The topic of artificial intelligence in “Star Trek” has sparked intense discussions throughout the past year, and this debate is expected to intensify further in 2025. This surge can be attributed, in part, to a short film produced by OTOY, featuring Sam Witwer as Captain Kirk, along with techniques used to de-age actors, making them appear younger. I anticipate that the conversation will reignite once more, following Jonathan Frakes’ humorous interpretation of Jean-Luc Picard regarding this matter.
I’ve been ambivalent regarding AI usage in future ‘Star Trek’ series, but during an interview with TrekCulture, Jonathan Frakes and John Billingsley from ‘Star Trek: Enterprise’ offered an unexpected viewpoint. When asked about their preference between being digitally de-aged to reprise their roles or having a younger actor portray them, they responded swiftly, stating:
- John Billingsley: “Well if the younger actor took the role I wouldn’t get the paycheck. So, on that alone I’d say I have to prefer the alternative.”
- Jonathan Frakes: “Exactly. ‘The line must be drawn here!'”
It’s unlikely any Star Trek enthusiast needed reminding about the origin of that Picard quote, and if you did, perhaps it’s high time to stream First Contact on Paramount+. Despite debates over de-aging technology, these actors would rather employ CGI than relinquish their roles to a newer actor, which means they’re prepared to revisit their past with this technology.
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John Billingsley and Jonathan Frakes, like other franchise actors before them, have expressed reservations about being replaced by younger actors. Michael Dorn expressed a hope that he would be gone before Star Trek ever thought of hiring another actor for the character Worf, given the financial aspects. It’s understandable as they’ve established their careers around these characters and might not be eager to pass them on easily.
Jonathan Frakes, known for his role in Star Trek, recently shared an update about Starfleet Academy, and a specific aspect has me thrilled.
Instead, it appears that Star Trek prioritizes introducing fresh actors to portray established characters when necessary, as evidenced by the cast of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, which features younger actors playing characters from the original series, such as Paul Wesley taking on the role originally played by William Shatner’s Kirk.
Indeed, given that some members from the original Star Trek cast have sadly passed away, it’s inevitable that certain roles need to be re-cast. Stars like George Takei and Shatner, who are still with us, might struggle to convince audiences they’re their youthful counterparts (Shatner is now 94), even with the latest de-aging technology. At times, re-casting becomes the most suitable choice, despite any reservations actors may have about it.
The discussion over whether or not Star Trek should incorporate A.I. continues unabated, with fans eagerly anticipating the arrival of Strange New Worlds this summer. I’m looking forward to Season 3 and hoping it will spark lively conversations among online viewers about the episodes themselves, rather than dwelling on technical franchise choices.
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2025-04-26 00:08