In 1966, the world was completely changed as Star Trek: The Original Series was released, first as a television series. Becoming a global pop-culture phenomenon, the series which later spanned multiple movies, TV series, video games, and novels, was praised beyond measure.
With fans’ extreme attachment to the characters, actor Malcolm McDowell, who portrayed the role of Dr. Tolian Soran, came under heavy fire. For killing Captain Kirk on-screen in 1994, the actor was prepared to face death threats in real life!
When Malcolm McDowell Was Ready For Death Threats For Star Trek
Back in 1994, Patrick Stewart and William Shatner starred in the film titled Star Trek: Generations. With William Shatner portraying the role of Captain Kirk, the character was a fan-favorite and was quite loved by people around the world.
Wanting to pass the baton to the next generation of warriors, Captain Kirk wanted to pass the leadership to Patrick Stewart’s Jean-Luc Picard. One of the ways to do that was to have Captain Kirk eliminated from the franchise and Malcolm McDowell was chosen as the criminal for the job. With Captain Kirk getting fatally injured, Shatner’s character dies in the 1994 film which the fans did not like at all.
In a 2010 interview with Mental Floss, McDowell revealed that the studio that he would receive death threats from people after his character shot down Captain Kirk in the 1994 film!
“I didn’t take it seriously. The studio took it seriously. I suppose they had to because they didn’t want a lawsuit. They assigned two detectives to come with me to New York to do the press. It was a complete waste of time and quite funny.”
He further continued,
“I literally came out of the Carlyle at 10 o’clock at night. I looked this way and that way, and there wasn’t one person on the street. Not one. I went, ‘Wow, this is some death threat.’ I said, ‘I feel embarrassed that nobody’s tried to kill me, for Christ’s sake! I feel like I’m letting the detectives down.'”
As for the current times, Chris Pine, known for portraying the role of Admiral James T. Kirk in Star Trek (2009) shared updates about the upcoming projects from the franchise.
Chris Pine Shares Star Trek Updates
With rumors and speculations that Star Trek 4 is currently in development, Chris Pine, who portrayed the role of Admiral James T. Kirk shared some updates. In an interview with Esquire, the actor revealed that the cast members are the last to know!
“I don’t know anything. In ‘Star Trek’ land, the actors are usually the last people to find out anything. I know costume designers that have read scripts before the actors”
He further continued,
“It doesn’t really foster the greatest sense of partnership, but it’s how it’s always been. I love the character. I love the people. I love the franchise. But to try to change the system in which things are created — I just can’t do it. I don’t have the energy.”
On the other hand, the killing of Captain Kirk was so disliked by the people that Star Trek: Generations received a rating of 6.6/10 on IMDB and 48% on Rotten Tomatoes. The 1994 film is available to stream on Paramount+ in the U.S.
