Star Trek: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Jean-Luc Picard

8. 2001: A Space Odyssey And A Connection For The Ages

2001 A Space Odyssey
MGM

There is little doubt that Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey is one of the most influential SciFi films ever made. There is a connection beyond the production between the film and Star Trek as a franchise - with Jean-Luc Picard making up 50% of that.

For the first 50%, Gary Lockwood stars in both the film and Where No Man Has Gone Before, the second Star Trek pilot, several years earlier. His co-star in 2001, Keir Dullea, would seemingly try to follow in his footsteps.

Memos from 1987 list Dullea as being in contention for the role of Picard, while other names like Louis Gossett Jnr, Yaphet Kotto, and Stephen Macht were also being touted.

As the casting process went on, Dullea was then engaged to make a VHS audition, for the purposes of it being sent to Paramount. This, however, would come to nothing, as the studio did not agree to sign a Test Option Agreement with Dullea in advance of the audition.

For a bright moment, it looked as though two stars of 2001: A Space Odyssey would occupy coveted roles in Star Trek, but alas it was not to be - and some unknown Shakepearean actor got the role instead.

 
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Seán is the host and head writer/presenter for TrekCulture, as well as a writer/presenter on WhoCulture and WhatCulture Horror. He has authored two novels, dozens of short stories, and hundreds of articles for WhatCulture. He holds a Master of Arts in Creative Writing from University College Dublin. As part of his work with TrekCulture, Seán has been invited to participate in collaborations with Roddenberry Entertainment, as well as contributing to several Star Trek community projects. An avid fan of Star Trek, Doctor Who, and the horror genre at large, Seán's expertise has helped develop these channels to the successes they are today. As host of the Ups & Downs series on TrekCulture, Seán has become internationally recognised for his positive yet critically informed approach to reviewing every episode of modern Star Trek, ensuring he is one of the go-to voices in the Trek community. Favourite Quote to describe himself: "I'm serious about what I do, just not always about the way that I do it"