After the cancellation of Star Trek: The Original Series, Walter Koenig thought he was done with the series
Like most of the Star Trek actors, it’s not surprising that Walter Koenig thought the series was gone, and he could move on to other acting roles. But that wasn’t to be the case. While it would take several years before Koenig would return to the screen playing Chekov once again, since that time, he has been immersed in this role that isn’t going anywhere.
While he might not be playing Chekov anymore on big or small screens, the character is still considered a big part of the Star Trek universe and is much in demand at conventions. And with shows like Star Trek: Discovery utilizing old footage like it did recently with Spock from The Next Generation, there is always the possibility that Chekov can show up in the future.
"When we finished the series I was absolutely convinced that we were gone for good and forever and would never be involved with anything to do with Star Trek again, so I had no foreknowledge of where my life would go, nor did anyone else I think."
After the big screen for Star Trek: The Motion Picture, the actor believed the crew was done for good that time as well. After all, the film had gotten a lot of criticism, and Koenig was sure their fates were sealed. But fans proved him wrong with their continued interest in the franchise.
"The artistic failings of the first motion picture certainly seemed to seal our fate and was an indication that we were done, gone and buried. As it turned out, that wasn’t so, and we continued to resurface, to disinter, as it were, and come back. So it’s always been a pleasant surprise that we’ve had this life that’s gone on for more than five decades. In the best of all worlds, it would have been nice if I had a greater variety of opportunities, but still there’s something to be said for still being acknowledged and recognized and finding some financial remuneration this late in the game."
Fans weren’t ready for Star Trek to end when it was cancelled in 1969, and now that Paramount is churning out more series, we can’t imagine ever going back to a time when there is no Star Trek on either a streaming channel or television. In fact, we’re hoping for even more.