The world of Hollywood is an intricate web of opportunities. Moreover, coming into the spotlight and proving one’s acclaim opens up a plethora of options to jump over between franchises and expand a career that seemingly has no bounds. Boasting such a galactic crossover is one Star Trek star whose sole merit spearheaded the future of the franchise.
Rather, such was his acting prowess that the studio refused to greenlight the prequel Star Trek: Strange New Worlds series if he were not a core part of it.
Revolving around the era when Captain Christopher Pike commanded the USS Enterprise, the show followed the events of the character after his appearance in season two of Star Trek: Discovery. Yet there never was an initial plan to expand his role beyond that outing. However, a talent showcase turned the course of events and allowed viewers to explore the universe before the Kirk years.
The actor who made Star Trek: Strange New Worlds a reality
Debuting in 2022, the prequel Star Trek entrant saw Anson Mount star as Captain Pike and bring about a resounding performance on screen. The two seasons of the show have so far followed the character along with Una Chin-Riley and Officer Spock exploring new worlds across the galaxy. However, the one who made it all possible in the first place was Akiva Goldsman, the writer and executive producer for Star Trek: Discovery.
In talks with The Los Angeles Times, Alex Kurtzman, the brain behind the intricate universe opened up that Goldsman initially pointed out the scope for a several-season-spanning series for Captain Pike and his adventures. While they both agreed to the idea of kick-starting a new show from scratch, the need for an actor plagued them until Anson Mount wowed them over with his acting skills.
I hadn’t seen Anson Mount in other things […], and when he sent in his taped audition it was that wonderful moment where you go, ‘That’s exactly the person we’re looking for.’
Summarizing that the character of Pike needed an actor who could do justice to his lore-accurate portrayal of an understanding yet strong-headed leader, open to all perspectives, Kurtzman stated his seal of approval for Mount following which Paramount greenlit Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.
Anson Mount differed in his portrayal of Captain Pike
In the Star Trek canon, Jeffrey Hunter had played Captain Pike in The Cage whereas Sean Kenney had taken over the mantle for Star Trek: The Original Series followed by Bruce Greenwood’s portrayal of the character in an alternate universe in JJ Abrams’ flicks. Interestingly, the laid-back personality and unmatched swagger brought forth by Anson Mount sealed the deal for him to star in the next outing of the character.
Despite the many critical shortcomings voiced for Star Trek: Discovery, fans loved the portrayal by the actor and sent over a proposal to cast him in his own series, which Kurtzman laid as follows,
Thank God the fans responded the way they did and sent that petition, because everybody at CBS got the message very quickly.
Before anyone could know it, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has now outlasted Star Trek: Discovery. Additionally, the actor, who started his climb to fame as Marvel’s actor for Black Bolt, has since attained immense acclaim and will soon reprise his role in season three of the series.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is available to stream on Paramount Plus, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, and Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel.
