Rod Roddenberry Wants Brent Spiner To Be New ‘Questor’ Android February 11, 2010
by TrekMovie.com Staff , Filed under: Celebrity, Sci-Fi, TNG , trackback
Three weeks ago it was announced that Roddenberry Productions had entered into a deal with Imagine Entertainment to create a new pilot based on Gene Roddenberry’s "The Questor Tapes." A big question is: who should play the android at the heart of the show? If it were up to Rod Roddenberry, the new Questor would be played by Trek’s favorite android, Brent Spiner.
Spiner for Questor
Gene Roddenberry’s son Rod Roddenberry is working with Imagine TV on developing the new "Questor" pilot. In an interview with AirlockAlpha, Rod said that if he was asked, he would pick Brent Spiner, who played Data on Star Trek The Next Generation for seven seasons and in four feature films. Roddenberry noted:
Brent Spiner did a fantastic job as Data [in 'Star Trek: The Next Generation']. The character was an android, yet there was something very human about it. Perhaps it’s my inability to be creative. Brent Spiner is who I fall back to when I think of Questor.
Spiner, who turned 61 last week, has not expressed any interest in the role. And Roddenberry admits that its likely Imagine and executive producer Tim Minear would be looking in a different direction. In the original 1974 "The Questor Tapes" TV movie pilot, the role of Questor the android was played by Robert Foxworth, who was 33-years-old at the time (Foxworth later appeared in multiple episodes of DS9 and Enterprise). It seems likely Imagine would look for a younger actor to lead the new “Questor” TV series, but a guest spot or recurring role for Spiner would be an interesting homage.
Foxworth in the original "The Questor Tapes"
More at AirlockAlpha from Roddenberry on Questor and his TrekNation documentary.
Questor Retrospective
If you want to learn a lot more about Gene Roddenberry’s original "The Questor Tapes," scifitvzone.com has an excellent retrospective, including cast and crew interviews.
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Comments»
Spiner looks a lot younger than his age for sure but I would imagine they would be looking at a younger actor.
I also think casting Spiner would be a gimmick. If it were to attract TNG fans then perhaps it may be smart but i’m not sure it would itself have appeal beyond an initial smile even amongst the loyal.
How about Zachary Quinto?
Oh, yes, get Zach Quinto. Instead of “attracting TNG fans” as you put it, it’ll attract NuTrek fans. Not that I’m complaining, but your solution is pretty much the same reason Rod Roddenberry wants Brent for the part: Appeal.
Here’s the REAL solution: Don’t appeal. Make a casting choice from out of left field.
I think it would make sense for Brent to play Dr. Vaslovik, then if they are following the old script he would be Questor’s “father”.
Rod wants Brent for appeal, how do you work that out?
Rod wants Brent Spiner because “Spiner did a fantastic job as Data” and because he can’t think of someone else playing an android “Perhaps it’s my inability to be creative. Brent Spiner is who I fall back to when I think of Questor.”
I suggest Quinto for appeal, how do you figure that one out? I didn’t say that.
You should read more carefully what people write and not respond based upon speculation.
I am a bigger fan fan of Brent Spiner than Zacj Quinto, so Brent would draw me more to it than Quinto, however truth is the concept appeals to me so that alone appeals to me.
Bottom line is that Brent Spiner is a greatactor who played one of my all time favourite characters, Lt Cmdr Data and when it comes to Spock I will always prefer Leonard Nimoy.
However, I don’t see Brent playing the android because he is so associated with playing Data. Data was a great character and I loved the humanity and the pinnochio aspect that Brent brought to the role.
Cast Tom Selleck.
A nice thought, but I can’t see Brent Spiner doing that role. ‘Been there, done that.’
Talk about typecasting…
It would be nice to see Brent again on TV on a regular basis, but on the other hand, RTC is right (been there, done that) and age is an issue. One would simply imagine the android looking young. However, who would expect an older looking guy to be an android – good camouflage.
That’s the stupidest idea I’ve heard in a LONG time.
I bet he’ll do it.
#3 — You beat me to the punch (although I couldn’t remember the name “Dr. Vaslovik”). First of all, he was older (these androids “aged”, if I recall). Second, it would be a nice bit of stunt casting . . . one and done (think of De Kelley in Farpoint), which would probably have a positive ratings impact, but not hamper the series.
Of course, as you said, this assumes they stick to the original storyline, which is far from a given.
- Harry
Not that Spiner is not capable, but he went through the whole ‘Data is not Spock’ thing at the beginning of TNG, ( to the point of not using the word ‘fascinating’ for nearly 2 years).
I think it would be a bummer to saddle Questor with the “I am not Data” baggage, as much as I would love to see Brent in alomost anything.
Brent is an actor who is amazing in anything he does.
