By
GustavoLeao /
07:02, 19 March 2013 /
General Star Trek
TrekWeb talks to actor Todd Haberkorn , who plays the new Mr Spock on the new web series Star Trek Continues, in this exclusive interview. Interview by Gustavo Leao
The official Facebook page is here
The official Star Trek Continues site is here.
1- Todd, how you became involved with the TOS web series Star Trek Continues ?
1. I joined on with STC first off because Vic and I worked and
continue to work together on the convention circuit and in animated
properties we record for as voice actors. Over the years, we've
discussed our love of Trek and Star Wars and when this project started
to come together, I was on the phone to him about it pretty quickly
asking about who would be playing a certain green blooded Vulcan.
Having worked with Vic on other Star Trek properties, I saw his
passion, knowledge, and ability to bring Trek to this current generation
of sci fi folks in a way that could really be powerful. So to hear that
he was at the helm of his own production with it, I wanted to be
involved. Luckily, he was on the same wavelength and actually was going
to call me when I called him first!
2- Can you describe your versions of Spock ?
2. I've absorbed Spock over the years through the movies and tv
series and was always a fan. When this particular acting challenge came
my way, I wanted to make sure that I wasn't parroting what Leonard did
for the role. After doing that role for so many decades, there's no way I
could compete anyway! And that's not the goal. I want to remain true to
the character of Spock; exploring his existence in the Trek universe
and how his experiences in life and aboard the Enterprise have shaped
him to be the man he is in our version. So that's my road map. I went
back and watched episodes to pick up nuances of what Leonard did, but
was very careful not to copy him. I actually took in a lot of useful
info through reading about him in various books and comics as well.
So I hear folks out in the internet world saying "Spock isn't half
asian! Spock's voice should be lower! Etc." But folks: I'm not Leonard!
I'm Todd, an actor, portraying my take on this wonderfully rich
character. Spock isn't an emotionless being at all - and the joy of what
I get to do is explore that in our episodes.
3- There has been a lot of good hype about Star Trek Continues. Are you feeling any pressure from the fans ?
3. Actually, I don't feel pressure from fans about STC. Partly
because I feel confident that we've got such a great captain at the helm
- he won't let us be anything less than great! But also because, I look
at this project as I do with any project I get involved with in the
sense that I try my best to give my all. So whether its starring in a
world premiere stage production or taking on a legendary science fiction
role, as long as I'm able to put my best, professional foot forward
with my efforts - I feel good!
4 - These are the biggest iconics characters of televisison and movies. Its easier or more difficult to play a icon ?
4. There's about a second or two where you sit and think
"wow...this role is going to be scrutinized to death from here on out!"
But then it passes and you just get down to business. I don't have time
to sit and think about how people are going to judge my performance AND
do the work necessary to flesh out this role; I've got to pick one or
the other. That's not to say I don't care about what the fans will
think, but that comes later when you've done all you can do and its
beyond your control at that point!
5- What do you think about the current state with the Star Trek franchise with the JJ Abrams movies ?
5. As far as the JJ movies go - I hear a lot of folks saying how it
isn't classic Trek and its not true to the Trek world. But, in my
opinion, I'm totally cool with it! You've got an enduring franchise that
has to warp factor 5 it to the current generations of audience members
that have different sensibilities than they did 40+ years ago. The
spirit of the original series is there and yes, its a little more flashy
and timelines are being adjusted, but at the end of the day, I feel
like JJ has a great respect for the franchise for sure.
6- Please send a message to TrekWeb readers regarding your opinion on Stra Trek Continues.
6. Star Trek Continues is boldly and professionally going where no
Trek fan series has gone before. From the largest recreation of Trek
sets in the world to first class professional cast and crew members,
we've got a take on the Star Trek universe that is going to be a fun
ride for fans of the original series and new fans dipping a toe in to
these sci fi waters. I'm happy to be involved with such a wonderful
production that works so very hard to honor the original series, but
also have a fun time doing it.
