Brent Spiner Says Star Trek Is Important

Brent Spiner says Star Trek is Star Trek is “about the most important American entertainment that has ever been.”

ICYMI: We’ve confirmed that the production code name for the new Star Trek series is ‘Green Harvest.’

Brent Spiner sat down with StarTrek.com to talk about reprising his role as Dr. Okun in Independence Day: Resurgence, Star Trek’s 50th anniversary, and the new Star Trek series.

When asked what being a part of Star Trek meant to him Spiner had this to say:

"I’m really pleased to be a part of it. Star Trek has been very good to me. I still feel that Star Trek is about the most important American entertainment that has ever been. So, to be a part of something like this, this great tapestry that is the great American epic, it feels great."

That’s quite the statement, but it’s hard to argue that Spiner isn’t correct. Star Trek has broken so many barriers while entertaining and inspiring. Star Trek sets itself apart from other science fiction on television by showing a future where humanity thrives through science. With so much of modern science fiction showing a dark dystopian future it’s important to have Star Trek there as a balance; to show what humans can be if we put aside our differences.

Spiner was of course also asked if he would be willing to play Data again in the new Star Trek series.

"I don’t think they’d ever ask me to play Data at this point because I do think it would be silly. I’m far too old to play Data again now. Data is this childlike, innocent character who, by the end of Nemesis was not quite as innocent as he used to be, but I don’t think you’d want to go too far with that. Plus, I’d look ridiculous in the makeup at this point. Unless they’re willing to pay for plastic surgery, I don’t think I’ll be playing Data. But to play something else on the show? Well, that depends on how much money they have. But sure, I’d be open to it. I think Bryan Fuller is a really talented guy. I’ve loved his other shows. If he came up with something interesting for me to do, why would I say no?"

So no more Data, but any role Brent Spiner takes on is bound to be fantastic.

Be sure to read the rest of Brent Spiner’s interview with StarTrek.com for yourself.

Next: 50 Actors Who Could Be The Next Star Trek Captain

What do you think, is Star Trek the most important American entertainment ever? Let us know on Facebook or in the comments below.