Caffeinated Clint
Bryan Cranston might be part of “Trek” history soon.
The former “Breaking Bad” star is rumoured to be the frontrunner for a “major new villain” role in director Justin Lin’s “Star Trek” movie. Cranston’s character, as well as a couple of new female characters, will apparently board/fire-upon the Enterprise, according to FilmDivider.
At the moment, the plan is to introduce at least three major new female characters. One of these will be the captain of another Federation ship, the second will be the President of the United Federation of Planets, and the third… the third, we’ll get to in a moment.
The UFP has never had a female President on screen before. The production will want a heavy-hitting character actress to ensure the role really lands, and hard. We’re not aware of any name being attached just yet but part like this could be a gift for anyone from Queen Latifah to Dame Judi Dench.
The addition of a female Captain is loaded with potential, including lots of scope for fun. She’s being set up as Kirk’s match, which should open up some much-needed new dynamics.
While several female characters have taken command of Federation ships before now, the first female full Captain seen in the franchise was Madge Sinclair‘s unnamed role in Star Trek IV. It took almost twenty years to put a female captain on screen, and even then she wasn’t given a name. On the other hand, our new female captain is arriving during what is effectively the same narrative era as The Original Series. This is definitely one way in which the reboot is doing the Trek universe some real good.
Again, there’s word on who’s up for the role but they’re looking for somebody with the energy and vitality of Chris Pine. And even if they can’t get Jennifer Lawrence, this role could prove to be fun, important and exceedingly popular, all at once.
For established fans, maybe the third new character will be the most interesting. We’ve learned that the production are looking to cast Bones’ ex-wife. Now, it’s unclear whether that character is Pamela Branch or Jocelyn Treadaway, or a new character just for the big-screen rebooted universe, but the simple fact she exists at all suggests a shift away from the first two films’ myopic focus on Kirk and Spock. It will be great to see Bones get some time in the spotlight.
Plus, with Spock and Uhura a settled relationship and Kirk matching wits with the female Captain, there’s bound to be a lot of fun to be had in seeing Starfleet’s grumpiest Doctor with his ex.
The major new role for a male actor will be the villain. As we understand it, he’s supposed to be Bryan Cranston-like, to the point that Cranston himself has had words with the studio about taking the role. We don’t know just yet if he said yes, or if this is an all-new character or somebody from continuity, but because they’re shooting for Cranston we at least know the filmmakers want to bring the intensity.
Simon Pegg and Doug Jung are writing the third “Trek” movie; their screenplay will replace the one written by Roberto Orci – who was also originally slated to direct.
