For the last day people have been talking and thinking about the sequel to the new Star Trek, but we still have to get through that one in May, so the Tidbits brings you European interviews with Kirk and Spock, plus we have some ST09 concession stand goodies, a new Esurance commercial, and a bit on that sequel as well (or how it is playing in the media).
Quinto got alienated – but he’s no Tom Cruise
Zach Quinto has a new interview with the Daily Mail, where he talks about how physically becoming Mr. Spock actually ‘alienated’ him, but that was a good thing:
Having no eyebrows and having to shave every day, while having my hair in this sort of horrible style, I felt really alienated from myself and alienated from other people. I never went out of the house without big chunky glasses on and a hat. I tended to isolate myself a lot more during the process of this film. I was much more interested in solitude and I withdrew to a certain extent because I felt like I was working on staying connected to that character and making sure that connection sustained the entire length of the shoot. I think it actually served my relationship to the character because that kind of alienation is something that Spock struggles with greatly in his life.
Quinto also recounted how director JJ Abrams tried to drop the c-word to motivate Quinto…it didn’t work:
There’s a sequence in the movie where I am beamed to a location where there was a lot going on. The whole film was very physical. I never stop running in the movie. I’m an active guy, I work out and I do my thing, but this was just killing me. Another time they were blowing smoke all over the set and I was coughing. I just remember between takes, I was sitting on a rock, heaving, when JJ came over and told me that between every take on Mission: Impossible III, Tom Cruise would jump up getting himself psyched up. And I said ‘Good for Tom Cruise, but I’m not him.’
More from Quinto at Daily Mail,
Pine opines on ‘punk’ Kirk and ‘mega’ Trek
The new Captain Kirk, Chris Pine, was interviewed by German site TrekNews.DE, and when asked to describe who James T. Kirk was, here is what he said:
James Kirk is angry, arrogant, brash young punk who is masking an incredible amount of insecurity and fear. He came from a broken home and is searching for something to do with his life. It is clear what he wants but he also isn’t sure if he wants to contend with the great shadow his father has cast over him. The interesting part of the journey is his learning how to harness all of the emotions born from this conflict, from this misguided young man into the focused confident commander that he later becomes. He is no superhero but rather an everyday kinda guy faced with a tremendous challenge. And even though he gets beat down he always picks himself up again.
Pine also enthused over what it was like to be part of Trek’s big return:
I’m very excited and I have all the confidence in the world that it’s going to appeal to fans and non-fans alike. It’s overwhelming and its totally daunting but the great thing about J.J. making it is I don’t think any of us ever felt the pressure on set to live up to any kind of expectations. Even though it is like 150 million dollars and it’s this mega, mega, mega tent pole film, he was always concentrated first and foremost on the relationships between the characters and making sure that those were meaningful because he realized that without meaningful relationships, all the effects in the world don’t amount to a hill of beans.
Much more from Pine at TrekNews.de
Quinto plays the alien and Pine the ‘brash young punk’
Have a tub of Star Trek
This week is ShoWest, the movie industry’s big trade show in Vegas. Collider.com got some pics of some special concession stand items from Paramount, including Star Trek popcorn tubs and some pins (TrekMovie is trying to figure out what those are all about).
Your Star Trek experience extends to the concession stand
New Esurance commercial
Esurance, one of Star Trek’s promotional partners, has started airing a new 30 second Star Trek commercial this week on TV. No new movie footage, but just more buzz building for the movie.
Star Trek sequel big news – inspires creative headlines
Last night’s big news that Paramount has inked deals with the new Star Trek team to begin work on a follow-up was big news, including the mainstream media. It was covered by wire services, which got it picked up pretty much everywhere. But a few outlets decided to get creative with their headlines, such as:
- Press Association: Star Trek to boldly go… again
- New York Times: ‘Star Trek’ Sequel Coming (Wrath to Be Determined)
- E!: Star Trek Sequel Now a Lost Cause [picking up on the inclusion of Lost showrunner’s Damon Lindelof as co-screenwriter]
- EW: ‘Star Trek’ sequel: Premature ekirkulation?
