1987 Memo Reveals Shocking Alternate Cast for Star Trek: TNG

When Star Trek: The Next Generation first aired in 1987, it found itself in some massive space shoes to fill. The original Star Trek show had grown into a cultural phenomenon, producing spin-offs, blockbusters, and legions of devoted fans who could recite entire Klingon battle poems from heart. Consequently, debuting a new Star Trek series without Captain Kirk (William Shatner) or Spock (Leonard Nimoy) was a riskier move than trusting a Ferengi with a fortune. Instead of leaning on familiar faces, TNG introduced Captain Jean-Luc Picard, played by Patrick Stewart, a unique kind of leader, alongside a diverse crew aboard the USS Enterprise-D.

The casting process for “TNG” significantly shaped the trajectory of the “Star Trek” series for many years, still influencing it today. Iconic characters like Picard (Patrick Stewart), Riker (Jonathan Frakes), and Data (Brent Spiner) emerged from this process, each leaving a lasting impact on their own. A single decision might have steered the franchise onto an entirely different path, as suggested by a 1987 production memo that was leaked, hinting at Paramount’s near miss in altering Starfleet’s destiny.

The 1987 Memo: A Glimpse Into Another Reality

Reggie Jackson Could’ve Been Geordi?

On April 13, 1987, producer John Ferraro penned a memo to studio head John Pike, outlining potential actors for crucial roles in TNG. This document offers an intriguing glimpse into the casting process that ultimately shaped the show. Although some of the names might seem unexpected, these weren’t mere suggestions; they were genuine candidates, some of whom could have significantly altered the show’s atmosphere and potentially its success.

This memo offers an abundance of “what if” situations to contemporary Star Trek fans, sparking creativity as they envision their preferred character combinations and debate over each selection. Notably, it’s widely agreed that alterations in casting, particularly for key roles like Picard, would have profoundly impacted the franchise, setting off a chain reaction similar to the butterfly effect.

Captain Picard: Casting a British Guy

Can You See Anyone Else In The Role?

It’s fortunate that Stewart was eventually chosen to play Picard, as it resulted in one of the most iconic captains in the annals of Star Trek. However, before Stewart won the role amidst some debate, there were several other actors whose names were suggested within the production team.

Mitchell (Mitch) Ryan: Known mostly for his work in Magnum Force and Dharma & Greg, Ryan’s Picard might have exuded a more rugged demeanor. If Ryan had been cast, we also might not have gotten his iconic performance in Lethal Weapon, with the production schedule coming dangerously close to TNG.
Yaphet Kotto: Recognized for his roles in Alien and Live and Let Die, Kotto’s alternate-reality Picard might have brought a new level of intensity. His signature commanding voice in the captain’s chair would have led to a different dynamic aboard the Enterprise, perhaps even ushering in a more authoritative leadership style and a grittier show overall.
Patrick Bauchau: A Belgian actor who began his career in French New Wave Cinema, including Éric Rohmer’s famous La Collectionneuse. Bauchau would actually have fit creator Gene Roddenberry’s initial vision for the role of Picard as a suave Frenchman.

It’s intriguing to note that despite Patrick Stewart being cast as Captain Picard in Star Trek, its creator Gene Roddenberry initially had reservations. In Stewart’s own words, Roddenberry found it hard to accept him for the role, reportedly commenting at his audition, “What on earth? I don’t want a bald, middle-aged Englishman.” However, Stewart’s exceptional talent managed to win over the rest of the production team, and his portrayal ultimately reshaped the typical Star Trek captain character.

Patrick Stewart’s portrayal of Captain Jean-Luc Picard was one of the standout features in Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG). His authoritative demeanor, thoughtful leadership style, and unwavering integrity distinguished him from Captain Kirk’s more adventurous approach. Many memorable scenes in TNG were made possible by Stewart’s ability to deliver profound soliloquies, such as his passionate defense of Data’s rights in “The Measure of a Man” or his defiant proclamation, “There are four lights!” during psychological torment in “Chain of Command.” His portrayal transformed Picard from a mere captain into a philosopher and diplomat, adding a touch of refinement to the Enterprise.

Lieutenant Tasha Yar: The Character Who Should Have Lived

In Another Timeline, For Sure

Denise Crosby’s performance as Tasha Yar in Star Trek: The Next Generation made a significant impact, albeit brief. However, it’s worth noting that other actresses were also under consideration for the role.

