Key Takeaways:
– Tom Hanks, a self-proclaimed Star Trek fan, was considered for a role in Star Trek: First Contact.
– Unfortunately, Hanks was not selected for the role of Zefram Cochrane.
– The actor has stated he would have loved the opportunity to join the franchise.
– The role in question eventually went to James Cromwell.
– Star Trek: First Contact is regarded as one of the best Star Trek movies.
Actor Tom Hanks and the Star Trek Dream
It’s common knowledge in Hollywood that Tom Hanks, beloved for his wholesome characters in countless films, is a massive Star Trek fan. With a career spanning decades, Hanks has shown his versatility in a range of roles. He has given life to iconic characters like John Miller in ‘Saving Private Ryan’, Woody in ‘Toy Story’, and the unforgettable Forrest Gump. Yet, despite his fandom, this two-time Oscar winner has not made an appearance in a Star Trek film.
Tom’s Forbidden Trek Role
In a surprising revelation, it emerged frthat Hanks was once considered for a legendary character, Zefram Cochrane, in Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) film, ‘Star Trek: First Contact’. Hollywood insiders whispered that the production team had Hanks on their wishlist of actors for the role. However, as fate would have it, Hanks didn’t get the part.
Missing Out on the Warp Drive
Zefram Cochrane, in the Star Trek lore, is the inventor of the warp drive system, a critical part of the franchise. Hanks has expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating he would’ve jumped at the opportunity. Unfortunately, James Cromwell went on to don the role in the film, which stands as one of the most well-received in the Star Trek series.
First Contact and its Success
‘Star Trek: First Contact’is the second film featuring the TNG cast after ‘Star Trek: Generations’. The film had a successful run, earning over $146 million globally. It saw Sir Patrick Stewart’s Captain Picard staying in the ship to fight the Borg, while others assisted Zefram Cochrane in testing his warp drive. Initially, the writers intended for Picard to be with Cochrane, but Stewart had reportedly voiced his preference for remaining on the ship. This suggestion was accepted by the writers, believing it to make more sense for the plot.
A Look into a Parallel Universe
Imagine a different scenario, one where Tom Hanks played the part of the warp drive inventor, interacting with Captain Picard, giving his unique rendition of Zefram Cochrane. It’s a tantalizing glimpse into an alternate Star Trek universe. Even without such a possibility coming to pass, it’s clear that Hanks remains a true Star Trek fan at heart.
Despite not landing a dream role in his favorite franchise, Hanks’s career has soared to great heights. Still, it’s fascinating to consider what his portrayal of Zefram Cochrane could’ve added to the Star Trek universe.
If you’re itching to revisit ‘Star Trek: First Contact’, it’s available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. Who knows, maybe someday we’ll see Tom Hanks beam up to a Star Trek franchise. Only time and the warp drive will tell.
