Star Trek: Discovery is bringing a familiar name to the Enterprise. That name is Spock. The beloved Vulcan has been played by the late Leonard Nimoy and Zachary Quinto, and now a new person is taking over that role. That actor has a famous last name and is a Hollywood legacy.
CBS All Access announced today that Gregory Peck’s grandson, Ethan Peck, is the new Spock and I know he has the chops or pointy ears (well they are not pointy but you get my point) to play the legendary role. This is not the first time that he has taken on a character made famous by someone else. In 2009, he starred as Patrick Verona, a role originated by Heath Ledger, in the small screen version of 10 Things I Hate About You.
Executive Producer Alex Kurtzman had this to say about the casting of the only character who has been part every era of the franchise for 52 years, “We searched for months for an actor who would…bring his own interpretation to the role. An actor who would…effortlessly embody Spock’s greatest qualities, beyond obvious logic: empathy, intuition, compassion, confusion, and yearning.” Then he added, “Ethan Peck walked into the room inhabiting all of these qualities, aware of his daunting responsibility to Leonard, Zack, and the fans, and ready to confront the challenge in the service of protecting and expanding on Spock’s legacy. In that spirit, we’re thrilled to welcome him to the family.”
Talking about family, Adam Nimoy had this to say about the exciting news, “There’s a new Spock in town! Welcome to the family Ethan!! #StarTrekDiscovery #LLAP 🖖”
How does Peck feel about taking on the role? He wrote, “Beyond all logic, beyond what I thought was possible, I find myself in this reality. It is with great honor and a sense of immense responsibility that I take on the iconic role that Leonard gave to us and that Zachary did brilliant justice to.” He continued with, “Thank you Adam Nimoy, Julie Nimoy, Terry Farrell and David Knight for your open arms, warm welcome, smiling curiosity, support, for making me feel worthy, as I embrace and take into my heart the half alien we know as Mr. Spock. 🖖🏼 #StarTrekDiscovery #LLAP”
Star Trek: Discovery returns to CBS All Access early next year. I now have a reason to watch.
