Just a month after the untimely death of Anton Yelchin, filmmaker J.J. Abrams has indicated that he will retire the late actor’s role in the “Star Trek” reboot series.
Abrams, who directed the first two films in the series and has stayed on as a producer, told the Toronto Sun that the role of Pavel Chekov will not be re-cast.
“I would say there’s no replacing him,” Abrams said. “There’s no re-casting. I can’t possibly imagine that, and I think Anton deserves better.”
Yelchin died June 19 in a freak accident involving his Jeep Grand Cherokee, which was presumed to be defective following a recall by Fiat Chrysler less than two months prior.
The 27-year-old actor who was born in Leningrad played the Russian-accented Chekov in all three “Star Trek” reboots, including “Beyond,” which opens this weekend.
Abrams said everyone involved in the production knew going into this movie it would be something of a heartbreak because of the death last year of Leonard Nimoy, who originated the role of Spock in the 1960s television series and reprised his role in the 2009 film. “We had no idea just how devastating events would become,” he added.
As to how things will play out for Chekov remain undecided, but Abrams admitted he has considered killing off the character. “I have thought about it, we’re working on it, and it’s too early to talk about.”
Paramount Pictures, Skydance and Bad Robot are all systems go on a fourth “Star Trek” film, announced Monday. The movie will star Chris Pine and Chris Hemsworth — who plays Captain Kirk’s father.
Anton Yelchin was best known for portraying Pavel Chekov in the "Star Trek" reboot, but his acting career spanned 15 years.
He died Sunday in a freak car accident at the age of 27.
We look back at some of his best work.
"Delivering Milo" (2001)
One of Yelchin's earliest credited roles was the titular role in "Delivering Milo."
Yelchin would later team up with his costar Jon Cho for "Star Trek"
"Alpha Dog" (2006)
Based on a true story, Yelchin played a teen who became dangerously embroiled in a feud over drug money.
"Charlie Bartlett" (2007)
Yelchin played the wealthy teenager after which the film is named in this R-rated comedic drama.
"Star Trek" (2009)
Yelchin debuted as Pavel Chekov in the series reboot, directed by J.J. Abrams.
"Terminator Salvation" (2009)
The late actor played Kyle Reese in this version of "Terminator," starring Christian Bale as John Connor.
"The Smurfs" (2011)
Yelchin voiced the role of Clumsy Smurf in four "Smurfs" films.
"Star Trek Into Darkness" (2013)
Yelchin reprised his role as Chekov in the sequel, where he was able to trade in his yellow uniform for a red officer's one.
"Cymbeline" (2014)
Yelchin showed off his dramatic chops in this dark adaptation of Shakespeare's tragedy.
"Green Room" (2015)
The horror thriller starring Yelchin only had a limited release, but had a score of 91 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.
"Star Trek Beyond" (2016)
Sadly, Yelchin died a month before "Star Trek Beyond" was set to be released. The ensemble cast has been devasted by the loss of their costar.
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Late actor had diverse body of work spanning 15 years
Anton Yelchin was best known for portraying Pavel Chekov in the "Star Trek" reboot, but his acting career spanned 15 years.
He died Sunday in a freak car accident at the age of 27.
We look back at some of his best work.
