Many fans of Star Trek would love the chance to appear on any of the series. Even a walk on role without any speaking lines would work for most of us, especially if it meant we got to put on the uniform. We know, though, that the chances of that happening are slim to none…unless you’re a fan who happens to be a celebrity…like Tom Hanks.
Tom Hanks has been open about his love of the Star Trek franchise, saying on an episode of The Graham Norton Show that his family “worshipped at the feet of Star Trek.” And he wants to play a role, more specifically, he wants to play a peaceful Romulan, which makes perfect sense. When you think of Hanks, you think of a nice guy. But that isn’t a word you could ever associate with Romulans. (See Season 1 of Star Trek: Picard if you need a refresher.)
Furthermore, the Romulans that do appear to be congenial often have something up their sleeves. Trusting one of them is as dangerous as swimming alongside a shark. Hanks did specify that he would be interested in the role after the Romulans made friends. According to Heavy.com, this could possibly happen since on the third season of Star Trek: Discovery, Ni’Var, the new name for Vulcan, was in talks with the Federation about rejoining it. Still, this is one of those I’ll believe it when I see it moments. Even then, I think most of the Federation would have an issue with trusting any Romulan for a very long time.
There’s no telling if a fourth Star Trek movie will ever be made, but that could certainly be an option for Hanks, especially if the role was specifically written for him. Perhaps a Romulan who wants to defect because he’s tired of the underhanded dealings of his species? Or one who has been saved by the Federation and feels a sense of loyalty?
While the possibilities are aplenty, whether or not Tom Hanks will actually ever appear in a Star Trek vehicle remains to be seen. Fans of both the actor and Star Trek can only hope.