FIRST thing I’d like to say is that I hope they don’t overdo it with the merchandising. There comes a point where the average person will say “enough” and not want to see the movie – at least that’s what happened to me with “Transformers.”
Love that Quinto quote! “Good for Tom Cruise, but I’m not him.” Love this guy.
This looks awesome I want that Popcorn.. Hey if anyone is in the Northwest Arkansas area i’ll be on CBS local talking about the conficker worm. It should be repeated.
Funny headlines! And it means Trek is getting more attention. Dare I play the wearying game of saying … ‘first’?
Crud, guess I had that coming.
‘…And I said ‘Good for Tom Cruise, but I’m not him.’
—–
Good, be yourself!
ekirkulation? Nice, just nice. I feel very creative.
Also I am thrilled that Star Trek seems to be in the fast lane for sequels. Excellent.
I remember when they had similar pins when STTMP opened. I collected those too… LLAP!
“Good for Tom Cruise, but I’m not him.”
Thank goodness. (Not a TC fan.)
shouldnt sequels be decided after a movie is released
SO Either one of two things. Star Trek XI either sucks and they want us excited for XII or XI is so good they know that a sequel is good idea. I really hope the first one is not the case.
One week to go before the premiere in Sydney tells the tale.
I got a kick out of the EW headline (Premature ekirkulation?). LOL
I thought the April 7 premiere date was a typo?
I’m a bit startled by the idea of young Jim Kirk as “punk.” I mean, I’m very flexible, but … I guess the phraseology just surprised me.
re:”James Kirk is angry, arrogant, brash young punk who is masking an incredible amount of insecurity and fear. He came from a broken home and is searching for something to do with his life.”
Pure bullcrap. Nonsense.
Is it bad form to admit that I squeal like an 8 year old little girl with each little bit of news that is released here?
Not really.
I check trekmovie.com multiple times daily.
Well, we’ve always known that Kirk was a bit of a punk and a rebel in the Academy. He cheated on his tests when he thought they weren’t fair, and so on. It makes sense that he would go through this journey, and I’ve never been surprised by this take. It perplexes me why some are adverse to it. It’s always what I’ve thought Kirk would’ve been like.
#1
AGREED. Though I would’ve use a different example to prove my point- considering that Transformers was one of the top money makers of 2007. And I don’t terribly recall a huge merchandising blitz for that movie, at least when one compares it to the other tent pole films of the year: Spider-Man 3 and Pirates of the Caribbean 3.
With its seemingly overzealous merchandising thirst, I hope that Trek doesn’t turn out to be the Speed Racer of ’09.
What’s the deal with the pins? why do they all have the command star even though they’re all obviously meant to signify the three different divisions?
#11
If Star Trek XI sucks it doesn’t get another chance. Why in this economic climate would they risk more money on a failed franchise? Case in point, take a look at Warner Bros. and any future Superman movies-which are in an endless state of limbo.
#17 – “Pure bullcrap. Nonsense.”
Not at all.
17. Stanky Mcfibberich
Why am I not surprised?
Funny how you pick out certain parts and take them out of context. You see, this film is about the character arc of Kirk. How he transforms from the “arrogant, brash, young punk” to the Kirk that we are all familiar with, the one who leads his crew making life or death decisions in the toughest of situations. But what am i saying? Pine could never become the Kirk we know . How could he? He is the so called “Fake Kirk”. lol :)
#20
I TOTALLY agree!
I do understand the older generation that grew up idolizing Kirk, but they need to consider HOW Kirk became Kirk. It’s not like he was born a great, wonderful leader. He wasn’t born at the beginning of the five year mission. He has a history.
LLaP
When the esurance commercial comes up on TiVo (at least on mine), you can press thumbs up and it gives you the behind the scenes video with JJ et all.
There’s little more than a month left until the release of the new movie.
And I have yet to see any Star Trek commercials opposite regular programming to promote this movie. I’ve seen stuff on the SCI-FI, but that’s it. Why preach to just the choir? Let’s see some prime-time marketing. Heck, is the movie going to be promoted on myspace?
those pins for ST : TFB look nice
:o)
Dear Zach Quinto: Thank you for not being Tom Cruise.
