12 Actors Who Hated Being On Star Trek

7. Malcom McDowell

Star Trek Generations Soran Geordi
Paramount

Dr. Tolian Soran is one of the most hated characters in Star Trek history - he killed Captain Kirk! However, the actor playing him, Malcom McDowell, liked him about as much as the rest of the fandom.

McDowell had long been known to audiences for his performance in such films as A Clockwork Orange and Caligula, but this was his first and, to date, only foray in Star Trek. He appeared in Star Trek Generations as an El-Aurian scientist trying to get back to the Nexus, wiling to destroy anything in his path to do it.

While he plays the character with endearing subtlty and a quiet rage, McDowell felt that the script let him down. In fact, he was quoted by his nephew, one Alexander Siddig i.e. Julian Bashir, as saying he thought the script was weak and he himself has admitted that he only took the role for the money. He says that he turned it down four times until the producers agreed to his asking price.

He received death threats from irate fans after the film was released as they were unhappy with his characters actions. Perhaps for his own safety, he has avoided returning to the Trek universe ever since.

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Contributor

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"