The rebooted Star Trek franchise (or “NuTrek” as some have dubbed it) may not be in the same league as some of the sci-fi series’ best movie and television moments, but one thing that even its biggest detractors can’t deny is that the new movies have helped popularize Star Trek for a new generation of viewers. As alternate takes on the adventures of the USS Enterprise and her crew, Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness, and Star Trek Beyond have been able to tell new stories with familiar characters, while also paying homage to creator Gene Roddenberry’s original stories when appropriate (perhaps a bit too often for some tastes). The reboot series started by J.J. Abrams in 2009 has admittedly been an uneven experience so far, but the films contain a lot of hidden details for fans to find, including some you may not have even noticed.
In celebration of J.J. Abrams 53rd birthday, join us as we highlight 24 hidden gems found throughout in the Star Trek reboots. Enjoy!
24. The Greg Grunberg Cameos
J.J. Abrams is known for giving his old buddy Greg Grunberg bit parts in his movies; for instance, he turned up as a Resistance pilot in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and as the commander of Yorktown in Star Trek Beyond (a film that Abrams produced, but didn’t direct). What you may not have realized is that Grunberg also has a role in Star Trek 2009, but in audio from only. He’s the voice of the younger Kirk’s stepdad.
Source: Screenshot via Paramount Pictures