For most “Star Trek” fans, there is only one Spock: Leonard Nimoy. He originated the character when the TV series “Star Trek” began airing in 1966. He has also reprised the role many times. Even 2013’s “Star Trek Into Darkness,” which featured Zachary Quinto as Spock, still included him as ‘Spock Prime.’
So, when Ethan Peck discovered that he was auditioning for the role of Spock in the new series, “Star Trek: Discovery,” it wasn’t without trepidation. “I didn’t know what I was auditioning for at the very beginning of the process,” Peck told his “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” co-star, Paul Wesley, for “Entertainment Tonight.”
Why Ethan Peck Was ‘Frightened’ to Take on Spock
“By the time I was in the second or third callback, I got sides, which are scenes they give us to audition with, that are often taken from the script,” Peck explained. “And I could discern from those sides that it was for the character of Spock. And I was in disbelief. It was a character I never expected to be up for.”
Peck revealed to the “Vampire Diaries” star that he was deep in the audition process when he discovered that he was auditioning for the role of Spock.
“It was confirmed for me in the final audition,” he continued. “I was really frightened. I was just really afraid that I wouldn’t be able to be consistent and sort of tackle the legacy of the character. Because it’s really heavy.”
Peck Says His Spock is ‘Very Easy to Have Fun With’
Peck first appeared as Spock in “Star Trek: Discovery” in 2019. Since then, he has reprised the role in “Star Trek: Short Treks” and “Star Trek: Very Short Treks.” He is currently in “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.” Despite his fear about taking on a character with such a heavy legacy, he’s succeeded in infusing his own touches.
“My version is more Funny Spock,” he told Men’s Journal. “I think there’s always an opportunity for comedy with the character because he’s so peculiar and idiosyncratic. You put him in any situation, it’s very easy to have fun with him, as a writer or as a performer.”
Also called ‘Hot Spock’ by “Star Trek: Next Generation” alum Jonathan Frakes, Peck’s version has had more romance than before. “We did see Spock grow a lot with these romantic relationships,” Peck admitted. “And I think it’s a major mistake not to develop your emotions and live in your feelings.”
