Known for portraying the role of Lt. Commander Data in the Star Trek franchise, Brent Spiner has shared that he had no issues bidding farewell to his co-stars. The actor returned to his iconic role in Star Trek: Picard, which focuses on Patrick Stewart’s Jean-Luc Picard, exploring his mysterious past.
It’s common for cast members who work together to develop close relationships akin to their on-screen characters, and Spiner stated it as a reason that he did not need to say goodbye to his co-stars, as he explained in an earlier interview.
Brent Spiner Reflected on Working With Star Trek Castmates
Brent Spider, who returned to the role of Data in Star Trek: Picard almost three decades later, shared his experience reprising the role and reuniting with his castmates, including Patrick Stewart, during an appearance on the Inside of You podcast.
When asked about returning to play Data and bidding farewell to the character once again, Spiner remarked, “It wasn’t difficult. I didn’t even think I was going to do it.” Although he had his apprehensions, he enjoyed revisiting his character alongside his fellow castmates.
I didn’t know really if we could still do it but the first day I shot was with Patrick, and we were on a stage playing Checkers or chess or something. I haven’t seen it but we looked at each other we go, “This is both very strange and not strange at all at the same time.” It felt very natural.
Reflecting on the series finale of Picard, which brought back The Next Generation cast, the actor shared that he did not feel strange, or weird working with them again, as they are all very well acquainted and comfortable with each other.
“It was very easy because we know each other really well,” he said before adding, “We’re all friends.” He shared that they have always stayed in touch and have always enjoyed each other’s company. And their camaraderie has greatly facilitated their collaborative work together.
Brent Spiner Recounted Terrifying Stunt for Star Trek: First Contact
During his appearance on the Inside of You podcast, Brent Spiner also reflected on performing a terrifying stunt for Jonathan Frakes‘ 1996 film First Contact. Talking about the movie, the actor recounted a stunt that he had to perform, which involved him facing his fear of heights.
There was a scene where… we were in a missile—Patrick and I. And Alfrey Woodard is shooting at us from below and… Data says to Picard, “I’ll take care of this,” and I jump off the platform and go sailing through the air down to the floor.
The 75-year-old actor shared that while his co-star Patrick Stewart was fearless, he was terrified due to his fear of heights. Initially, a stuntman performed the fall, but it was evident that it wasn’t Spiner, so he was asked to do it himself.
“They took me all the way up to the sound stage, many many feat,” he said before adding. ” And then they dropped me.” Despite his fear, he got into the right state of mind and pulled off the scene, earning applause from the crew. However, he humorously recalled that the film’s director, Jonathan Frakes, told him they might need another take.
The Next Generation and Star Trek: Picard are available to stream on Paramount+.
Star Trek: First Contact is available to stream on Max.
