“There’s nothing worse for me than reading what the theme of a book is or a movie and then reading it and being like: that’s the theme. The theme is you feel it…I do think that by default this a deeper movie. It’s certainly a bigger movie because the first one was kind of the origin story which is great because it’s so easy. You just introduce people and yet now they know each other so it has to go deeper.”
2009’s Star Trek boasted a very strong ensemble cast and it’s grown even larger for the new film, and it wasn’t easier finding everyone’s place the second time around.
“Honestly, it’s never easier the next time, ever, for anything. You always think, “Oh, I’ve done that, it’ll be easier the next time.” No, it’s harder the next time. But it’s important that every character needs to be in the story, otherwise they shouldn’t be. But I wouldn’t say it was easier.”
The identity of Benedict Cumberbatch’s character has been revealed as John Harrison, but many still believe he’s a new version of Khan, and Abrams is ready for people to just see the movie.
“I just can’t wait for people to see the movie. Benedict is unbelievable. It’s a tall order, coming into that movie, because the crew of the Enterprise, that cast is so damn good and they’re wonderful to work with and they’re all good hearts. So, to come into that group, as he did, as Alice Eve did and as Peter Weller did, and be one of the family was something that I was doubtful could happen. And he completely did it. I not only love him in the movie, but I love him, as a human being. He’s an amazing guy. I can’t wait for people to see the movie and experience what he’s done.”
One reason some still believe Cumberbatch to be playing Khan is a connection in the new trailer that is very similar to a key scene in
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, but Abrams won’t say a word about it.
“Well, I would say that you’ve got to see the movie to see. I don’t want to give away what that is, but we’ve all seen Wrath of Khan. With one or two exceptions, we’re not idiots. We are aware of the movie. I love Wrath of Khan.”
With the second movie almost out, it’s not too early to talk about a potential third film, but when Abrams was asked if he had thought about it at all he said no. They have stories in mind, though.
“No, sir, not yet. I’m sure that the studio would love that to be a possibility but it’s up to the audience to decide if there needs to be one…There are things we’ve talked about but there’s no script or anything, it’s just ideas.”
Star Trek Into Darkness stars John Cho, Bruce Greenwood, Simon Pegg, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban, Anton Yelchin, Benedict Cumberbatch, Alice Eve and Peter Weller. It will be released in 3D, 2D and IMAX 3D theaters on May 17.
(Photo Credit: Nikki Nelson/WENN.com)
