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When one speaks about renowned franchises,Star Trekoften appears at the top of the list. Surviving through generations and offering enticing storylines, the franchise spanned over decades sinceStar Trek: The Original Seriesin 1966. Since its inception,Star Trekhas featured several famous stars and even offered actors like Robin Williams to join the franchise.
However, Robin Williams refused to joinStar Trek, like many other actors. But certainly, there were no hard feelings, only scheduling conflicts for the late actor. Thus, we have curated a list of other Hollywood actors who were offered the chance to joinStar Trekbut ended up refusing the opportunity.
Also read:“Robin knew what I was going through”: Robin Williams Did 15 Minutes of Stand-ups on Phone Every Night to Make Steven Spielberg Laugh During ‘Schindler’s List’
1. Robin Williams
Renowned actor and comedian,Robin Williamswas evidently sought after to make a guest appearance inStar Trek: The Next Generation.When the seven-season run gained immense popularity among fans, the writers of the show wanted a way to fit Williams into the storyline.
Being a publicly self-professed fan ofStar Trek, the actor was supposed to accept the opportunity. But it was because of his commitment towards Steven Spielberg’s $474M filmHook(1991), that led the actor to refuseStar Trekout of scheduling conflict.
2. Sean Connery
Just like Robin Williams, another veteran actorSean Connerywas eyed for a role in the 1989 filmStar Trek V: The Final Frontier.The movie introduced Spock’s long-lost older brother Sybok, and the particular character was written for Connery. However, the actor turned down the opportunity to appear inStar Trek.
According toTrekMovie.com, Sean Connery rejected the role of Sybok, due to his commitment towardsIndiana Jones and the Last Crusade.Therefore, the role eventually went to Laurence Luckinbill, who ended up delivering a phenomenal performance.
3. Eddie Murphy
When director and co-writer Leonard Nimoy learned aboutEddie Murphybeing a huge fan of theStar Trekfranchise, he decided to feature Murphy inStar Trek IV: The Voyage Home.And in order to include Murphy, Nimoy added a part specifically written for the actor, in the early script.
However, Eddie Murphy never appeared in the movie as negotiations with him reportedly broke down before filming. Thus the actor dropped out from the project and his character never saw the light of the day.
Also Read:“Don’t pump me again, motherf—kers”: Not Joker, Robin Williams Wanted to Play Another Batman Villain That Was Allegedly Offered to Leonardo DiCaprio
4. Matt Damon
After speaking about several veteran actors, here’s a younger cast who was widely rumored to be considered for the role of James Kirk. It’s none other thanMatt Damonwho was eyed for the infamous role. But Damon was quick to debunk the rumors and soon Chris Pine landed the role of the iconic Starfleet captain.
But later on, according to an interview withMTV, filmmaker J.J. Abrams clarified that Matt Damon was indeed approached with a role inStar Trek, but it wasn’t of James Kirk. Apparently, the actor was requested to play James Kirk’s father George. But, Damon graciously turned down the role.
5. Adrien Brody
In 2009 when filmmaker J.J. Abrams came up with a reboot film and treated the audiences to a bold reinvention of theStar Trekfranchise, he sought afterAdrien Brody, for the role of Spock. However, Brody never appeared in the franchise, and thus the opportunity went to Zachary Quinto.
During an interview withMTV, Adrien Brody confirmed being approached for the role of Spock. However, he never really mentioned why he didn’t appear as the iconic science officer. But, he certainly expressed his regret.
6. Benicio Del Toro
Although 2013’sStar Trek Into Darkness, has been a strange sequel, it aimed for a stellar cast and thus enteredBenicio Del Toroin the negotiation to play the role of Khan in the rebooted iteration. But unfortunately, Del Toro withdrew himself one month before filming.
According toVulture, the actor allegedly faced issues with salary negotiations, which landed English actor Benedict Cumberbatch the opportunity to play the role of Khan inStar Trek Into Darkness.
7. Rita Wilson
Ending the list with a renowned actressRita Wilson, who appeared among plenty of other names forDeep Space Nine.Apparently, the prolific actress and wife ofStar Trekfan Tom Hanks, Wilson, was on the leaked casting memo for Kira. However, unfortunately, Wilson turned down the role.
Citing that she wasn’t interested in working in television at that time, Rita Wilson gave up the role to Nana Visitor, who played Kira inDeep Space NineandStar Trek: Lower Decks.Eventually, Wilson went on to play numerous notable roles in television and films.
WatchStar Trekmovies on Paramount+.
Read more:“It’s the one thing I don’t do”: Robin Williams Was Betrayed By Disney Despite Agreeing To Work For Only $75,000 For Iconic Disney Movie That Grossed $504M At The Box-Office
Krittika Mukherjee
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3218
Krittika Mukherjee is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on films, TV shows, and celebrity news with over 3,000 articles published. With an educational background in Journalism, and a keen interest in filmmaking, Krittika blends factual precision with creative flair, when crafting her editorials, or dissecting fan theories.Her coverage often includes news and analyses of critically acclaimed films, celebrity news, and franchises like the Wizarding World, LOTR, DC, and MCU—particularly Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, Superheroes, and fan theories. As a Wizarding World aficionado, Krittika has spent countless hours exploring hidden backstories, unadapted book moments, spells, and trivias surrounding J.K. Rowling’s lore.An imaginative writer with a way with words, Krittika has worked as an entertainment journalist for the past two years and a web content writer for a year. She brought her experience and expertise to FandomWire to pursue her desire for sipping coffee while dissecting films and tracking celebrity drama.
