First launched in 1966, Star Trek is one of the most iconic brands in science fiction, deeply embedded in the cultural life of many countries around the globe. In Vietnam, audiences became acquainted with Star Trek when this film series was rebooted in 2009 under the direction of renowned filmmaker J.J. Abrams. Just a few weeks ago, the third installment titled Star Trek: Beyond officially premiered, directed by the acclaimed Justin Lin, known for his work on the Fast & Furious franchise.
Star Trek revolves around the adventurous missions of the U.S.S. Enterprise, part of Starfleet, a military organization tasked with safeguarding and promoting peace among the various planets in the universe. With a mission to explore civilizations and uncharted territories where no human has gone before, the U.S.S. Enterprise has encountered numerous threats from clandestine forces that jeopardize the safety of the entire galaxy. Recently, audiences witnessed the famous ship being ambushed by unknown assailants, forcing all crew members to escape on a distant planet, as shown in the trailer for Star Trek: Beyond. Before the official release of the film, let’s revisit seven familiar faces from this legendary crew.
Captain – James Kirk
James Kirk is the primary responsible leader of the U.S.S. Enterprise. Despite having an unfortunate childhood, he faces the unpredictable directions of life until he decides to follow in his father’s footsteps and join Starfleet Academy. After overcoming numerous challenges, James proudly becomes the youngest captain in the history of the U.S.S. Enterprise.
Played by Chris Pine, the actor with captivating blue eyes has charmed many female fans. While his stunning appearance has drawn attention, Chris’s career truly took off after his participation in Star Trek in 2009. Over the two films, Chris has successfully created a positive impression with both fans and the general audience regarding the portrayal of Captain James Kirk.
First Officer – Spock
Spock serves as the right-hand man and best friend of James. His father is a Vulcan (a species characterized by pointed ears and logical reasoning), while his mother is human. Raised in a distinct environment, he embodies the Vulcan philosophy of logic, which often clashes with human emotions. Despite these differences, Spock has become one of the most beloved characters in the Star Trek universe.
Spock, portrayed by Zachary Quinto, is a character that audiences have grown to love. Quinto, who previously won an Emmy award, brings depth and complexity to the role, making Spock a fan-favorite.
Communications Officer – Uhura
Responsible for managing all communications both on and off the U.S.S. Enterprise, Uhura is one of James’s classmates at Starfleet Academy, known for her intelligence and excellent negotiation skills. This is where she meets and falls in love with Spock, her designated superior. In the upcoming film, audiences will see the evolution of their relationship in greater depth.
Uhura is played by actress Zoe Saldana, known for her roles in blockbuster films like Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy. With her versatile acting skills, Zoe continues to impress audiences in STAR TREK BEYOND.
Chief Engineer – Scotty
Smart yet clumsy, Scotty is the chief engineer of the U.S.S. Enterprise, responsible for overseeing all engineering operations after the previous chief moved on. In Star Trek: Into Darkness, due to a conflict with James, Scotty resigned and was replaced by his friend Pavel Chekov. Later, Scotty decided to return to James’s side on various missions exploring the new realms of the universe.
Scotty is one of the most iconic supporting roles played by British actor Simon Pegg. Alongside his acting career, Simon is also a comedian and author, known for his humorous works. In STAR TREK: BEYOND, he impressively balances both acting and writing.
Navigator – Chekov
Before becoming Chief Navigator, this talented Russian character was a cadet responsible for tracking the U.S.S. Enterprise’s movements. Due to his distinct European accent, Chekov often faced communication challenges with Starfleet’s machinery systems. Despite his youthful appearance, he managed to leave a lasting impression on audiences.
Chekov is portrayed by the late Anton Yelchin, who tragically passed away in a car accident at just 27 years old.
Pilot – Sulu
The only Asian character in the U.S.S. Enterprise crew, Sulu is a skilled pilot who has faced numerous life-threatening situations, ready to sacrifice himself to save his comrades. One of Sulu’s most memorable scenes is when he takes the captain’s chair to pursue Khan, the notorious villain from the previous film.
Initially, J.J. Abrams considered not casting this role to John Cho, as Sulu was originally portrayed as a Japanese-American character, whereas John is Korean-American. However, George Takei, who played Sulu in the original series, convinced J.J. to choose John, emphasizing the importance of diversity in casting. John Cho has since become a prominent Asian actor in Hollywood, making significant contributions to blockbuster films.
Chief Medical Officer – Leonard McCoy
Serious and meticulous, Leonard is responsible for all medical operations aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise. Despite his tragic backstory, he decides to join Starfleet after a rough divorce. His relationship with James has evolved into a close friendship as they navigate through various space missions together.
Leonard is played by New Zealand actor Karl Urban. Karl entered Hollywood after many years of acting in local films and television. Before joining Star Trek, he had notable roles in films like The Price of Milk and the Lords of the Rings series.