Oh off topic, thought I would like to say that Jeri Ryan will be at Vegas this year.
Anyone going to the vegas con?
I love Spiner but come on!!! There’s got to be thousands of actors that could do a great job of being Questor! Besides I don’t think Mr. Spiner would do it unless they wave an incredibly huge check in front of him and make him a producer and of course creative control over the project.
*shaking head* All that could happen but I don’t think it will. I certainly hope not.
#3 Good idea. Because I don’t think Spiner would want to play yet another android.
Hmmmmm……Jeri Ryan as Questor!!! I’m there!! ;-)
It’s a nice thought, but why? Brent could make a nice show of it as a holographic record of the last flesh-and-blood ‘creator’ or whatever they called the overseer race.
Anyway, I’d love to see a really well-written version of this.
@ 15…
That could happen. Well, maybe not Jerry Ryan but they could make the android a hot female which would at least have the “sex” appeal angle covered.
I was being facetious about Jeri Ryan above but an attractive female Questor wouldn’t be the worst idea.
Brents awesome, but talk about typecasting… a younger actor would be more suited. he was great in Enterprise, I’m sure there are other major roles for him in this new series. Whats Gates McFadden (From my hometown!) doing these days? Must be work for her here.
I don’t think we will be seeing any Trek alumni in “Questor,” other than possible guest-starring roles. They would come in at too high a price. Just my 2c, of course…
I hope that somehow both Robert Foxworth and Mike Farrell get cameos in this new version. Both of them were great in the original movie.
Tapes sounds sooo ’70’s. How ’bout The “Questor Dual-Layered, Double Sided Blu-ray Discs Ver. 1.5″?
Erm, Data WAS Questor. Gene recycled the concept from the failed series into TNG. So it’s been done, literally.
#23 – Really, the only similarity between the two concepts was the central character. Questor had a mythos that accompanied his “creation”. And, he has a larger purpose to watch over humanity.
I can see Questor being very relevant in the 21st century. This “reboot” could be a great series if the correct individuals are connected.
Spiner, IMO, can’t be Questor but he should play a part. And I agree that many of our TNG/ST alums could fit in this series. Though, some youngsters need to headline.
Yeah. Been done.
The guy who played Wash would be good.
Questor will inevitably end up being cast like every other role on cable TV these days – an under-25 Abercrombie & Fitch clone or dubious acting skills who will work fairly cheaply. Not unlike your average “SyFy Original”.
“Questor” as a title is good by itself. “Galaxy Questor” might be a bit much. ;)
Spiner as Vaslovik (dying in the two-hour pilot) is a grand idea. But not as Questor himself. Even Spiner’s dopplegänger, Arye Gross, could be cast as another assistant of Vaslovik’s, but he’s also too old to be Questor. (I always thought that if Spiner ever wanted out of a TNG movie, that Gross would be a reasonable Data facsimile…) Then again, Rod could just slyly tie the whole thing into Star Trek indirectly: this could be a parallel universe where the Questorians have gone back in time to prevent the ST universe from experiencing the Augments and Khan. That would be kind of cool, in a Gary Seven kind of way.
Heck, Rod’s got all the rights. Just merge Gary Seven and associates into Questor. It would fly. And as a sly Trek universe parallel that doesn’t lead to Trek.
Re 10: Good point, the androids did age in the original movie.
18. crazydaystrom – February 11, 2010
I was being facetious about Jeri Ryan above but an attractive female Questor wouldn’t be the worst idea.
If we’re limiting our imagination to casting only people who have played robots before, I would suggest Summer Glau who meets #18, 19’s criterion or if it’s an old guy, then Charles Washington who practially invented the whole robot on TV thing…
I would hope our imagination is bigger.
Brent Spiner is too associated with Data. To have him in the pilot will turn more people off than help. I think like with BSG they need to bring that guy in later for a cameo (maybe an aged experienced robot). They also have to really reinvent the formula for that show if it isn’t going to die a quick and painful death. The idea of casting Spiner does not bode well for it…
I’ve always liked Brent Spiner and he looks good at 61. BTW, for anyone who lives near Boston — Star Trek is playing at NE aquarium Imax for the next 3 fridays at 7pm.
Playing it safe, huh?
I hope for a fresh spin on humane android, not for the same old Data.
Anyway, I trust in Tim Minear to make it interesting, he’s one of the best writers on “Angel” and “Firefly”.
Yeah I hate to say it but it would be too much of a type cast for him, even though I think he’d be great. Would be cool for him to be in it, though. He was genious when he played Arik Soong in Enterprise, so maybe putting him in another roll in the series would be a good move. Would be great to see him back on the screen.
Get that Frogurt guy from LOST.
How about Arnold Schwarzenegger?
