Appendix

My idea for a remake, based on using a Star Trek crew (Enterprise) to replace the C57-D crew.

I’ve thought for a long time that there’s an opportunity to combine Forbidden Planet with Star Trek. A remake could sub one of the Trek ships for C-57D. The problem is the deaths; you need a crew that’s (at least partly) expendable. I thought about Voyager, but in the end there’s only one candidate: Enterprise (the NX-01 version). With the series being cancelled after four seasons, the cast has nothing to lose. Yes it had issues (don’t get me started on the theme tune), but the characters are developed enough to perform here. There do, however, need to be some re-jigs in the ‘what happens to who’ department. So here’s my pitch:

Archer = Adams, but without the Altaira love interest. Archer is far to goody goody to impose himself on a young, impressionable colonist’s daughter. Plus he’s got his beagle to think about. Perhaps there might be a back story where Archer knew (or was romantically involved with) Morbius’ wife in the past? That would give Altaira a natural replacement father-figure on the voyage to Earth. Also Archer is smart enough to figure out the Krell/Id/Morbius puzzle. 

T’Pol = Ostrow, but the science version of him. T’Pol, with her logical Vulcan mind, would be first in line for the Krell mind boost. There’s a complication that she and Tucker were a couple at the end of Enterprise, so they would need to have drifted apart. Perhaps her Spockian search for ultimate logic has pushed him away. This would reinforce her desire to get the mind boost and become Krell. Her search for ultimate logic, perhaps seeing it as a cure for her Pa’nar sickness, has led to her death. If you wanted to get really deep, T’Pol’s katra could be transferred into the machine at her death. The machine become her, at least for a while. Perhaps the beast is then (re-fueled) by the illogical part of her Vulcan mind.

Tucker = himself, but with the primary Altaira love interest. In Forbidden Planet the Chief is killed but that won’t work here, it would sink one of the primary sub-plots. With his easy ways and southern accent you can see Altaira falling for him. He’s more corn-fed than Iowa Kirk. Promises of life back on the ranch would woo Altaira,

Reed = Farman. He’s sleazy enough to go straight for Altaira, plus he and Tucker have a competitive streak with each other. Reed’s also way gung-ho enough to kamikaze the monster (and die for it). One issue is that he’s too security minded to allow the ship be entered so easily. Perhaps, since scans of Altair IV indicate a safe haven, he’s off his guard? Plus there’s distraction of Altaira.

Sato = Quinn. With her linguistic skills, it’s not a stretch to believe she would be put in charge of making communication with HQ. Also, having a female graphically killed by the invisible monster adds depth (like Lambert in Alien). 

Mayweather = Cooky. There has to be a clown to put Robby’s jokes to good use. Perhaps Mayweather is too straight, but as a space boomer he’d be a natural candidate for brewing illicit rocket bourbon aboard the Enterprise. 

Phlox = Ostrow, but only the doctor version. If Ostrow is McCoy/Spock combined, then splitting him between T’Pol and Phlox makes sense. Plus you wouldn’t get Phlox going near no brain booster, not for all the slugs on Andoria! He could be the comedian, and certainly has the sense of humor for it. But I prefer the role of Holmes for him, trying to figure out WTF made that footprint. As an expert on alien physiology he’d be the prime leader for this investigation. 

There it is. All I ask for is inclusion on the movie’s ’Special Thanks’ list, and two tickets to the premiere. 

You’re welcome fandom.