By GustavoLeao / 10:25, 29 June 2009 / Star Trek: Nemesis

• Beam story to friend
• Join our newsletter
• Syndicate news

Urbanite posted a recent interview with Star Trek movie stars Chris Pine (Kirk) and Zachary Quinto (Spock) and here are excerpts.

Given that you both are filling two iconic roles as created by William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy, what sort of pressure did that create when making the film?

Zachary Quinto: I didn't really feel that pressure because Leonard was involved actually and was so supportive of me from the beginning and because I had such faith and trust in J.J. and the creative team behind the movie. I sort of just chose to focus more on - on my task at hand which was doing my work which was really the only thing that's in my control. So I didn't really and I still don't really concern myself with that stuff because I don't really have any control over it. So it doesn't really serve me personally or creatively.

Chris Pine: Yeah. I think Zach really said it. There's only you know - there's not much control you have over what - how people view our performances and these new incarnations of these characters. And I think it's really a credit to J.J. that he always created an atmosphere on set where I don't think any of us ever felt encumbered by a sense of responsibility or living up to expectations even though protecting the legacy was always on our minds but it was never - it was never at the forefront. It was always about making this particular version of the movie as great as we could - as best as we could make it.

Shatner and Nimoy are synonymous with Kirk and Spock. And if the reaction to Star Trek turns out to be overwhelmingly positive are you willing to be and ready for what could be a lifelong commitment to these characters and possibly becoming these icons?

Zachary Quinto: Well I think that you know yeah, it's - a lifelong association with these characters would be a great thing if the movie is successful. And certainly something that Chris and I have talked about. But we've also talked about both of our desires and interest in careers that are diverse and long. So you know I don't think either of us plan to only be associated with these characters. If - if the association with these characters leads us to that level of exposure and awareness of our work then I think both of us are going to do everything that we can to make sure that we take that opportunity to do other kinds of work as well as coming back and playing these characters in the future.

Chris Pine: And I have nothing to add to that. That's pretty much exactly - exactly how I feel. I mean I think as an actor you strive for longevity and diversity. And we've been thankfully handed a wonderful, wonderful opportunity for greater exposure. And hopefully with that exposure comes opportunity. But I am - could not be anymore proud of the movie that we've made. And if I were to be associated with this for - you know the extent of my career I would be - I would be - I would be a very contented man.

Considering both of your prior credits, do you think continuing the Star Trek legacy will boost your career in any way or help it?

Zachary Quinto: Well considering it's my first film...I imagine that it probably will. I hope. I don't know. I mean I come from mostly a television background. So the fact that my first movie is you know a $160 million tent pole I think that's a good - that's a good way to get into it you know? But yeah, I mean in the success a movie this big I think will have hopefully a positive impact on - on where both of us go and where all of us go as actors. I think everybody in this film is phenomenal, absolutely phenomenal at what they do and what they bring to it. So - so the hope is that people will feel the same way and we'll get to do other stuff down the line.

Chris Pine: I think it will - I think it will help with exposure and exposure is always good. And again I'm - I couldn't be anymore proud of what everybody's done in the movie and I think everybody is - will get some wonderful chances off of this because I think from what people see is - I mean Karl Urban with "Bones," what he did with Dr. McCoy is fantastic. I think he shows a side that he hasn't done before. As does John Cho, as does really again everybody in the film. But I you know - I'm not one to count my chickens.

Since this is a reboot along the lines of Casino Royale and Batman Begins in terms of starting up the story anew, what are the sort of deeper similarities and differences between the original and this new rendition of the adventures of Star Fleet and the Enterprise? And are there going to be also little tidbits for the fans that when they see it they'll be proud of?

Zachary Quinto: That's my favorite part of the movie actually is the little tidbits for the - for the diehard Star Trek fans. I think that you know each character has a sort of reference to the origins. And I think that there are circumstances and situations and you know little nods along the way that make it really exciting. So that's my feeling about it. I think that there are enough similarities that people who hold these characters dear will be satisfied. And then there is enough new aspect to the perspective of the film that I think new fans will be able to hook in without necessarily having the history of the whole series.

Chris Pine: Yeah. I think that's what was so fantastic about having people behind the scenes that were great fans, is that there's - there's little - there are little things in the movie that - that diehard fans will love and appreciate and - but it's not - it's done with - it's done with a you know a light touch. Nothing is heavy handed and I think that that - you know it's - it never - it's never - you know it never becomes about the moment or about that little piece of Star Trek lore that's hidden in the scenes. It's always about the story first and foremost. So you know it'll - it'll please fans and novices alike.

The full interview is here.