Star Trek: 4 Actors Who Almost Played Picard Before Patrick Stewart

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In the vast and intriguing world of science fiction, there are those who graced the screens with their presence but missed out on one iconic franchise – none other than Roy Thinnes. Known for his roles in “Battlestar Galactica,” “War of the Worlds,” and “The X-Files,” Thinnes’ career is a testament to his versatility, yet it was not enough to earn him a spot on the USS Enterprise.

1987 was an extraordinary year for me, as Arnold Schwarzenegger commanded us to hop on the chopper, Whitney Houston invited everyone to dance with her, and Patrick Stewart urged his crew to boldly go in a fresh, captivating reboot of “Star Trek.” This revamp has maintained its popularity among fans up until now.

As “Star Trek: The Next Generation” graced our screens, people weren’t aware of how iconic Captain Jean-Luc Picard, played by Patrick Stewart, would become. Although he may not have reached the legendary status of the original Kirk (William Shatner) or Spock (Leonard Nimoy), there’s no denying that Stewart’s stoic and intellectual portrayal of the captain left a lasting mark on the series, making his return in each instance eagerly anticipated. At one time, Picard almost didn’t resemble the future Professor Xavier, as indicated by a memo from Paramount Studios. Initially, there were four significantly different actors being considered for the role before Stewart was eventually chosen to play Captain Picard.

If the creators of Star Trek’s Enterprise crew had chosen a different path, Jonathan Frakes and his team would have served under a captain vastly different from Captain Picard – from well-known personalities on both big and small screens to unexpected alternatives. Let your imagination run wild as you picture what other versions of Picard might have been like, perhaps sipping on a cup of Earl Grey tea, Jean-Luc’s favorite beverage.

Yaphet Kotto could’ve climbed aboard the Enterprise as The Next Generation’s Captain

Apart from delving into renowned elements of pop culture, Yaphet Kotto was instrumental in launching a significant franchise. He could have been an ideal Picard, though we regretfully never got to see him in that role (my apologies, Mr. Stewart). Beyond his portrayal of Parker in the pioneering sci-fi horror “Alien,” Kotto also brought one of the greatest Bond villains to life, Dr. Kananga, in “Live and Let Die.” Sadly, a role he expressed regret for turning down was leading the Enterprise-D crew, a position he deeply wished he had seized even in the years that followed.

In 2015, Kotto reflected on his opportunity to be part of the “Star Trek” universe and his choice not to embark on the five-year mission during an interview with The Big Issue. It’s worth noting that this offer came shortly after he was in contention for the role of Lando Calrissian in “The Empire Strikes Back,” which eventually went to Billy Dee Williams.

He admitted that he regrets certain choices he’s made in his life, similar to turning down a dance invitation while in college. Just as some people choose movies over TV shows, he chose movies over TV. However, unlike some actors who stick to one medium, Kotto is best known for battling a xenomorph, an achievement Patrick Stewart hasn’t matched.

Mitchell Ryan might’ve made it so much better than Stewart

It was once under consideration that Mitchell Ryan, who later portrayed the antagonist in “Lethal Weapon,” would assume the lead role in “The Next Generation,” instead of Patrick Stewart. Is this the Captain you are searching for? This individual would have been tasked with discovering new life and civilizations, as depicted in the series.

With over 150 acting roles under his belt on both big and small screens, Ryan humbly acknowledged that he faced formidable competition in his field, despite his extensive experience. In an interview with StarTrek.com back in 2018, Ryan confessed, “Yes, it’s true. I was quite well regarded until they encountered that exceptionally talented British actor… Patrick Stewart.” Ryan further explained, “I’m not sure how close I came, but I was informed (at the time) that I was seriously being considered and things were looking promising.”

Fortunately, there remained sufficient room for Ryan to continue within the franchise, assuming the role of Kyle Riker, the father of Picard’s second-in-command, William Riker (Frakes). In Season 2, Episode 14 titled “The Icarus Factor,” he joined the series. Here, Kyle and his son resolved their differences through a traditional Anbo-jyutsu match. Regrettably, Ryan’s presence was limited to this single episode, which came as quite a shock to him. As he humorously admitted, “I couldn’t help but wonder who wouldn’t want more? The ironic part is that I only ever saw the episode when it premiered for the first time.”

Roy Thinnes didn’t get Star Trek but shared the screen with a staple of it

A less-known yet significant actor in the sci-fi realm, apart from “Star Trek,” was Roy Thinnes. He graced shows such as the initial “Battlestar Galactica,” an interpretation of “War of the Worlds,” and “The X-Files.” One of Thinnes’ career highlights was his role in “The Invaders,” a series with a notable link to “Star Trek.” Despite being on Paramount’s list for the Captain Picard part, he never became part of the cherished franchise known for its warp drives and transporter rooms. Interestingly, one of Thinnes’ co-stars from “The Invaders” did indeed join the series.

In the TV series “The Invaders,” developed by Larry Cohen, the protagonist, David Vincent (played by Thinnes), is an architect who uncovers a shocking truth: aliens are already on Earth, preparing to seize control of our world. Notably, Susan Oliver made two appearances on this show, and she’s particularly remembered for her role in the original “Star Trek” series, where she portrayed an Orion slave girl just two years prior. In “Star Trek” lore, Oliver’s character is notable due to her green skin, a trait that has been repeatedly revisited as a popular trope within the franchise.

Patrick Bauchau could’ve brought the same level of clas as Patrick Stewart to Star Trek

Compare Patrick Bauchau with Patrick Stewart, and you’ll almost instantly grasp the type of Captain Gene Roddenberry intended. Originating from Brussels and educated at Oxford, Bauchau graced both the French New Wave and New German cinema. In terms of his English-speaking roles, he gained notoriety, much like Kotto, as a villain in the James Bond film “A View To A Kill,” another production during the Roger Moore era.

As per the Paramount memo, Bauchau was among the actors considered for the role of Picard alongside Stewart. His audition went exceptionally well, making them strong contenders for the part. However, despite their impressive performance, the opportunity didn’t progress beyond that point. Years later, during a fan event, Bauchau expressed his ongoing fascination with Star Trek, stating he’d still be eager to embark on a space adventure. During an interview with BondFanEvents, Bauchau expressed his interest in Star Trek, hinting that there might be mutual interest. Unfortunately, as of now, no developments have been made — much like a malfunctioning transporter, it remains inactive.

Interested in uncovering some intriguing backstage details about the iconic science fiction series, “Star Trek: The Next Generation”? Dive into the hidden stories right here.

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2024-08-01 15:00