James McAvoy could have joined the cast of J.J. Abrams’Star Trek(2009), but as whom? Abrams successfully rebooted the dormantStar Trekmovie franchise, recasting Captain James T. Kirk, Mr. Spock, and the iconic crew of the Starship Enterprise with a new, younger cast led by Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto.Star Trek(2009) proved audiences would accept different actors playingStar Trek: The Original Series' characters, and Abrams' firstStar Trekwould become the highest-grossingStar Trekmovie and spawn two sequels.
Star Trek(2009)’s castis one of the reasons it was a hit with audiences. Without doing an impression of William Shatner impression, Chris Pine captured Captain Kirk’s risk-taking essence and innate heroism. Zachary Quinto embodied Spock’s buried volatility, which was even more impressive since he acted opposite the original Spock, Leonard Nimoy. Karl Urban perfectly conveyed Dr. Leonard McCoy’s irascible nature, Zoe Saldana charmingly revamped Lt. Nyota Uhura, John Cho was just right for Mr. Sulu’s swashbuckling cool, and Anton Yelchin brought out Ensign Pavel Chekov’s nervous energy. Simon Pegg was also ideal as Scotty. Butwho could James McAvoy have played inStar Trek?
Our Prediction For James McAvoy’s Star Trek 2009 Character Is Scotty
James McAvoy as Mr. Scott?
Appearing as a guest onHappy Sad Confusedpodcast, James McAvoy told host Josh Horowitz that he almost joined the cast of J.J. Abrams’Star Trek(2009), but James didn’t disclose which character. The logicalcharacter for James McAvoy would be Lt. Montgomery Scott AKA Scotty. McAvoy is Scottish, just like theStarship Enterprise’s Chief Engineer. The role ultimately went to English actor Simon Pegg, who took over the role originated by James Doohan inStar Trek: The Original Series.
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James McAvoy said he decided to turn down his mystery role offer inStar Trek(2009) becausehe didn’t think he was right for it. If the role was Scotty, perhaps McAvoy did not want to play the stereotypical Scotsman with the accent that James Doohan and Simon Pegg performed. McAvoy, who was not yet 30 whenStar Trek (2009) was being cast, also may have had leading man aspirations, and he would soon get his chance as Professor X in 2011’sX-Men: First Class.McAvoy also revealed he told J.J. Abrams what kind of actor would be better for the mystery role James rejected, and Abrams cast the right actor for the part.
Who Else James McAvoy Could Have Played In 2009’s Star Trek Movie
James McAvoy could also be the villain
While Scotty would have been the obvious choice for James McAvoy to play inStar Trek(2009), it’s interesting thatHappy Sad Confusedhost Josh Horowitz asked James if he was offered the role ofDr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy. McAvoy could have played the cantankerous physician, but he wasn’t as well-suited to take over for DeForest Kelley as Karl Urban was.Another fascinating possibility is Spock.McAvoy could have played the Vulcan part that Zachary Quinto ultimately won.
J.J. Abrams may have considered James McAvoy for the role of Nero.
Of course, James McAvoy has played devious villains as well as heroes. J.J. Abrams may have considered James McAvoy for the role ofNero, the Romulan villain, which went to Eric Bana. If McAvoy was in contention for Spock, then he might also have been in the running to play Nero.Ultimately, James McAvoy said noto J.J. Abrams’Star Trek(2009), although he’s an unabashed fan of the alternate Kelvin Timeline-setStar Trekmovies, as well as a Trekkie who lovesStar Trek: The Original SeriesandStar Trek: The Next Generation. Perhaps if J.J. Abrams’Star Trek 4ever happens, James McAvoy can finally come aboard the Starship Enterprise.
