The actor explains that he nearly passed on the chance to return for the third film because his character 'Bones' McCoy was marginalized in 'Star Trek Into Darkness'.
- Aug 4, 2016
AceShowbiz - Karl Urban revealed he almost turned down the chance to return for "Star Trek Beyond". The 44-year-old actor explained that he was hesitant to reprise his role as Doctor "Bones" McCoy in the third film because the character was marginalized in "Star Trek Into Darkness".
"I certainly was hesitant about reprising the role of McCoy," the actor told StarTrek.com about his decision to return to "Beyond". "I felt that I was in agreement with a vast number of fans and audience members and critics who, after watching 'Into Darkness', felt that the character had become marginalized," he explained.
The actor recalled that he wasn't contractually obligated to reprise his role for the third time. "And I was not keen to repeat that experience. I was out of contract. Because of the Olivia de Havilland law in America, I was no longer under obligation to do a third picture, and was, actually, in fact, negotiating to do another film when we were contacted and asked about reprising the role of McCoy," he said.
The Kiwi actor later changed his mind and agreed to return to the third film after having a conversation with Justin Lin, who took over the franchise's helming duties from J.J. Abrams. "But I got on the phone with Justin Lin, and I raised my concerns and issues with him. And he outlined the story and the vision that he had for the character," the actor explained.
Urban was immediately intrigued and reassured that Lin understood the weight and value of the character and how the character interacts with Spock and Kirk. The actor said, "So that gave me a great deal of security, which enabled me to make the decision. And I'm so glad I did. I feel that the version of McCoy in 'Star Trek Beyond' is the most well-defined version of the character that I've had the benefit to play. So it's all turned out for the best."
