The character of Spock has undergone various interpretations over the years. However, when Ethan Peck took on the iconic role in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, he went against expectations. Surprisingly, he sought advice from an unexpected source.
Paramount Plus' rendition of the U.S.S. Enterprise crew deviated slightly from previous versions. With Anson Mount as the one and only Captain Pike, the new Star Trek series paid tribute to the best episodes from the original series while also revealing unseen aspects of the characters. One particularly intriguing example is Peck's portrayal of Science Officer Spock. Departing from the witty dialogue in J.J. Abrams' rebooted movies, Strange New Worlds embraced the epic space narratives of the iconic show while showcasing a different facet of Spock.
In the series Strange New Worlds, viewers were introduced to a different portrayal of Spock before he transformed into the beloved Vulcan character from the Star Trek universe. Still in the process of self-discovery, Spock explored the realms of human and Vulcan emotions in an unprecedented manner. Surprisingly, the actor Ethan Peck sought guidance not from iconic Star Trek experts, but from someone much closer to him. Peck disclosed in an interview with Awards Radar that he consulted James Frain, who portrays Sarek in Discovery, for valuable insights into the character. Frain, drawing inspiration from samurai culture and discipline, provided Peck with profound understanding and guidance regarding Vulcan culture's emphasis on self-regulation and discipline. Hence, Frain became Peck's primary source of inspiration for embodying the essence of Vulcanism.
Frain made his debut in Star Trek: Discovery, portraying a familiar character with a fresh approach. He took on the role of Sarek, who is both the biological father of Spock and the foster father of Michael Burnham, the main character of Discovery. While Sarek had appeared in previous adaptations like the Abrams reboot, Discovery allowed for a deeper exploration of his character. Throughout the series, Frain portrayed Sarek's love for his children, albeit in the traditional Vulcan manner. As a seasoned actor in the science fiction and costume drama genres, Frain was a highly anticipated addition to the cast of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2.
Peck, a newcomer to the Star Trek franchise, admired and learned from Frain's portrayal of his on-screen father. This came as no surprise, as Frain's experience in character acting and his skill in depicting Vulcan behavior were truly commendable. He explored the psychology of a more seasoned Vulcan, showcasing that Vulcans are not completely devoid of emotions, a fact beautifully brought to life by the actors who embody these characters in the franchise.
Star Trek: Discovery revolutionized fans' perception of Spock, positively transforming the character. Peck skillfully incorporated guidance from his Vulcan father to navigate the intricate display of emotions in the episode "Charades" of the Strange New Worlds series. Despite the chronological placement of Discovery occurring after Strange New Worlds, the camaraderie among the actors creates potential for future collaborative endeavors.
Catch the latest episodes of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds exclusively on Paramount Plus.
Source: Awards Radar