Rosalind Chao: Chao was initially rejected only to be later chosen for the role of Keiko O’Brien in both TNG and Deep Space Nine. Her casting as Tasha could have altered not only the character’s trajectory but also O’Brien’s role as exo-botanist and teacher and Chao’s own involvement in the Star Trek universe.
Julia Nickson: Like Chao, Nickson was also cast in Star Trek in a smaller role after her audition for Yar. She played Lian T’Su in TNG Season 1 and returned to briefly portray the character Cassandra in DS9 Season 2. Today, Nickson is primarily known for her role in Rambo: First Blood Part II. If chosen as Yar, the Singaporean actor would have lent an entirely different physicality to the role.

It’s quite fascinating to consider that if any other actresses had been cast for the role, Yar might have lived beyond season one. Denise Crosby, who got the part in the end, ended up leaving the show due to dissatisfaction with the lack of growth for her character. This decision ultimately led to Tasha’s sudden and memorable demise at the hands of a sentient oil slick (farewell, Skin of Evil).

In a different casting choice, the writers could have potentially developed the security chief’s storyline more thoroughly, rather than having a sudden, sorrowful ending. Perhaps another actor might have been persistent for further character growth later on. Nevertheless, numerous fans think that everything unfolded as it was intended; had Chao not taken the role, it would have denied us her future appearances within the franchise.

Lieutenant Commander Data: The Android’s Alternate Faces

This Tin Man Definitely Has A Heart

In “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” Brent Spiner’s performance as Data is widely adored, showcasing an intriguing blend of logic, emotion, and a charming, unusual awkwardness. However, behind the scenes, other actors were also in contention for the role, which means that Data’s character could have taken a significantly different path.

Mark Lindsay Chapman: Known for Titanic and The Langoliers, Chapman’s Data might have leaned more toward a cold, detached android rather than Spiner’s curious and humorous version. Episodes like “Measure of a Man” could have taken on a more grim, legalistic tone.
Eric Menyuk: Later appearing on TNG as The Traveler, Menyuk might have infused the Data character with a more mystical, otherworldly quality. His interpretation might have made Data’s journey into humanity feel more existential and abstract rather than primarily emotional.

In a different scenario, another actor might struggle to convey the depth and emotion that Brent Spiner brought to the character Data. For instance, episodes like “The Offspring,” where Data’s sorrow over his daughter’s death moved many viewers to tears, would have lacked that emotional resonance with a different portrayal. Similarly, the charming awkwardness of Data, showcased in episodes like “The Naked Now,” might not have been as captivating with a different interpretation. Ultimately, it was Spiner’s ability to combine innocence and intellect in a unique way that made Data an iconic character; his absence would have left a significant gap in the series.

Other Notable Casting Considerations

Where Would We Be Without The Riker Maneuver?

Lieutenant Geordi La Forge: While LeVar Burton secured the role, notable actors like Wesley Snipes and Tim Russ (who later portrayed Tuvok in Star Trek: Voyager) were also seriously considered. Snipes’ portrayal might have introduced a more action-oriented Geordi, potentially influencing episodes like “The Enemy” to focus more on physical prowess—a chief engineer doing kickflips?
Commander William Riker: Jonathan Frakes became synonymous with Riker, but actors like Michael O’Gorman and Ben Murphy were also in the running. An alternative Riker could have shifted the character’s charm and leadership style, affecting dynamics in episodes like “The Best of Both Worlds.” Without Frakes, though, we may not have The Riker Maneuver (a.k.a. sitting in chairs weirdly).
Doctor Beverly Crusher: Gates McFadden’s portrayal is well-loved, yet actors Anne Twomey and Jenny Agutter were considered as well. Agutter, known for Logan’s Run and An American Werewolf in London, might have brought a different sensibility to the role, potentially forever altering the mother-son relationship explored in “The Bonding.”
Wesley Crusher: Unlike other roles, Wesley Crusher only had one casting option—J.D. Roth. Despite Wil Wheaton securing the role early on, the character became one of the most divisive in TNG, with many fans criticizing Wesley as an unrealistic child prodigy who often solved problems that more experienced officers couldn’t. May even believe Crusher to be Roddenberry’s self-insert character, which could explain why there wasn’t much debate about casting.

The TNG Cast That Could Have Been

The process of selecting actors for Star Trek: The Next Generation was a challenging and unpredictable journey, involving many gifted performers vying for each role. This document reveals how drastically different the series could have been. Would Mitch Ryan have made a suitable Picard? Would Snipes’ Geordi have displayed flair while evading phaser fire? Might TNG have struggled to endure its initial seasons without the synergy of its eventual cast members?

Fortunately, the ultimate cast turned out to be legendary and produced many of the series’ most memorable characters and symbols. However, it’s intriguing to contemplate the “what-ifs” – perhaps in another reality, we’d be discussing whether Yaphet Kotto or Wesley Snipes made a better captain in that version of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

2025-03-25 16:25