Talk of a female Questor brings to mind Yancy Butler’s portrayal of Eve on the short-lived NBC series MANN AND MACHINE…
Weird choice… Data was based on the Questor android… even down to his “I am fully functional” line. Bad choice of Spiner to play him in the remake. Everyone would assume he’s playing the same part as TNG.
Or the girl from “Small Wonder”…
Come on Rod, be a bit more creative with your ideas.
Should they make Brent wear the gold make up and eye contacts also?
Given that Tim Minear is in charge, I wouldn’t be totally surprised to see him casting Alan Tudyk in the role… and that might not be bad.
I could see Brent Spiner as playing a sort of mentor character to Questor. That would be cool.
I would actually watch Questor if Spiner was in it!
61, i can’t get over that fact.
Tim Minear’s name is the thing that stands out to me as something to smile about (and heck yeah, #39) :)
Alan Tudyk has a look that would work. He has a shy or childlike quality to his face. Could work. Could work.
I would suspect Brent Spiner would not be interested in playing Questor or Vislovek…. and for good reason.
Foremost, after playing Data for 20 years this would not be a good career move… and Spiner is also well-identified as playing Dr. Soong, Data’s creator. Why would an actor of Spiner’s calibre want to play a role (either of them) that are very similar in nature?
I would cast my vote for Robert Foxworth himself to play Emile Vislovek. Casting both Mike Farrell (maybe as Darro) and Foxworth in important cameo roles makes a lot of sense in tying the past project to the current.
As to casting the key roles of Jerry Robinson and Questor is anybody’s guess, but there are plenty of fascinating choices out there. Here are mine:
Adrian Pasadar comes to mind as Questor… so does his ‘Heroes’ co-star Milo Ventimiglia… lastly, I would perhaps pick Pee Wee Herman (okay, I am kidding about the last choice).
I can think of only one man for the role of Jerry Robinson, that would be SG-1 co-star Michael Shanks. I think his sensitvities, intelligent acting style and his SF connections would make him a perfect choice as Jerry.
Jeri Ryan…..let’s see, Six from BSG…been done.
On the other hand Shatner is always looking for something to leach onto…
Spiner is a solid actor and I wouldn’t object to having him in the series, but how about he doesn’t play A) an android or B) an android’s creator. The guy can do other stuff. Besides, as mentioned above, Questor got recycled as Data on TNG so they already did that.
Random pick from me: Nestor Campbell. He has a distinctly weird vibe to him that could work.
Alan Tudyk is also a good idea. Give that man a starring role, yo.
Spiner should play a villain. Someone who is trying to destroy the Questor android.
“Perhaps it’s my inability to be creative. Brent Spiner is who I fall back to when I think of Questor.”
–OH GREAT… that is JUST what the audiences wanna hear from the creator of a TV show; that he has an inability to be creative… :S LOL
but there ya go, #12!! You missed it, but why not make the android a woman and get Jeri Ryan to play it?:) LOL
I’m happy with anything Brent Spiner ! Bring it on.
Now that its been brought up Alan Tudyk would be a good choice. I didn’t watch a lot of Firefly (though I’ve been meaning to) I was a huge Dollhouse fan and he turned Alpha into something brilliant. I still say Spiner would be good to have in the show, but I don’t think having him play another Android would be a good call because he’s too good of an actor to keep playing that.
@recent #s: Spiner playing a character trying OFF Questor (or turn him off) is delicious as an idea. Especially if his character is named something Soonglike. Arik von Loor, etc.
Alan Tudyk is a great call for Questor. Alan’s jaw is somewhat strange, it gives his countenance an almost mechanical look. Plus, he can do voices well, and we always expect an android to do unusual things. ;)
Michael Shanks reading the phone book would be dramatic, and as much as I agree he’d make a good Jerry… I think he has his sights set on landing K/O Five-O’s Danno. That he’s just a year older than Tudyk helps though… Robinson and Questor being about the same age is a good idea, in that they could… perhaps sometimes pass as a “couple” as they work to evade Darro’s agents.
If Tudyk, why not Nathan Fillion as Robinson?
Jolene Blalock as Questra — not Questor…
I’d so be there!
Or cast Chase Masterson in the role!
Dang- use your imagination Rod. Look a little further afield. Brent Spiner is an old guy now and he already played an Android for 20+ years. Find someone new…
Jim Pasrons for the role!!
Fillion still has solid work in “Castle,” last time I checked.
“Nathan Fillion” – I have always seen him as too chiseled. To, pretty boy perfect. Though, as an android that might work.
I am still liking Tudyk. But this Jolene Blalock idea is good. She could handle the android countenance well and she is…so hot. ;)
Jolene Blalock?
Please don’t mistake a lack of emotional range and mechanical acting as what Questor should be about. That’s really boring to watch.
