What about Kirk?
The original Star Trek worked for a multitude of reasons. First and foremost, it was a well thought out science fiction show that tackled relevant social issues in a mature fashion while maintaining an interesting and internally consistent sci-fi setting. Second, it gave us a strong and diverse cast of characters whom we could follow week to week.
The powerhouse of that cast came down to the trinity of Kirk, Spock, and McCoy. Between them, they were a three man decision making squad that balanced out logic, idealism, and the creative third option Kirk always had to conjure up in order to save the day. It was a winning formula, which was proven by the fact we’re still getting Star Trek films fifty years later.
When the reboot came out in 2009, the focus mainly kept to Kirk and Spock. However, Bones still had a fair amount of presence… even if it was only mostly for color. Unfortunately, Star Trek Into Darkness marginalized the character a bit, giving him a few fun lines but ultimately very little impact on the storyline other than discovering the rather divisive plot device known as “Khan blood.” Well, it seems his role in Star Trek Beyond is going to be more substantial and see him partnered with his long time frenemy Spock.
How do we know that?
Actor Zachary Quinto had a recent interview with The Telegraph, where he said he’ll actually be spending most of his screentime with Karl Urban’s Dr. McCoy rather than Captain Kirk, “Those characters are so diametrically opposed that it’ll be nice to see them interacting.”
He also spoke about the difference between working with Justin Lin rather than J.J. Abrams on a Star Trek film:
“Invariably there’s going to be a different vibe when you remove someone as gregarious and outgoing and talented as J.J., but Justin has come in with this really interesting and confident energy that’s a little bit more reserved and a little bit quieter, but also very powerful and really sure-handed. He knows exactly what he wants this movie to look like and that’s really exciting.”
What about Kirk?
Well, it seems he’ll have plenty to do, as it seems he’ll have at least some screen time with Scotty, Chekov, and a bad ass new alien woman. We aren’t worried. Plenty of the best episodes of the original show featured Kirk off on some planet getting into trouble while Spock and McCoy worked to get him out of it. Remember the episode Arena?
Is putting Spock and McCoy together a good idea?
Undoubtedly. Not only are both Quinto and Urban incredibly talented actors, Spock and Bones both work incredibly well together on screen due to their opposing personalities and life philosophies. But when they come together to find common ground it can be a real blast. The end of Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country in particular is a real crowd pleaser.
