Doctor Leonard H. “Bones” McCoy is arguably one of the most important characters in Star Trek. He may not be as iconic as Mr. Spock or as adventurous as Captain Kirk, but he provides an emotional heart and down-to-earth practicality that grounds almost every TV episode and movie in which he appears.
Playing such a character is almost certainly a unique challenge. After all, an actor would need to be emotive enough to contrast with the calm stoicism of a character like Mr. Spock without coming across as untethered. Originating the role, DeForest Kelley strikes this balance admirably, establishing a legacy that Karl Urban has since skillfully carried on.
DeForest Kelley’s creation of “Bones”
What DeForest Kelley brings to McCoy is a layered character. On the surface, he is gruff and grumbling. He complains and moans about space and technology and almost every aspect of life aboard a starship. Spending time with Bones soon reveals a gentler, thoughtful man, however, whose bristly demeanor is the direct result of how much he cares.
It’s notable that Kelley’s take on Dr. McCoy is not rude or truly angry. He is, perhaps, less diplomatic and poised than many other Star Trek characters, but he is honest almost to a fault. Even if he is sarcastic and a bit clumsy with how he says things at times, his core motivation always seems to be compassion.
All of this is to say that DeForest Kelley brings dynamism and breadth to Dr. McCoy. He can successfully play McCoy in broader, more comedic circumstances, as seen in Star Trek: The Original Series episodes “Shore Leave” or “Friday’s Child,” but he also plays well in quieter, more contemplative scenes, like “Balance of Terror.” This ensures that McCoy is fun to watch while also tugging at your heartstrings when necessary.
Karl Urban, picking up the tricorder in another timeline
I will be honest and say that I have a lot of issues with the Kelvin-timeline Star Trek movies. These issues range from the writing to the cinematography and, yes, even to many of the performances. One performance that I do not have many issues with, however, is Karl Urban’s take on Dr. McCoy.
It is hard to take over a role that has been firmly established by one actor for decades. Rather than developing the character from scratch, Urban’s performance is a tightrope walk, endeavoring to capture the sound and demeanor of DeForest Kelley’s McCoy without devolving it into pure pastiche or parody.
Urban’s take on McCoy leans harder into the gruff and grumbling aspects of the character. Whereas Kelley’s McCoy can be cranky at times, Urban’s seems downright angry at the world. This tracks, given he is meant to be younger and getting over an apparently messy divorce, and even over the course of the movies, the Urban McCoy seems to mellow a bit.
Where Urban’s McCoy departs the most from Kelley’s is the lack of heartfelt moments. The focus of these films is much more squarely on Kirk and Spock, so Bones is largely relegated to more of a supporting role. This is not Urban’s fault, and it is also worth remembering that he’s only been in three movies.
Karl Urban’s success as Dr. McCoy comes in the fact that he captures a faithful, recognizable essence of the character. The fact that he manages this in a film series where most of the characters feel decidedly incongruous with their TOS counterparts is a credit to Urban’s skill as an actor and commitment to the role.
But who’s better?
A character is not solely the product of an actor’s performance. Writers, directors, and even film editors can all influence the way we perceive and understand a character on screen. Nonetheless, actors are often the stewards of their characters in a series. Thus, in understanding a character like Dr. McCoy, comparing the actors who’ve played him is a good place to start.
Perhaps it’s trite to say it, but you can’t beat the original. Karl Urban does a great job, but that is because his work honors the work of DeForest Kelley. Kelley brings a heart and wisdom to the old country doctor that makes him the real McCoy.
Who is your favorite actor to portray Dr. McCoy? Share your thoughts and comments on our Facebook and X pages.