How about Ray Liotta? He almost got the part (Data) the first time around. Maybe he’s getting a little too old. But what’s the matter with an older looking robot?
Liotta as Data would have been a HOOT!
Shatner.
No… sorry…. no female Questors!… no female Jerrys either!
Anthony, has any klind of timetable been announced when the project will go before the camera? or where?
I think they should make Questor a woman. Someone like aBryce Dallas Howard.
Bad idea.
Wow. Just wow.
Stupidest idea ever conceived. Didn’t the guy just turn 61?
The whole concept is stupid. An android posing as a human. Gee, we’ve never seen that before! LOL! As Roddy Jr himself admitted, he’s not really creative…..
If Roddenberry Jr wants to cash in on his old man, there are other ideas more worthy. Questor was his weakest effort. Genesis, or any of the other variations of it, seem better suited for a series. I’m surprised Ron Howard and his company would commit to this stinking pile of garbage DOA proposal.
Majel, dear one, you are a goddess. Rest in peace. But your son is an absolute fool……
Apart from the whole “Appeal” of Brent Spiner playing another Roddenberry android and all that … apart from the fact that Brent is aging remarkably well … there is the whole part where he’s a fine actor.
A lot of the old Trek vets are underrated. Everywhere they turn up, once I get over my avid-Trekkie “Holy cow, it’s him!” moment, they never fail to inhabit their roles and play whatever parts their given believably.
And Spiner’s one of the better ones at doing so.
William Mapother as Jerry Robinson
And if you want Brent Spiner, use him as Darrow – but *without* killing him off…
Christopher Walken was born to play Questor!
Brian, I have to vehemently disagree with you here. Questor, I think, was Gene Roddenberry’s best movie idea outside of TREK.
And insulting people is something I didn’t expect from you of all poeple.
#70: Christopher Walken is too old to play Questor… like the original movie, they would do best to cast actors in their late 20s, early 30s.
#67: But… Brian, I do agree with you that Spiner is not a suitable choice to play Questor… but not for the reasons you gave…. see my earlier posting(# 45).
How about Joseph Gordon Levitt as Jerry Robinson? He’s 29. Mike Farrell was 36 when Questor aired. Robert Foxworth was 33.
How about making it a sequel. Foxworth plays old Questor passing the baton to a new Questor (male or female), perhaps with Jerry Robinson’s son or daughter going along for the ride to teach him/her the ways of humanity.
#75: According to the original, Questor was designed to be the last of the androids that would guide mankind though to its second childhood.
I see no need to change the format just because the original was made 30 some years ago.
How about an actual robot, like Keanu Reeves? Or are they intent on casting a human?
#77 HA! Good one!
Even getting Brent Spiner a role as a villain or a supporting protagnist would be great, honouring his link.
Would be sweet.
haha … Christopher Walken would be hilarious.
cast the Dexter guy as questor
Spiner as Vaslovik, absolutely.
Yeah, let’s just further pigeonhole Brent Spiner. No acting jobs for him unless he’s playing an android! Isn’t it that very kind of type-casting that caused Nimoy to write “I Am Not Spock” and distance himself from the role? C’mon, man…
It would be pointless to be so repetitive! Not only should it not be Brent Spiner, it should not resemble Brent Spiner as Data. If Brent Spiner does a cameo it should be in a role that plays against type, like the original Alice as a truck driver in the Brady Bunch movie.
I love the Keanu Reeves idea!
I’ll take Spiner as Vaslovik.
I was thinking Foxworth as Vaslovik, but if making good on the original premise that Questor can assume any identity, that they do an episode toward the tail end of their episode commitment where Questor is played for an episode by Robert Foxworth.
Well I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who screamed “TYPECASTING!” when reading that.
It also seems an odd choice considering how many times Spiner has expressed that he felt too old to play Data, that it needed youth and innocence,
How about this…? Cast an unknown as Questor, AND NEVER SHOW THE ACTOR’S REAL FACE. With modern makeup technology, that might actually be do-able.
Thus, Questor can change his appearance periodically throughout the run of the show, as dictated by story arcs or individual plot needs.
If they are going to go with an older actor for questor – why not the andoid “YoYo” – actor John Schuck. He’s a natural…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeJd7j-Rhtg
:)
Next Trek Movie, Kirk lands on Dewon finding Iconian artifacts, over 200k years old, think “Edith Keeler must die” Why in TNG is their planet bombed out? “Demons of air and darkness”, every time with good intention Iconians interfere in other worlds development, via port hole ect. disaster, think US supporting Arab dictators, try to ensure peace, and similar always ends in disaster. Major battle, morals tested. Impossible adversary, “Iconians” Who save’s the day? Kirk, the brash new guy. Interested in script?