Worf Actor Reflects on Remarkable Star Trek Film Featuring the Original Series Cast
Michael Dorn fondly recalls his role as Worf's grandfather in Star Trek VI, a spectacular movie featuring the iconic original series cast Colonel Worf, the Klingon Defense Attorney, adds depth and intrigue to the thrilling storyline
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Worf actor Michael Dorn recalls his "spectacular" experience filming Star Trek VI with the legendary cast of the original series.
Dorn was completely taken aback when he found out he would have a chance to star alongside the beloved original Star Trek cast in a movie. Being on the set of Star Trek VI with them felt incredibly surreal, and he was filled with awe in their presence.
Worf actor Michael Dorn shared his incredible experience while filming the final installment of Star Trek: The Original Series, Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country. At the time of its release in December 1991, Star Trek: The Next Generation was enjoying immense popularity through syndication, with Dorn's portrayal of the Klingon warrior, Lieutenant Worf, playing a significant role in its success. Director Nicholas Meyer offered Dorn the opportunity to portray Worf's grandfather during the trial of Captain James T. Kirk and Dr. Leonard McCoy, who were falsely accused of murdering the Klingon High Chancellor. During an appearance on The Shuttlepod Show, Dorn spoke with hosts Connor Trinneer, Dominic Keating, and Erica La Rose about his surreal experience working alongside the legendary cast of Star Trek: The Original Series. This was a moment that Dorn, as a devoted Star Trek fan, never could have anticipated while growing up. Read his quote and watch The Shuttlepod Show video below to learn more.
A moment that stood out was when the original guys made their last movie, Undiscovered Country. I remember sitting [and they said], "Oh Michael, we wrote a part in there [for you] as Worf's grandfather..." So there I was [on set], and they were all gathered in their chairs, talking and everything. And I was just there, [slack jawed] in awe! It was one of those moments where I could have never imagined being in a movie with these guys. And they were all there... It was truly spectacular.
How Michael Dorn Was Cast As Worf's Grandfather In Star Trek VI
Colonel Worf was listed as "Klingon Defense Attorney" in the credits.
Michael Dorn accepted the role of Colonel Worf, Worf's grandfather, in Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country upon director Nicholas Meyer's suggestion. Despite the fact that Star Trek: The Next Generation takes place 75 years after the events of Star Trek VI, it was decided to make him Worf's grandfather. According to William Shatner's memoir, Meyer personally informed Dorn about the role on the set of TNG, to which Dorn expressed gratitude. Dorn also shared that working alongside the iconic actors from Star Trek: The Original Series was a significant experience for him, as mentioned in an interview with The Shuttlepod Show.
Although the character of Colonel Worf is not explicitly named in Star Trek VI, the official materials for the film confirm that he is the father of Mogh, who is Worf's father. Interestingly, Dorn was unaware at the time that his future Star Trek: Deep Space Nine co-star, Rene Auberjonois, also had a cameo appearance as Colonel West, a role that was initially cut but later reinstated in the director's cut of the film. While Dorn and Shatner did not share the screen in Star Trek Generations, they did have the opportunity to be in the same movie once again when the Star Trek movie franchise transitioned to the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Source: The Shuttlepod Show
Editor's P/S
As a lifelong Star Trek fan, I was thrilled to read about Michael Dorn's experience filming Star Trek VI with the legendary cast of the original series. Dorn's portrayal of Worf's grandfather, Colonel Worf, added depth and intrigue to the thrilling storyline, and it was clear that he was in awe of the opportunity to work with such iconic actors.
I can only imagine what it must have been like for Dorn to step onto the set of Star Trek VI and see the original cast members all gathered together. These were the actors who had brought Star Trek to life for so many years, and now he was one of them. It's no wonder that he was slack-jawed in awe!
Dorn's experience on Star Trek VI is a reminder of the power of Star Trek to bring people together. The franchise has always been about more than just science fiction; it's about hope, optimism, and the potential for humanity to overcome its differences. When fans come together to celebrate Star Trek, it's a reminder that we're all part of something bigger than ourselves.
