The original cast of the U.S.S. Enterprise was mature and seasoned — well into their five-year mission when fans caught up to them. The new cast is filled with rookies, forced into action because Earth is in dire need — and because film executives decided moviegoers can't stand to watch anyone over 25.I've been thinking a lot about this. I worry what Star Trek XI's success will do to actors over 40 (will it be like the Muppet Babies effect of the 80s all over again -- everyone suddenly wanting "baby" versions of everything?) but in truth the new cast isn't that much younger than the old cast... people forget that Shatner, Nichols, Nimoy weren't always senior citizens. They were approximately 35ish when Star Trek began. The new cast -- with the exception of the 20 year old Anton Yelchin -- are approximately 30ish.
Still, I worry that Hollywood will learn the wrong lesson, the one it already likes to learn: People won't watch OLD people. (Never mind that Up starring a grumpy old geezer will soon be a massive hit and Meryl Streep is more popular than ever at 59).
People learn the wrong lessons all the time. Take Cinematical, which marked Trek's new popularity with a list of 7 franchises JJ Abrams should reboot. Cinematical thinks just like Hollywood. No wonder they're so popular. "If you liked ___ you'll love ___." JJ Abrams should not be rebooting everything. Let him stick to Star Trek. He did well. Why must everything be the same? See also previous gripe: The Blockbuster Loop. I'm starting to feel like I'm the only movie fanatic that craves variety. Prove me wrong in the comments. Or if you love it when everything is the same, explain yourself.
