It’s fascinating to delve into the world of casting and see how close some actors came to playing iconic roles, such as Benjamin Sisko in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. The list of potential candidates is a testament to the rich and diverse talent pool in Hollywood, with some names we recognize from other popular series like Clancy Brown (Mr. Krabs) and Ray Wise (Leland Palmer on Twin Peaks).
When it comes to ranking “Star Trek” captains, Commander Benjamin Sisko of “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” might not seem like the flashiest on paper. But because of his calm exterior, chill space dad energy, solid work-life balance, passion for baseball, and talent for serving up tasty Cajun cuisine, he’s arguably one of the best commanding officers in the Star Trek franchise. And a big part of what makes Sisko tick is the actor behind him. In a science fiction franchise elevated by the performances of iconic stars like Patrick Stewart and Kate Mulgrew, Avery Brooks is considered by many fans to be one of the finest actors in the “Star Trek” universe.
But according to a set of casting notes released in 2018, Sisko might look very different in a parallel universe where another actor got the gig. Although “Doctor Who” actor Peter Capaldi, who also auditioned for Sisko, isn’t on the list, the names that are might surprise you. Posted by X user trekdocs, an account that shares vintage Star Trek images and documents, the lengthy two-page document is a casting memo dated 7/22/92. Written up ahead of the “Deep Space Nine” pilot “Emissary” from the desk of casting director Junie Lowry-Johnson, this wish list of potential Siskos is full of interesting names that will be familiar to many science fiction fans, alongside some fairly big-name actors. The list, which includes more than 50 actors, includes names like Colin Firth, Tim Matheson, and Gary Busey.
Laurence Fishburne and Colin Firth weren’t interested in doing television
One intriguing aspect of the audition notes for the character Sisko in “Deep Space Nine” is that they highlight shifts in perceptions towards television and science fiction over time. Nowadays, many TV productions, even those in the sci-fi genre, are regarded as equally prestigious as films – a stark contrast to the 1990s when this wasn’t the norm. It’s not surprising that some actors, despite fans viewing “Star Trek” as akin to “Masterpiece Theatre,” hesitated at the prospect of a TV show in the 90s. Several actors listed on the casting sheet for 1992 expressed disinterest in television series. Notable among them was Liam Neeson, who arguably made a wise choice; he landed his breakout role in the Academy Award-winning film “Schindler’s List” that same year.
14 years ago, I, just like Bill Paxton of the iconic films “Aliens” and “Twister,” wasn’t drawn to television series. Fast forward to 2006 when he starred in the critically acclaimed HBO show “Big Love.” Other notable stars who turned down roles due to their preference for film at that time included Jamey Sheridan (Randall Flagg from “The Stand”), Rubén Blades (Daniel from “Fear the Walking Dead”), Gary Busey, Pierce Brosnan (007 from 1995-2002), Chris Cooper (“Adaptation” and “American Beauty”), Colin Firth, best known as Mr. Darcy, and Laurence Fishburne, famously listed as Larry on the casting memo.
David Duchovny and Terry O’Quinn were busy elsewhere
As a gamer, I find it fascinating that many famous actors turned down roles that could have catapulted them to stardom. For instance, David Beecroft declined “Melrose Place”, Vondie Curtis-Hall passed on “Chicago Hope” and “Daredevil”, Gary Cole turned down “The Good Fight”, David Duchovny passed up the chance to play Fox Mulder in “The X-Files”, Will Patton rejected “Falling Skies”, and Ray Wise declined “Twin Peaks”. Interestingly, Terry O’Quinn specifically avoided sci-fi projects, which later led him to pass on a role in “Lost”. It makes me wonder what roles they might have taken if they hadn’t passed.
Multiple actors were not available for the project due to commitments on other productions. For instance, Joe Morton was engaged with the Fox series “TriBeCa” and later won an Emmy for his role in “Scandal.” Meanwhile, Jeff Perry was involved in a Chicago stage production. James Avery was occupied playing Uncle Phil on “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” Tim Curry was working on “Loaded Weapon,” and John Slattery was starring in “Homefront” on ABC. Additionally, Tim Matheson, Carl Lumbly, Keith David, and Richard Beymer were all tied up with other roles that eventually led to Avery Brooks being cast as Benjamin Sisko. Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that Richard Beymer was noted for directing a feature film at the time.
Mr. Krabs actor Clancy Brown wasn’t available
It’s impossible to say for certain, but it seems that some actors on the casting list might have been too expensive for Paramount’s budget. For instance, next to Stephen Collins, who later starred in “7th Heaven,” a note reads “NY — lots of $$,” suggesting his location and salary demands were high, which could have hindered his casting. Similarly, Tom Conti, a BAFTA and Golden Globe winner known for playing Einstein in “Oppenheimer,” is noted as “Interest Doubtful, lots of Money.” Louis Gossett Jr., listed as Lou Gossett, Jr., is marked as “Tech Avail, Interest Questionable. Offer only.” Gregory Harrison (“Trapper John, M.D.”) also has a note saying “Offer Only.” It appears that budget constraints may have played a role in their potential casting.
Additionally, some actors were dealing with personal matters or commitments that prevented them from taking on roles during this time. For instance, Clancy Brown, known for his role as Mr. Krabs on “Spongebob Squarepants,” had a scheduled back surgery at the time. Similarly, Actor John Kani, who plays T’Chaka in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is currently focused on his career in South Africa. Moreover, Tom Burlinson, a future judge on “Australia’s Got Talent,” is reported to be working exclusively in Australia.
Some would-be Sisko actors would end up in Star Trek
Despite not all individuals mentioned in Junie Lowry-Johnson’s casting memo getting their chance on Sisko initially, some eventually found their way into “Star Trek,” including roles that might have slipped your memory. For instance, Clancy Brown portrayed a friendly alien leader who later revealed himself as a terrorist in the “Star Trek: Enterprise” episode titled “Desert Crossing,” back in 2002.
As a dedicated Star Trek fan, I had the pleasure of making my debut in the series back in 1989’s “Star Trek: The Next Generation” episode “Who Watches the Watchers.” Fast forward to 1998, and I was thrilled to rejoin the franchise as Arturis, a refugee from the Borg’s assimilation of my people, in “Star Trek: Voyager.” More recently, I found myself working alongside fellow Trek veterans Chase Masterson (Leeta from “Deep Space Nine”) and Linda Park (Hoshi Sato from “Star Trek: Enterprise”) in the fan film “Star Trek: Captain Pike” in 2016.
By 1994, it appears that Terry O’Quinn had overcome his aversion to sci-fi roles, taking on the part of Starfleet Rear Admiral Erik Pressman in the “Star Trek: The Next Generation” episode “The Pegasus”. Furthermore, Gary Cole lent his voice to Leonardo da Vinci in the “Star Trek: Lower Decks” episode titled “Crisis Point.
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2024-09-16 04:00