In a lengthy new interview with Ain’t It Cool News, Star Trek 3 actor and co-writer Simon Pegg spoke about his new film Kill Me Three Times, but also dipped into the writing process leading up to the new Star Trek film, creating a story while barreling towards a production deadline, and his thoughts on incoming director Justin Lin.
On keeping Star Trek secrets:
AICN: As I was writing these questions, I realized I can’t really talk about the [Kill Me Three Times] story without giving away key points. I’m used to this level of secrecy with some of your bigger films; I’m not sure I approve of having this level of secrecy on your smaller films.
Simon Pegg: Yeah, right. Well it’s funny, because that’s simply about protecting the plot twists. With keeping secrets on films like Star Trek and Mission: Impossible — but particularly Star Trek — it’s about trying to preserve the integrity of the audience experience… But you feel like it’s more of a personal choice that you make, because obviously you could spill all the beans, but it’s nice that you’re not.
On writing for the Star Trek sequel with a looming production deadline:
AICN: Speaking of Star Trek, are you still writing now, or are you done writing?
Pegg: I should be now, but I’m out promoting this film.
AICN: You’re wasting time with me.
Pegg: [laughs] No, no. We’re trying to get as much done when we can as possible. I’m going to see [co-writer Doug Jung] this week, and Doug’s going to come over to the UK next week. We’re going to get our heads down.
It’s been an interesting way to work, because we’ve essentially had to create a whole bunch of stuff very quickly for the production to start working on, without having the minutia of the script in place. It’s a strange way to work, but its necessity means that’s the way we have to work. But at the same time, it’s inspiring us to come up with good stuff. We don’t have any choice.
This film is going to go into production this summer, and we have to write it by then. It’s not like we have the luxury of time. We don’t. Often you’ll procrastinate. If you do have the time, you’ll just sit around. We’re being forced to create. It’s not how I’m used to working, but it’s not unproductive.
On managing Montgomery Scott’s story:
AICN: You thought you were under the microscope just being in it, and now you’re actually writing it. Are we finally going to get that solo Scotty story that fans have been clamoring for? The Search for Scotty? Here’s your chance.
Pegg: Actually, I was like, “Let’s kill Scotty,” and they were like, “No!” It’s weird. I’m allowing the Scotty storyline to evolve. I’m trying not to get too involved. I’m not going to put him in the forefront.
He’ll have his place in the story, but at the same time, I don’t want people to watch the movie knowing that I’ve contributed to the writing. I’m not writing it by myself. It’s a team. Doug and I, and Justin obviously has input. Lindsey Webber [the head of the film division at Bad Robot] and [producer] Bryan Burk. We’re all collaborating.
I realize I’ll probably take the blame if it doesn’t work, but that’s the risk I’m having to take. If anything, I’m going to write myself less, because then I can have more time off and still get to be in STAR TREK.
On handing Justin Lin the reigns to the Trek film franchise:
AICN: Back to STAR TREK for a second, it’s weird. I’ve only met Justin Lin once, but it was for BETTER LUCK TOMORROW [his 2002 second feature].
Pegg: Oh, his Sundance movie.
AICN: Yeah, and he came to Chicago with it, and he was so cool. It’s funny that he never made a movie that size again.
Pegg: It happens a lot these days. Hollywood is constantly scouting for young, inventive talent to direct big movies, probably because you don’t have to pay them that much. But everyone from Justin to Mark Webber to Edgar even, people who seem to display huge potential, they go, “Okay. Here’s a giant franchise.” But what’s important is that the studios have faith in them.
If you’re going to get someone who has a specific vision, let them do that, don’t just hire them because they’re cheap and you can think that they can do it. Let them do what they do, and you’ll see a refreshing blockbuster. Otherwise, it’s just cookie-cutter cinema.
The next Trek film is slated for release in July 2016, with filming expected to start this summer.