'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' Creative Team Promises More Original Series Characters in the Future
AUGUST 18, 2023 - In the stunning finale of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ second season, fans of the Star Trek franchise were treated to the unexpected introduction of a familiar face. Scottish actor Martin Quinn made his debut as the iconic Montgomery "Scotty" Scott, leaving audiences eager for more. In a recent interview with TV Line, show creator Mike Myers confirmed that Scotty's appearance was just the beginning, promising viewers more encounters with characters from the original Star Trek series.
The decision to introduce Scotty in the finale was a result of long-standing discussions within the creative team. Myers explained that Scotty had been a topic of conversation for some time, but the perfect moment to bring him into the fold had finally arrived. "As we were going into the finale, it suddenly became a weird, rare opportunity to introduce him for a lot of different reasons," Myers said.
Interestingly, Myers shed light on their approach to these iconic characters. He revealed that their intention was to portray these figures as they were before the events of the original series. This perspective offers a unique glimpse into their early journeys, as they grapple with the challenges and growth that eventually shape them into the well-known individuals from the show. Casting Quinn, a Scottish actor, was a serendipitous bonus that allowed them to authentically capture Scotty's distinctive charm and accent while exploring his character's transformative experiences.
With Captain Kirk, Uhura, and now Scotty introduced in the series, fans are naturally wondering if other beloved characters from Star Trek: The Original Series will make appearances. Producer Akiva Goldsman addressed these inquiries, confirming that the trend is only set to continue. Goldsman explained, "It starts to become inevitable that we start to pull in more folks that are sort of TOS-based." This revelation suggests that viewers can anticipate more nostalgic encounters with their favorite characters.
In an interview with Variety, Goldsman elaborated on the team's aspirations. "The longer we stay on the air… the more likely it becomes," he said, hinting at the possibility of diving even deeper into the TOS era. He added humorously, "Given our druthers — because Henry and I are both greedy and gluttons for punishment — we'd go right into the TOS era and see what happens. So, if we're around long enough, sure."
The recent introduction of Scotty and the promise of more TOS characters continues to captivate audiences by expertly blending nostalgia with fresh perspectives, ensuring that the franchise's legacy lives long and prospers.
Chris Post is a life-long fan of Star Trek who has been working in journalism for nearly 25 years.