“Star Trek” is ever-present in society and it was certainly present at the Saturn Awards. We got to speak to “Star Trek: Enterprise” star Scott Bakula, who played Captain Jonathan Archer, and Marina Sirtis, who played Counselor Deanna Troi, about the new film and what the franchise means to everyone.
Bakula told us that his recent meeting with all the captains from all the different incarnations of the series was incredible. “It was very cool. I hadn’t met Kate (Mulgrew who played Captain Kathryn Janeway on “Star Trek: Voyager”) except to wave and say hi and chat a little bit. I’ve gotten to know Bill (Shatner, Captain James T. Kirk in “Star Trek”) and Patrick (Stewart, Captain Jean-Luc Picard on “Star Trek: The Next Generation”) over the years, but it was a blast. It was surreal.”
Sirtis talked about the impact that “Star Trek” had on society. “It’s like the franchise that will not die,” she laughed. “We’ve tried to kill it on various occasions. One of the movies I’m thinking of, particularly. But it just goes on and on. I just think, when you hit on a winning formula, that’s what it is. I have people telling me that they became a psychologist or a counselor because of me. I’m just an actress! I show up with my lines learned. I show up and hit my mark and try not to bump into the furniture. It’s an honor.”
We asked if they’d like to be in the new “Star Trek” film franchise. Bakula said, “Of course! I love the new film! Are you kidding? They just have to ask. They have my number. I fax it regularly over to his (J.J. Abrams’) office. Is that wrong? Is that pandering? In uniform. Maybe that’s too much.” Sirtis, who said that children are watching this from the womb, said, “I love the new films. I thought the kids were fantastic! Not crazy about them blowing up Vulcan. I was like, hold on a minute. Wasn’t Vulcan around when we were around? But I’m not going to argue with J.J. Would I like to be in the new films? Yes! That would be fabulous! I think that I should go over there as a counselor. They’re young, they need guidance. I can see myself putting them on the right path.”
The untitled Star Trek sequel is scheduled to hit theaters on May 17, 2013.
(Photo Credit: Nikki Nelson / WENN.com)
