Tom Hanks almost joined the crew of the Enterprise… but not in the way you might think! Explore how the actor could have portrayed Zefram Cochrane in “Star Trek: First Contact” and why it ultimately didn’t happen.
Over its 60-year history, the Star Trek franchise has often aimed to attract a broader audience, whether through the humor and time travel in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home or the 2009 reboot by J.J. Abrams. As pointed out by Collider, in 1996, the franchise nearly secured one of America’s most beloved actors for Star Trek: First Contact: Tom Hanks.
Paramount has consistently tried to draw big stars to enhance the commercial success of Gene Roddenberry’s saga. Eddie Murphy was considered for a role in The Voyage Home, and Sean Connery was in line to play Sybok in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier. But Hanks, a die-hard Star Trek fan, was a candidate for a significant character outside the Enterprise crew: Zefram Cochrane.
Who is Zefram Cochrane?
In the original Star Trek series, Cochrane is the inventor of the warp drive, portrayed by Glenn Corbett in the episode “Metamorphosis.” He encounters Kirk and the crew on a planet where an alien entity, “the Companion,” had restored his youth. Cochrane must then collaborate with them before being trapped forever.
He reappears in First Contact, where the Enterprise crew follows the Borg back to 2063 to prevent their attempt to assimilate Earth. The Cochrane they meet is far from a hero: a drunken inventor, he uses his ship to make a quick fortune.
Tom Hanks Nearly Landed the Role
During pre-production, Tom Hanks was at the peak of his career with hits like Philadelphia, Forrest Gump, Apollo 13, and voicing Woody in Toy Story. His involvement could have brought unprecedented prestige to the film.
In 2021, Ronald D. Moore, co-writer of the film, told the Hollywood Reporter that talks with Hanks “never materialized.” The role eventually went to James Cromwell, who was already experienced in the franchise. Hanks’ high salary demands and a busy schedule, especially with That Thing You Do!, likely prevented his participation. However, the actor expressed his excitement for the opportunity on the Happy Sad Confused podcast in 2023.
“The guy who invented the warp drive? Absolutely, I would have jumped at the chance! I would’ve shown up and handed out Tribbles at the first meeting. ‘Guys, here, Tribbles for everyone!’”
Is There a Place for Tom Hanks in the Star Trek Universe?
Ultimately, things worked out well for the film and for Tom Hanks. Cromwell’s Cochrane became an iconic fallen hero, reluctant and slightly cynical, until the Enterprise crew encouraged him to take responsibility. Hanks’ arrival might have required a deep rewrite of the character, potentially disrupting the narrative.
Star Trek: First Contact was successful with critics and audiences without him. The franchise went on to attract other stars like Tom Hardy, Benedict Cumberbatch, Idris Elba, and Paul Giamatti. With new projects like the Star Trek: Starfleet Academy series and a movie in development, Tom Hanks could still join the extended universe in a unique way. Never say never…
Star Trek: First Contact is available to stream on Paramount+, as well as on VOD.
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A passionate journalist, Iris Lennox covers social and cultural news across the U.S.