Urban On Star Trek & McCoy

By Ian M. Cullen

2009 will bring us the latest Star Trek movie which is a prequel about how the original series crew got together – and the recent issue of SFX features a brief interview with actor Karl Urban who plays the younger version of Doctor [Bones] McCoy – a role that was originated by the late DeForest Kelley in the classic series. Urban talked a little about the new movie in the RED ALERT section of the new SFX Magazine – here are a few excerpts from the interview.

What aspects of McCoy’s character appeal to you?

“His sense of irascibility with real passion for life and doing the right thing. Spock’s logic and McCoy’s moral standing gave Kirk the benefit of having three brains instead of just one.”

What are your favourite Trek episodes?

“‘The Corbomite Maneuver’. It has a great McGuffin. And ‘Amok Time’. It’s about the relationship between Kirk, Spock and McCoy, you get to see some of the Vulcan culture and I like how Bones saves the day.”

Will the movie appeal to both newcomers and hardcore Trek fans?

“Long – time fans will be really happy with it. It will introduce Star Trek to a new demographic… it’s just so faithful to the original character archetypes. It’s going to be like the Star Trek that you know and, at the same time, like nothing you have ever seen before.”

You can read the whole version of this interview with Karl Urban in the current issue of SFX Magazine which is out in UK stores now.

Star Trek will boldly go out to cinemas in the UK on May 8 2009.