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The 1960s were the time when space race was heating up, and people’s imaginations were slowly becoming reality. Space sci-fi became a staple of the television diet, with Gene Roddenberry leading the march with hisStar Trekfranchise.
The Original Serieswas followed byThe Next Generation, which, after much speculation and criticism, managed to find a permanent place in the Trekkies’ hearts. And needless to say, the series made Jonathan Frakes’ portrayal of William Riker a fan favorite.
Jonathan Frakes was not the original choice for William Riker
Many memorable characters hail from theStar Trek: The Next Generationseries, but Captain William Riker stands out as particularly charming, a testament toJonathan Frakes‘ talent. But most fans will be surprised to know that he wasn’t the first choice for the role.
“Roaches and my organs are going to be the only things left after the holocaust”: Brent Spiner Was Terrified What Star Trek: The Next Generation Was Doing to His Body
The book “The Fifty-Year Mission: The Complete, Uncensored, and Unauthorized Oral History of Star Trek: The Next 25 Years From The Next Generation To J. J. Abrams” details that Michael O’Gorman, Billy Campbell, and the renownedStar Treklegend Jeffrey Combs were also seriously considered for the role.
Jeffrey Combs, who had played 9 roles in 4 different Trek series, was once a front-runner for Riker. However, even he couldn’t imagine himself playing the Enterprise’s first officer, as he recalled in the DVD extras for “Deep Space Nine” Season 5,
“Even at the time, I thought, what am I doing?”
Ultimately, Jonathan Frakes went through seven auditions over six weeks and secured the role only after the preferred actor for the part faltered in his final audition.
William Riker was supposed to be more strict
The first officer of the USS Enterprise was recognized for his exuberant personality and flirtatious mannerisms. Nevertheless, in the early seasons of the show, the actor portrayed a more stern and solemn character, aligning with Roddenberry’s vision of Riker as a ‘Gary Cooper’ archetype.
Inan interview, Frakes discussed the initial instructions he received from Roddenberry on portraying the role of Riker.
I was told by Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry that he wanted Riker to be like Gary Cooper — a Midwestern glint, no smiling, all about honor and duty. That was fine for the character, but it was a strange, limiting box for me as an actor because I’m a little more flamboyant.
The series garnered unprecedented success, eclipsing its predecessor and resulting in the production of four original movies. Moreover, a spinoff namedStar Trek: Picardpremiered, showcasing the comeback of the original cast members.
Star Trek: The Next Generationis available to stream onParamount+.
Sayantan Choudhary
Senior Editor
Articles Published :108
Sayantan is a Senior Editor at FandomWire. His tingling for pop culture began at a tender age of 4 with a Superman: The Animated Series lunch box, which blossomed into his love for TV shows, films, anime, gaming, and comics. Having previously worked with reputed websites like Wiki Of Thrones and Collider over the past 5 years, his zeal has only multiplied manifold. When he’s not working or scrolling through fan debates and theories, you may find him memorizing workout videos (but never actually doing them).
