First and foremost - it HAS to be a woman of color. It is time. Kate Mulgrew was and is extremely popular as Captain Kathryn Janeway the first female Captain to head a series. It's time that a woman of color got to sit in the big chair.
So here are my choices.
Viola Davis - Totes proven her dramatic acting chops on HTGAWM. Star Trek is a science fiction drama and you better make sure you have a good actor/actress with command of their craft in the lead role. Viola would own it and bring the big guns when neeeded.
Angela Basset - Legend - Legend - Legend - If I have to explain this one to you then you havent been paying attention to a good chunk of film and television. Brilliant actress in any genre.
C.C.H. Pounder - Let's talk character actress par excellence. This woman can do anything and with a quiet dignity that eclipses most others. She's been called the black Meryl Streep and for good reason. She SHOULD have as many awards as Meryl in my opinion but the old, white men of Hollywood deem otherwise. I have loved this woman for years. Only negative against her is her age. They generally prefer the captain to be in their 40's / early 50's.
Alfre Woodard. No stranger to Star Trek. Again - she has the acting chops to bring to the role and would handle it hand in glove in my opinion. I think she would also bring a good sense of comedic timing to the role as demonstrated as "Lily" in Star Trek : First Contact.
Regina King. It's Regina King. Enough said. You want someone who will kick ass? Put Ms King in the big chair.
Kelly Hu - Okay not a WOC, but if they went alternative ethnic, this woman would be my logical choice. She also has the hand to hand training that could make her a warrior captain.
*IF* now *IF* they choose a white woman - then this is the woman to choose. Charlize Theron. Yes she's a movie star, but she has the gravitas to pull it off and she is a genuine fan of the genre. She also has a flair for over the top drama which can sometimes be useful when playing in the science fiction genre.
And finally - whilst I DO NOT WANT A MAN IN THE ROLE - if they go with a man then there is only one choice. Let's give Mr Dwayne Johnson the big chair. He's a big man with surprising range in craftwork. Plus he is hot. NO denying it.
Okay - so there are my picks. How about yours?
Let me know in the comments your choice and why and/or email them to me and I'll do a follow up post on them.
Also go to the polls in the sidebar and let me know your picks for the new Trek Captain.
Live Long and Prosper all.
Damien
xox
