After playing antagonist Sylar on Heroes for three years, Zachary Quinto is eager to make his feature film debut as Star Trek's Spock. But filling the shoes once occupied by legendary sci-fi figure, Leonard Nimoy, is easier said than done. The challenge: transform his look and provide his own unique take on the character that catapulted the original actor into a pop-culture icon.

Quinto, who came of age in the Star Wars generation, which is a decade after Star Trek's TV debut, wasn't exactly a Star Trek fan. But he had all the help he could get. To get into the role, he researched Star Trek extensively and, more importantly, turned to Nimoy who "was so available and supportive" as well as open to his questions about the impact Spock had on Nimoy's life.


"Working with Leonard was an incredible honor, and the whole experience, for me, was so fulfilling, beyond my wildest expectations, in terms of just getting to know him and understanding how this character has informed his creative processes and his life. It was great fun. I've been asked a lot if there was pressure because of Leonard's involvement, and my response has always been, 'To the contrary, actually.' Having him as a resource and such a generous available support system, actually made it so much easier for me to step into the experience," the Heroes actor said in a press conference.

As for his physical transformation, Star Trek director J.J. Abrams insisted that his bushy brows had to go if he was to play the sci-fi Vulcan.

"I had to shave three quarters off each to play Spock," said Quinto, who is now sporting a more slick style. "My eyebrows do require some attention... I don't know if they're my favorite feature, but they're certainly my defining characteristic."

Heroes fans can catch Zachary Quinton when Star Trek hits U.S. theaters on May 8.


-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: wired.com, iesb.net
(Image courtesy of Paramount)