The Trekkies ("Star Trek" fans) haven't still recovered from the loss of Anton Yelchin, who portrayed the role of Pavel Chekov in J.J. Abram's "Star Trek" reboot. Much to the shock of the fans, Yelchin had died a few months ago in a freak car accident, shortly before the second movie in the reboot series, "Star Trek Beyond," was released.
Besides the Trekkies, veteran Star Trek cast members like George Takei (who played the character of Hikaru Sulu in original "Star Trek" TV series) also paid their respects to Yelchin. Most recently, Walter Koenig, who played Chekov in the television series, has spoken on the issue of recasting the character and has said that it won't be a good idea.
Talking with Yahoo! Movies, when asked whether he wants Chekov to be recast with some other character in next movie of the franchise, Koenig disagreed and said, "I think it's the right call; it's paying Anton the most respect."
"I was devastated and still am devastated [by his death]. I spent just a couple of hours with him, but I could tell he was a very good person. He was extraordinarily talented and versatile, and a human being that I would like to be friends with."
J.J. Abrams had confirmed earlier this year that Chekov won't be recast in any of the future Star Trek movies. In an interview with Toronto Sun, he explained that no other actor can replace Yelchin.
"I can't possibly imagine that [recasting], and I think Anton deserves better," Abrams said.
When asked whether any of the upcoming films will address or explain Chekov's death or not, Abrams said that he was not sure about it, explaining, "I have thought about it, we're working on it, and it's too early to talk about it."
In the meanwhile, CBS has announced plans for a new Star Trek television series that will feature a female lead. The series, titled "Star Trek Discovery," is slated to air in January 2017. The exact air date has not yet been revealed.
