The list of actors rumored to be going boldly where Shatner and Nimoy have gone before — specifically, in J.J. Abrams‘ upcoming "Star Trek XI" — just keeps growing. In fact, we’ve got a "Trek" casting rumor three-fer for you!
First, Film Ick brings news (via CHUD and TrekMovie.com) that Zachary Quinto — so creepy as Sylar on "Heroes" last season — is being considered for the role of young Spock. It’s a rumor, but an oddly perfect one; Quinto bears a physical resemblance to Nimoy, and has gone on record more than once as saying he’s interested in the part. (Somewhere, Sean Young is weeping.)
Speaking of Spock, IGN tells us that during a recent installment of something called ShatnerVision, William Shatner told his fans that his old friend Leonard Nimoy will be making an appearance in "Star Trek XI." From the article:
Shatner recalled, "There’s a Star Trek movie and I called Leonard. I said, ‘Leonard, have you heard?’ He said, ‘Yes, I have.’ I said, ‘What do you mean?’ He said, ‘I’ve read the script.’ I said, ‘Is it a good script?’ He says, ‘Yeah.’ I said, ‘Am I in it?’ And there was a pause. He said no and then he began to laugh. I went through the phone as I grabbed him by the throat. He’s in it. I’m not in it."
Not that we’re accusing The Shat of lying, but this is still just a rumor, at least until Comic Con, when casting announcements are expected to be made.
Our third and final bit of "Star Trek XI" casting gossip concerns Sam Rockwell, who recently told MTV News that he would "love to play" James T. Kirk. Rockwell’s tongue appears to have been at least partly in cheek — he did go on to refer to Shatner’s halting speech as "genius" — but it really isn’t a terrible idea, and besides, if you consider his role in "Galaxy Quest" to be a warm-up for a piece of the "Trek" action, he’s more qualified for the gig than most.
Sources: Film Ick, CHUD, TrekMovie.com, IGN, MTV Movies Blog, ShatnerVision
