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What Trek's Karl Urban thinks is the essence of “Bones”
Karl Urban told SCI FI Wire that he was "well versed" in the history of Star Trek before he signed on to play Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy in J.J. Abrams' upcoming Star Trek movie.
"I remember watching quite a bit of the original series with my father, when I was a boy," the New Zealand-born Urban said in an exclusive interview. "About a year before I knew they were making a new film, I bought the entire box set [of the original series] and watched it with my son, who absolutely loved the show. He found some aspects hilarious. He was like, 'Look, dad, they have posters of star systems instead of plasma screens.' So when J.J. was looking for his new cast, I was well versed in the culture and character of the show."
SCI FI Wire spoke to Urban exclusively, and following are edited excerpts from our interview. Star Trek opens Friday in conventional theaters and IMAX.
What was your favorite of the original series features?
Urban: Wrath of Khan. No question. No question. Hands down, it was the best.
With all due respect, you look nothing like the late DeForest Kelley, who played McCoy in the original series. When you were first approached about Star Trek, did you know what character they were thinking of you for?
Urban: No. I was made aware that they were going to make it and thought, "Wow, that'd be really cool to be a part of it," because I had such fond memories of it growing up. So I just went and took a meeting with [casting director] April Webster and J.J., and then after that they said, "We'd really love for you to come in and read for Bones." I was thrilled to bits. They're all iconic characters. To be part of the triumvirate, so to speak, was awesome.
Be honest: Did you get the character you wanted or would you have preferred a different role?
Urban: I'm quite happy. I got the one I wanted. What appealed to me about Bones is that he has this amazingly poor bedside manner and this irascible surface character, but underneath he cares deeply about people, and his altruistic actions are the complete opposite of that surface gruffness, and that's always really quite appealing, when you [get to play] such a great polarity.
Some of your co-stars have met and picked the brains of their predecessors. If you'd had a chance to meet DeForest Kelley, what might you have asked him?
Urban: Oh, my God, I'd have had a whole plethora of questions for him, probably more pertaining to his experience of having 40 years of Star Trek in his life and what that was like. What an extraordinary actor. I really would have cherished the opportunity to meet him the way that Zach Quinto had the opportunity to meet and work with Leonard Nimoy.
You mentioned the Kirk-Spock-McCoy triumvirate. This story is early days for the crew, so how much of that do we get, and how did you enjoy working with Pine and Quinto?
Urban: The triumvirate as it sort of classically came to be formed in the series is really just in its genesis in this movie. You only really get a hint of [it]. The characters are introduced and thrown into a horrendous situation. So it's definitely the stepping-off point for that. But I had the most fantastic time working on this film, in particular working with Chris Pine, who I think is just an extraordinarily gifted young actor who has a stellar future ahead of him. This kid embodies James T. Kirk. He did not make the mistake of going in there and trying to imitate [original series star William] Shatner's vocal pattern or anything like that, but he is the very embodiment of Kirk. He's got it all. He's the complete package. I can't speak highly enough of him.
By Jimmy at 10:22 AM ON 05/07/09
Finally, someone involved with this reboot who actually has a healthy respect for the source material. I mean, I'm not one of those Trekkies who thinks of canon as unchangeable history, but every time I read an article with one of the cast, and especially J J Abrams (admittedly a not a fan of Trek), they're insulting to the original series with Abrams telling some of the fans to stay home if they can't deal with his changes.
It's nice to read something like this for a change. From what little I've seen and heard, Urban's performance as Bones is one of the highlights of this movie.
By greg at 10:30 AM ON 05/07/09
You don't need to be a lifelong Trek fan to make a good Trek movie. It's worth remembering that Nicholas Meyer had no great love for Trek before he directed THE WRATH OF KHAN . . . .
By stargazer_1682 at 11:09 AM ON 05/07/09
I don't know that he looks NOTHING like Deforrest. I think he passes as a young Bones.
By Bee at 11:23 AM ON 05/07/09
Saw the film last week and thought his portrayal of Bones was one of the highlights. Nothing in this film (especially the cast) disappoint, its brilliant! :)
By TK at 12:16 PM ON 05/07/09
Nice to have a fan in the movie. Urban doesn't have the physical vulnerability Kelley had, but I think he'll make a great McCoy nonetheless.
By malohombre at 12:19 PM ON 05/07/09
I wasn't too sure about the casting of Karl Urban but when I saw the "danger and disease" trailer I was pleasantly suprised.I think he nailed the mannerism and sarcasm too.
