10 Actors Who Turned Down Star Trek

6. Geneviève Bujold - Captain Janeway

Tom Hanks
Paramount

The first Star Trek series led by a female captain, Star Trek: Voyager was a step forward for the franchise in more ways than one. Set in the Delta Quadrant, a quarter of the galaxy untouched in previous series, the Federation runs afoul of many new hostile species across the worlds they find there, as well as returning TNG baddies, the Borg.

For the role of Captain Elizabeth Janeway, the writers sought Canadian actress Geneviève Bujold, known for her Academy Award-nominated performance as Anne Boleyn in the 1969 film, Anne of the Thousand Days. Bujold accepted the role, but withdrew from the series after just two days due to the rigorous schedule the production team thrust upon her.

Instead, the position was filled by Kate Mulgrew, who suggested the character be renamed to Kathryn. And the rest is history. Or future, depending on how you look at it.

Contributor

Graduate composer, on-and-off session musician, aspiring novelist, professional nerd. Where procrastination and cynicism intertwine, Lee Clarke can be found.