Bruce Greenwood has been cast as Christopher Pike, the Starship Enterprise’s first captain, in J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek at Paramount.
The character of Capt. Pike appeared in the original unaired pilot that Gene Roddenberry created. The pilot was rejected by CBS and then shown to NBC, which turned it down, though it liked the concept enough to commission a second pilot. (Only the character of Spock survived the redevelopment.)
Pike was later weaved back into Star Trek lore as the ship’s first captain and appeared in a two-part episode.
In related news, Rachel Nichols (P2) has confirmed to the Toronto Sun that she has a role in Star Trek as well.
“I’m very restricted on what I’m allowed to say,” she said. “But yes, there’s a good chance you’ll see my shining face in the new ‘Star Trek.'”
Nichols previously worked with Abrams on ABC’s “Alias.”
Abrams’ “Trek” started shooting Wednesday. It is understood that the movie chronicles the early days of the Enterprise crew.