By MetalPause at 4:23 PM ON 05/07/09
I feel that Urban resembles DK a bit. I really got excited when I heard that Gary Sinise was up for the part of Bones. They could've been brothers! (This was before we knew that they were going the younger route.)
By Captain Zacary R Wildstar Captain SSD Dexterous at 6:09 PM ON 05/07/09
I Wish all of you going to see the movie an enjoyable time. And I hope you enjoy the movie! How's that for being psycho. And if you Like it I don't give a dingos kidneys. Either way I'm stuck in a Dialysis chair for 4 hours Mon, Wed, Fri, So instead of giving me you endless opinions on a movie that is fake. Why don't some of you Man up and become an organ donor and Help a person out. I'm sorry helping people out is to close to the Way Roddenberry thought. Never Mind.
And how do you know that Paramount or scifi wire haven't been paying me to keep this argument going to boost the movies intrest amongst fans, There is no bad media
By I SEE THE MOIVE at 12:51 AM ON 05/08/09
GO SEE THE MOIVE SHUT UP TURN OFF THE COMPUTER FIND CLEAN CLOTHS AND GO TO THE MOIVE NOW! you will thank me later
By LeeAGraff at 1:52 AM ON 05/08/09
Saw the movie less than two hours ago. It was awesome!
By dakalmog at 8:34 AM ON 05/08/09
Karl Urban's performance is a joy to watch in this film. It's also pleasing to hear he's a fan of the show - he's done the original cast proud, in my opinion.
By dsbtreker at 9:07 AM ON 05/08/09
Karl Urban is a GREAT Bones ! He is both respectful and insightfully fresh with his take and it works perfectly !
I also agree with Jimmy . . . too much press on trying to distance themselves from the original and not to appear like "Trekkies doing a Trek film." This film would never happened if fans did not still want and enjoy this story. Just because it took them decades to come along is not an excuse for all the bad press. Just admit that you SHOULD HAVE got it & NOW you do !
By ccrunkie at 11:58 PM ON 05/09/09
It was the McCoy/Spock relationship that drew me in until I was a confirmed for life
fan of Trek. To see Urban's portrayal of dear
Bones was the highlight of the film. (Made
up for my disappointment in Quinto.)
By Galaxey at 4:50 AM ON 05/10/09
I think Karl Urban's "Bones" is just awsome. I closed my eyes for a second, and karl sounded so much like Lenoard McCoy ,it was uncany.
Keep Up the good work.
By pennsygander at 12:54 PM ON 05/10/09
Karl Urban was great as Bones. Stole every scene he was in. Could have used more dialogue from him during arguements between logic and human emotional factors, especially when kirk was marooned.
By JanewayOut at 11:06 PM ON 05/12/09
Hey I just saw STAR TREK today and it Soooo Rocked! I Missed Karl! He is my favorite man on Xena, as Ceasar & Cupid - and Karl is Still Hot!
I always liked how Karl Urban uses his facial expressions in acting. Karl, keep that up. You are still my Cupid. And when your bad you’re better! (You as Ceasar) I know there will be another Star Trek sequel. I’ll see you then, Karl my man.
Everyone reading this - if you think the Earth is in trouble - read my blog - http://earthopinion.blogspot.com/ & give your opinion!!!
- Janeway Out.
By Gail Cooke at 6:43 PM ON 05/16/09
Only a few things about the Star Trek movie were actually good and Karl Urban's performance was one of them. Good job Karl!
By Lori at 12:13 PM ON 05/20/09
I have been trumpeting Urban's portrayal of Bones since seeing the movie on the15th. The whole movie is great, the actors playing the characters from the original cast all shone, but I think Urban's "Bones" made the movie. With his hair cut and styled as a young Star Fleet cadet and in the uniform, I think he looks very much like a young McCoy would have looked, and he has done an amazingly good job of getting DeForest Kelly's voice and mannerisms down, which for this particular character I think was essential.
By Luigi at 11:14 PM ON 05/23/09
I'm a huge fan of the original series. I wasn't real sure how I felt about this new movie until Karl Urban's character was introduced. He did indeed steal the show. Bones was far and away the best part of the whole movie!
By John at 3:02 AM ON 06/18/09
I have to agree with the person who says that Karl does resemble a young Bones. I think Karl really did a fine job of capturing the spirit of Bones. In fact if I didn't know better, for those of you who know your Star Trek, , I'd swear that Karl is carrying De Kellley's Katra.
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John:
I have to agree with the person who says that Karl does resemble a young Bones. I think Karl really did a fine job...More »