Sincerely,
yr potential fan
S. John Ross
– James Kirk is angry, arrogant, brash young punk who is masking an incredible amount of insecurity and fear. He came from a broken home and is searching for something to do with his life. –
Maybe Pine could round that summary out – there are still some clichés missing.
#26
– I do understand the older generation that grew up idolizing Kirk, but they need to consider HOW Kirk became Kirk. –
I think the events on Tarsus IV were of crucial importance for Kirk becoming the Kirk we used to know.
Pine is not playing Kirk
He is playing Bizarro Kirk!
The pins! I MUST HAVE THEM.
***!!!MASSIVE ST: COUNTDOWN SPOILERS!!!***
DO NOT READ THIS POST IF YOU DO NOT WANT COUNTDOWN MAJORLY SPOILED! THIS ISSUE IS SO AMAZING!!!
I was privileged enough to have gotten Countdown #4 earlier today so…
Below is a link to a list of TEN COUNTDOWN #4 SUPER SPOILERS for you:
http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/3226/countdown4.jpg
NOT an April Fool’s Joke whatsoever. VERY SERIOUS SPOILERS!!!
Star Trek: Countdown Issue #4 Available NOW! Hurry before it sells out!
Kirk was never a punk. From what Gary Mitchell said, he was quite strict back in the Academy. Just because someone is a hero later on in life doesn’t mean that they had to start out as a bum.
TWOK was just as non-canon as this movie for going the same route – TOS Kirk, the REAL Kirk, wouldn’t have cheated on a test.
Pathetic.
You all love canon so much yet are ready to denounce the best film as non-canon and call the filmmakers pathetic for following up on that?
Anthony,
Those pins look like some of Japanese cell phone hanging charms. Basically they look like charms you hook on your cellphone where you would hang a wrist strap on a camera. They look pretty cool cant wait to get one. Thanks for the report from show west, wish I was there.
35# Kirk was never a punk. From what Gary Mitchell said, he was quite strict back in the Academy. Just because someone is a hero later on in life doesn’t mean that they had to start out as a bum.
TWOK was just as non-canon as this movie for going the same route – TOS Kirk, the REAL Kirk, wouldn’t have cheated on a test.
Pathetic.
Of course, you are absolutly right, the new movie and TWOK aren’t canon, but WNMHGB and Gary Mitchell writing “James R Kirk” in the tombstone must be canon because Gary Mitchell is right to the letter. Sigh.
I wonder if those are the same promo items that Empire plans to do for concessions as well. It would be nice if they did cups too, somebody has to outdo the cool dark knight theatre cups of last year!
17.
//Pure bullcrap. Nonsense.//
That’s kind of the point of the film. George Kirk dies during his son’s infancy, so James has a crappy, directionless childhood. That’s why Spock has to go back in time to “set things straight”.
This isn’t the James T. Kirk we know.
re:25. The Governator – March 31, 2009
I do not “buy” this background for the character of Kirk, fake or not.
41.
//I do not “buy” this background for the character of Kirk, fake or not.//
You mean you’ve never wondered “what if?” about significant events in your own life, and how you would have turned out if things had gone differently? I am very interested to see how the psyche of James Kirk responds to stress in his formative years.
#21 – yeh, I’m getting that Speedracer type feeling. I hope not, but if it unperforms the Walmart bargain bins are gonna be full of Trek fodder for a long time …
How many times does it have to be driven home…
…that Kirk’s “punk” ways are BEFORE he enters the Academy??? Why are you all assuming that Kirk is going to be rebellious jerk all the way through TREK XI until the very moment he gets command of the Enterprise?
Stanky and company: Please explain to me how the “broken home” backstory violates canon. I realize it violates much of what was established in early Trek novels (which I read and enjoyed), but what, exactly, was established on TOS and in the films?
