Round-Table Interview: Simon Pegg and John Cho of “Star Trek Into Darkness”

Simon Pegg and John Cho, reprising their roles as Montgomery “Scotty” Scott and Hikaru Sulu respectively in the newest chapter of the Star Trek film franchise, Star Trek Into Darkness, sat down with a few members of online press outlets to answer a few questions.  Dressed in casual clothing and beaming with smiles, the two actors couldn’t be more welcoming and polite.  We sat around a tiny circular table and jumped right into it…

J.J. Abrams is a huge fan of the Star Trek franchise, how does the fact that he’s such a big fan of both the Star Trek films and the original TV series translate into the fact that he’s making the new franchise…with this film especially?

Simon Pegg: I don’t think he was.  I think he was more of a Star Wars fan growing up.

John Cho: Yeah.

Simon Pegg: And I think he came to Star Trek as somewhat of an outsider…

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Film Review: Star Trek Into Darkness

Zachary Quinto, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Chris Pine in Star Trek Into Darkness
Zachary Quinto, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Chris Pine in Star Trek Into Darkness

In 2009, J.J. Abrams jumpstarted a dulling Star Trek franchise by instilling youthful energy and adrenaline into a familiar cast of characters.  The universe was the “same” but the feel was different.  It was shinier and faster paced, and took advantage of modern computer technology to produce visual effects in a way that the original Star Trek series may have dreamed of but never could harness.  But the most powerful weapon 2009’s Star Trek wielded was a solid origin story that balanced the needs of the salivating Trekkies with the cinematic desires of general audiences.  It was fresh and fun, familiar yet new.  With Star Trek Into Darkness, the formula remains unchanged.  At its heart lies a refurbished story that is uniquely enjoyable, complete with a sly tip of the hat to its franchise predecessors.  But there are a few J.J. Abrams specialties and stellar performances that make this generally risk-averse Star Trek film the most entertaining one to date.  (I suspect I may pay for that proclamation.)

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