Tom Hanks Almost Transformed the Best Star Trek Film

The Star Trek franchise has endeavored for over 60 years to broaden its appeal beyond dedicated fans. Creative teams have attempted to engage casual audiences through various means, including comedy and action-packed storylines. One notable attempt occurred in 1996 when Tom Hanks was nearly cast in Star Trek: First Contact.

Tom Hanks and Star Trek

Paramount Pictures often sought A-list actors to enhance the Star Trek franchise’s box office potential. Beyond Hanks, notable names such as Eddie Murphy and Sean Connery were also considered for roles in earlier films.

• Eddie Murphy was a candidate for a professor role in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home.
• Sean Connery was the preferred choice for the villain Sybok in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier.

Hanks was not just eyeing a minor role; he was being considered for Zefram Cochrane, the creator of the warp drive system, a pivotal figure in the Star Trek lore.

Zefram Cochrane: A Vital Character

Cochrane first appeared in Star Trek: The Original Series. He was portrayed by Glenn Corbett in the episode “Metamorphosis” and later returned in Star Trek: First Contact, where he was portrayed by James Cromwell.

In First Contact, Cochrane’s character is a far cry from the idealized hero. He is depicted as a troubled inventor whose alcoholism overshadows his genius. This portrayal occurs just one day before his significant historical flight in 2063, coinciding with a Borg invasion.

Hanks’s Near-Casting

At the time of First Contact’s pre-production, Hanks was enjoying great success. He had made his mark with acclaimed performances in Philadelphia and Forrest Gump. His casting could have elevated the film’s stature, aligning it with his peak career status.

However, Hanks never formally entered serious talks for the role, as revealed by co-writer Ronald D. Moore in a 2021 interview. The role eventually went to James Cromwell, who had experience in the franchise and brought a unique interpretation to Cochrane’s character.

What If Hanks Had Joined the Cast?

While Tom Hanks expressed enthusiasm about potentially playing Cochrane, his involvement might have necessitated significant script adjustments. The filmmakers sought to maintain a narrative balance, and adding Hanks could have overcomplicated the story’s ensemble cast.

In a 2023 podcast appearance, Hanks fondly reminisced about his love for Star Trek, saying, “The guy who invented warp drive? Oh come on, I would’ve jumped on that!” His devotion to the franchise remains clear, as he humorously offered to bring “gift Tribbles” to the first meeting.

Legacy and Future Possibilities

Despite Hanks’s affection for Star Trek, First Contact became a success without his participation. The film was well-received by both critics and audiences. In recent years, the franchise has welcomed multiple renowned actors, including Tom Hardy and Benedict Cumberbatch.

As Star Trek continues to expand through new series and films, there remains an opportunity for Tom Hanks to join the Star Trek universe in a meaningful role.

Star Trek: First Contact is available for streaming on Paramount+ in the United States.