As per usual, this year’s crop of summer movies offers what you’d expect — brands, explosions, superheroes, sequels, remakes — but not much for the brain to chew on. And while it’s probably safe to say that “Star Trek Beyond” won’t give you a ton of intellectual exercise, Zachary Quinto says everyone’s favorite Vulcan will face challenges beyond surviving whatever adventure the crew of the Enterprise embarks upon.
“[He’s] in this existential moment in his life and at a crossroads between his obligation to his Starfleet and his Vulcan roots. His planet was destroyed and they’re rebuilding, and he’s trying to figure out where his energy is best directed to help other people. He comes into a new awareness of his own mortality for a number of reasons, and there’s a lot of stuff that he’s trying to figure out in this film. By the end, I think he realizes the best path for himself moving forward,” the actor told EW.
“Part of Spock’s existential crisis is, does he need to be with a Vulcan? Uhura recognizes this, so they’re not necessarily at the height of relationship bliss in this film, but they love each other deeply and they want each other to be happy, to be fulfilled, to serve their purpose, and to realize their potential,” he added.
So, maybe not so much an existential crisis, but perhaps a romantic one, and given the way love goes sometimes, perhaps it feels existential. And it’s probably a big deal for a guy who isn’t big on emotions.
“Star Trek Beyond” arrives on July 22nd. Check out a couple of new TV spots below.