By Quinn Bender
It could be one of the most talked about developments in Star Trek’s endlessly-evolving storyline, but it’s one the young cast of the latest Trek feature say has been percolating for 40 years.
“There was, I do remember, one particular instance where Spock was playing a harp,” said Karl Urban, who plays the young Dr. Leonard ‘Bones’ McCoy. “Uhura was singing and caressing his ears. It was one of those hypnotic scenes in the original series. I think while that relationship wasn’t developed, it certainly was there in the subtext.”
The romance between Uhura and Spock, which blossoms in the background of the latest Star Trek installment, is a rare twist to the franchise’s established norms. A young Spock, not yet committed to the stalwart logic of his father’s Vulcan race, submits to his human desire for romance and companionship.
“I think it provides a really interesting depth,” said Zachary Quinto, who plays the young Spock. “Uhura essentially represents a canvas onto which Spock projects the emotions he can’t really otherwise express.”
Zoe Saldana, who assumes the role Nyota Uhura, said the relationship was a natural progression for the characters.
“Spock and Uhura had more in common, in terms of their attraction, than any other characters in the script. She was an apt pupil, she only lives to work, she loves to study, she loves to be the best at what she does. And then all of a sudden there’s this mentor that is a couple years older than she is. He’s got pointy ears, and he’s sexy. He always knows the answer. It just made more sense.
“For him… to allow Uhura to see something not even his father was allowed to see, to see him fail, was absolutely priceless.”
The romance comes to light after several failed attempts of James Kirk to woo Uhura for himself. It’s something Chris Pine, who plays the role, said was a refreshing break from Hollywood’s norm for for awarding the hero with the love interest.
“What I loved about this version is that that relationship added a lot of humor that we were able to explore. Who knows, in further versions of it I think one thing that hasn’t been explored is, I think, Kirk is somewhat of a workaholic. There’s a reason he hasn’t been able to sustain a relationship.”
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