Unless I’m missing something, the official early intel we had on Kirk boiled down to just a few things:
1. He’s “from Iowa,” whatever that means, exactly.
2. He had an older brother, George Samuel Kirk, nicknamed “Sam.”
3. Sam had a mustache.
4. As a 13-year-old, little Jimmy witnessed the genocide on Tarsus IV.
5. At the Academy, he studied hard but bucked conventions and cheated on the Kobiyashi Maru. He fooled around with Carol Marcus and produced a son.
What else is there, really?
In all honesty, I don’t remember any references to an intact family at any point, but maybe someone else does. Are there any in canon? Maybe when Sam & Aurelan saw him off?
New timelkine or no new timeline, I truly don’t understand all the wigging-out over Kirk’s altered backstory — because it really isn’t all that altered. Not when you look at the tidbits of info we’ve gotten from canon alone.
Correct me if I’m wrong. (I know you will!)
premature ekirkulation certainly takes the cake for tackiest headline EVER.
Very intersting to hear what Quinto was going thru. He sounds likea very emotional person – which makes his casting as the cold-ish Mr. Spock particularly wicked.
Stinky, Stunky, Stanky, or whatever he is – is right. He obviously knows much more than everyone associated with this movie. After all, we know that he (and his fellow whiners) are probably the most talented screenwriters & filmakers in the industry. Why weren’t they put in charge of this movie.
It is the great Trek 09 conspiricy I tell ya.
#26–“I do understand the older generation that grew up idolizing Kirk, but they need to consider HOW Kirk became Kirk. It’s not like he was born a great, wonderful leader. He wasn’t born at the beginning of the five year mission. He has a history.”
Idolization isn’t the issue (Kirk is after all a flawed character) — I truly believe some folks ARE natural born leaders, no matter what their beginnings. Sure, some come into their own through experiences but I always saw Kirk as someone who knew what he wanted and did whatever was necessary to get it (through the requisite legitimate channels). He needed to be the serious, dedicated scholar and tough lecturer at the Academy to realize his goal of being a Starship Captain. I really wasn’t surprised about the Kobayashi Maru either — we all saw time and again that he refused to give up, no matter how great the odds. So THAT vision I have of Kirk just doesn’t jive with one that would be aimless in ANY timeline. Of course, mileage may vary and, if so, you are fortunate. I’ve just got 30+ years of seeing the Kirk character this way, that’s all.
#42–“You mean you’ve never wondered “what if?” about significant events in your own life, and how you would have turned out if things had gone differently?”
Interesting post. Sure, the nature vs nuture debate is always interesting. (Are serial killers born or made?) However, all I can say is that I feel that certain traits are inate and despite circumstances, will prevail. I just can’t see James T. Kirk, dad or no dad, as a directionless punk. If his dad was in Starfleet in the previous timeline, he would have been absent a
lot yet Kirk wasn’t a punk. Just from personal experience — I was driven even as a young child; the death of my father at 14 did not change that one wit. Sadly, my brother never had direction and nothing changed on that front either. it is an interesting point to ponder.
“JJ came over and told me that between every take on Mission: Impossible III, Tom Cruise would jump up getting himself psyched up. And I said ‘Good for Tom Cruise, but I’m not him.’”
Great to know that Quinto is not Cruise – I’d really hate to see him on Oprah’s show jumping all over the furniture.
The “what if” angle IS the movie, I think. we already know it happened one way, but what if it happened differently? It’s like after Dylan went electric, introducing songs with: “It used to go like that ,but now it goes like this…” I think the “what if ?” factor weighs heavy on this movie. The possibilities are certainly intriguing.
(And as a side note, let’s not jump all over people w/ dissenting views, eh? I happen to not agree with anything the naysayers put forth and I’m very excited about this movie, but everyone has an equal right to be here and voice their opinion, yes?) sorry, got all preachy for a second. continue.
JJ’s Cruise comment reminds me of the Quayle – Bensen debate. “I knew Jack Kennedy and you’re no Jack Kennedy.” HA.
Speaking of Quinto, it’s probably good for him to know what it feels like not to be so handsome all the time. To feel like he has to hide his face because of his shaved eyebrows and bowl cut. Incredibly handsome people live in a bubble that the rest of the world can only dream about. Star Trek might just keep him more grounded.