JJ Abrams: Anton Yelchin will not be recast in ‘Star Trek 4’

Speaking to the Toronto Sun, the director said: ‘There’s no re-casting.

Moving forward, J.J. Abrams said that there really is no recasting of the role of Chekov. We already knew this was going to be a bittersweet experience as a result of the loss of Leonard [Nimoy, who died in February 2015]. Most people assumed that Chekov would be recast in future Star Trek installments.

Yelchin died in a bad freak accident outside his LA home on June 19 when his vehicle rolled back and crushed him.

He did, however, complete several projects before his death, continuing his role as Pavel Chekov in the upcoming Star Trek Beyond. To no surprise, his reach extended far beyond the Star Trek cast, showcasing just how many hearts and souls he really touched, as his parents so beautifully remarked. At least in terms of new work within Abrams’s run on the rebooted film franchise. The actor was tragically killed as the film entered the busiest pre-release marketing period for Star Trek Beyond, and the film is dedicated to him, quite rightly.

In an interview with Postmedia Network, he said that the filmmakers behind “Star Trek 4” had begun talks on dealing with the death of the actor.

Now, producer J.J. Abrams says, it’s the last we’ll see of Chekov, period.

Chris Hemsworth, who cameoed as George Kirk in 2009’s Star Trek, will also return.

The screenplay will be penned by Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne and J.J. Abrams and Lindsey Weber will produce through Bad Robot Productions.

Tell us, how do you think this delicate situation should be handled?

She adds that she and the rest of the Star Trek Beyond cast, including producer J.J. Abrams, are out promoting the film with Yelchin in mind.