Last month, the world was shocked by the passing of the immensely talented Anton Yelchin in a freak automobile accident outside his home. In a bittersweet turn of events, we get to see him one more time in Star Trek Beyond, released tomorrow, but with Star Trek 4 already announced, what does the fruture hold for Anton Chekov? Will the role be recast, or will the franchise march on without a core member of the ensemble cast? Personally, I’d opt for not recasting him to remain respectful to Yeltsin’s memory, and because you’d be hard pressed to find someone who brought as much energy and charm to the role. Thankfully, myself and JJ Abrams are on the same page, with the series producer, and former director, telling The Toronto Sun:
“I would say there’s no replacing him. There’s no recasting. I can’t possibly imagine that, and I think Anton deserves better.”
As for how Chekov will be written out, he remains tightlipped at this stage:
“I have thought about it, we’re working on it, and it’s too early to talk about it.”
Killing off Chekov would be the wrong way to go. First of all, it would have to happen off screen, and both the character and actor deserve better than that. Secondly, there’s just been too much death lately. Promote Chekov, give him a new assignment on another vessel, or just have complete his five year mission and have him spend his days chilling out at home, fondly remembering the glory days when he bombed the galaxy on a state of the art starship.
“I would say there’s no replacing him. There’s no recasting. I can’t possibly imagine that, and I think Anton deserves better.”
As for how Chekov will be written out, he remains tightlipped at this stage:
“I have thought about it, we’re working on it, and it’s too early to talk about it.”
Killing off Chekov would be the wrong way to go. First of all, it would have to happen off screen, and both the character and actor deserve better than that. Secondly, there’s just been too much death lately. Promote Chekov, give him a new assignment on another vessel, or just have complete his five year mission and have him spend his days chilling out at home, fondly remembering the glory days when he bombed the galaxy on a state of the art starship.
