In January 2007 we wrote an article about Chris Doohan wanting to play his father’s famous role in the next Trek film. Now we learn that he did get a role in the new Star Trek movie from J.J. Abrams and Paramount Pictures. Chris is the son of the legendary actor James Doohan, who starred as Enterprise chief engineer Montgomery “Scotty” Scott in the original Classic Star Trek television series, the episode “Relics” on Star Trek: The Next Generation” and in 7 of the 10 big screen Star Trek films. Chris also has a twin brother named Montgomery. Both appeared in minor roles in the 1979 film “Star Trek The Motion Picture.” Chris is also a well known alternative rock musician.
Of course, the role Chris really wanted to audition for was the same one his father did for almost 4 decades before his death in 2005. However, the studio decided to go with actor Simon Pegg (“Shaun of the Dead,” “Mission Impossible III” & “Hot Fuzz”) for the part of the gruff Scottish engineer. Doohan isn’t disappointed and is happy with Abrams’ choice of Pegg for the part of Scotty.
Also, Chris’ auditioning process wasn’t in vain. He has landed a role in the upcoming Trek film due to be released Christmas Day 2008.
Recently Doohan spoke, as much as he was allowed to, about his role with TrekMovie.com, the website quickly becoming the new mouthpiece for everything Trek after the demise in December 2007 of Trek’s official CBS/Paramount website StarTrek.com. Security surrounding this release is extremely tight so he couldn’t tell much, but what he could reveal is still interesting.
Here is that interview:
TrekMovie.com: When do you shoot and do you know where you will appear?
Chris Doohan: At this point, I’m tentatively scheduled to go in later next week to film, but, like James Cawley, I still don’t know exactly what I’m going to do. I can tell you that my father would be happy with my position on the ship.
TrekMovie.com: Have you seen your costume yet?
Chris Doohan: I went to Paramount Studios a couple of weeks ago for my fitting. After my déjà vu moment, I stood there in awe of the rows and rows of Star Trek uniforms that seemed to be everywhere. The uniforms are incredible and extremely well made. When it comes to wardrobe, they definitely spared no expense and I can only imagine what the Enterprise set will look like. I can’t wait to see it.
TrekMovie.com: Have you met Simon Pegg (the new Scotty), or (director) JJ Abrams yet?
Chris Doohan: Simon Pegg and I have exchanged a few emails and we may get together to toast my Father. I guess I’ll need to bring some green food coloring to put in our drinks. I’m really looking forward to meeting the rest of the cast and J.J. Abrams. I not only think that he was the right guy to do this movie, I believe he’s the only one who could do it in a way that respects Gene Roddenberry’s vision. The fact that he asked Randy Pausch to be in the film proves that for me. Definitely a class act. Being on this film is a dream come true and I can’t thank him enough.
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