It’s hard to imagine someone else in the role of Jonathan Frakes’ Commander William Riker entered Star Trek: The Next Generation. Frakes was perfect for that role. His charisma, natural charm and easy going demeanor made the character so likable and he resonated with fans. Besides, how could you not love that smirk of him?!
It turns out that Frakes wasn’t the first choice to take on the role of Riker. He was revealed in The fifty-year mission written by Edward Gross and Mark A. Altman and franchise producer Rick Berman, star of The Rocketeer Billy Campbell was originally cast in the role!
It’s certainly an interesting choice, but it wouldn’t have worked as well. At the time she was a rising star and was acting in shows like History of crime AND Dynasty, but Paramount Television head John Pike didn’t want that. Berman shared the following details:
“For the role of Riker, we cast an actor named Billy Campbell, who has done a lot of other good stuff since, and… [John] Pike didn’t like it. He didn’t feel he had a sense of command. He would not have followed this man into battle. I think the biggest reason is that he didn’t audition well for the part, and that’s when we went to our second choice, which was Jonathan Frakes, who turned out to be a terrific choice.”
Yeah, I just don’t see Campbell to be the right person, he really doesn’t have the quality and personality of the commander type. Campbell actually appeared on Star Trek: The Next Generation as a guest star in the episode “The Outrageous Okona”.
In that episode, Campbell plays a wayward and arrogant merchant pilot, Captain Thadiun Okona. Okona’s ship malfunctions, and as Enterprise assists with repairs, two more ships approach, each representing a different planet and both requesting Okona’s extradition for alleged wrongdoing. As Captain Picard and his crew work to understand the situation, they discover that Okona has been falsely accused of seducing a woman and stealing a jewel. With Okona’s help, the true nature of the situation is revealed, leading to peace between the two planets. It wasn’t the best episode and led Data to do stand-up comedy.
When it came to getting Frake to get the gig, he still had to work hard to get it! He explained, “I auditioned seven times over six weeks for this part”, and added that it was “unlike anything he’s ever had to fight for before”.
“During the last few auditions, I was sent to Gene’s office before going to the executive who needed convincing on this particular audition. I kept going up the food chain. In Gene’s office, Gene gave me a pep talk and Corey Allen, The director of the pilot was also there. Gene believed that in the 24th century, as he used to say, there will be no hunger, there will be no greed, and all children will be able to read. He was able to convey the his passion for the future and for this optimistic, hopeful, kinder, more thoughtful future that we all wish we could live.”
The pep talks obviously worked and Frakes got the role and Star Trek launched his career as an actor and director.
Via: /Movies
by Joey Paur
Source: Geek Tyrant
Lloyd Grunewald is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. He is a talented writer who focuses on bringing the latest entertainment-related news to his readers. With a deep understanding of the entertainment industry and a passion for writing, Lloyd delivers engaging articles that keep his readers informed and entertained.
