My expectations were in the 70s that if they were going to take Trek on for the ensuing decades that they would have created a writers den where quality would evolve to the point that we'd be lamenting that STAR TREK should withdraw from being nominated for an Academy Award for Best Screenplay because they've won so many years in a row. Also, that once they realized that their franchise was, indeed, inspiring people to become REAL accomplished scientists, astronauts and technologists, they'd take it as a matter of civic duty to at least try to get the basic rudimentary science right so as to help minimize this:
www.phys.ufl.edu/~det/phy2060/heavyboots.html
And all that nonsense over the Large Hadron Collider when most should know that not all black holes are equivalent nor have the same collapsing effect on a cosmic mass in their vicinity.
Which brings me to the next bugaboo natural phenomena in our universe does not propagate in space faster than the speed of light
But we accept the probes and satellites of STAR TREK do communicate faster via subspace.This means it has to be very difficult for natural catastrophic phenomena to surprise the Federation in explored Federation space.
But instead what they give us is a big long love affair with the BGRB where they constantly erase anything they've learned.
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Son of a Maui Portagee:
jpl1976, Science-fiction, now that's been the primary source of my disappointment with the stewardship of the fran...More »