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Star Trek star Simon Pegg: ‘JJ Abrams is badass’

Into Darkness crew explain why their helmsman is such hot Hollywood property.

What makes JJ Abrams the most sought after director in Hollywood?

Well, according to his ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ stars, Simon Pegg and Alice Eve, it’s because he’s “Badass”. Simple really.

“JJ is an enthusiast and he’s driven by a huge love,” says Pegg. “He comes from a childhood of just adoring the movie industry, and is now as an adult… running it. Which just makes perfect sense.”

He’s so nice in fact Simon reckons Captain Kirk co-star Chris “Pines for him”. See what he did there?

Check out the rest of our pun-filled exclusive interview with the Trekkers above, and watch out for their very own (and slightly odd) Khan moment. Fingers in pointed ears…

[Related story: JJ Abrams: why I rebooted Klingons for Star Trek Into Darkness]
[Related story: The most insanely dedicated Star Trek fans]


We also got the chance to ask Simon and Alice exactly how they felt appearing in a franchise with such an established and intimate fanbase?

“People often ask oh what about the fanbase like there’s this malevolent force of cloaked judges who stand round and go ‘No!’” laughs Simon, “But they’re not. They’re a bunch of unabashed enthusiasts who love they’re stuff. And if we can make them happy then it’s brilliant.”

“They’re a great bunch, and the vast majority of them really dig what we’re doing and are happy to see these characters again.

“If the original series is sacred to you and you don’t wanna see it anymore, then that’s fine and it’s OK.” He added. “Don’t go on about it. Don’t hate - I’m a ‘Star Trek’ fan you know.”

Simon, who plays Chief Engineer Scotty, also addressed the rumour that he’d been asked to “tone down” his character’s Scottishness for the Trek sequel:

“I had a book of Scottish colloquialisms, full of amazing little turns of phrase, and occasionally I would try and put them in to the script,” he admits. “But JJ would sometimes say ‘Listen this is really great. But the audience does have to understand what you’re saying…’”

Wise move JJ. Can see why he’s so badass now.

'Star Trek Into Darkness' is out now in the UK.