Tag: Nichelle Nichols

Woman in Motion: Nichelle Nichols, Star Trek and the Remaking of NASA Lands in Movie Theaters Nationwide for a One Night Only Fathom Event on February 2nd

The inspiring true story of how renowned Star Trek actress Nichelle Nichols pioneered the NASA recruiting program to hire people of color and the first female astronauts for the space agency in the late 1970s and 1980s, Woman in Motion: Nichelle Nichols, Star Trek and the Remaking of NASA will open in movie theaters nationwide for one night only on February 2, 2021.

Directed by Todd Thompson (The Highwaymen,PRE FAB!), the film chronicles how Nichols transformed her sci-fi television stardom into a real-life science career when, in 1977, she embarked on a campaign to bring diversity to NASA. Nichols formed the company Women In Motion, Inc. and recruited more than 8,000 African American, Asian and Latino women and men for the agency. Nichelle and her program continue to influence the younger generation of astronauts as well, including Mae Jemison, the first female African American astronaut in space. Despite an uphill battle against a bureaucracy that was hesitant to let her get involved, Nichols persevered and is credited by NASA for turning it into one of the most diverse independent agencies in the United States Federal Government.

In addition to Nichols, Woman In Motion features notable celebrities, activists, scientists and astronauts including Neil deGrasse Tyson, George Takei, Pharrell Williams, Martin Luther King III, Al Sharpton, Vivica A. Fox, Walter Koenig, Rod Roddenberry, Michael Dorn, Guy Bluford, Charles Bolden, Ivor Dawson, Frederik Gregory and Benjamin Crump.
View the official trailer here: 

For participating locations and tickets visit www.FathomEvents.com. As movie theaters continue to set-up online ticketing, please check back often. (theaters and participants are subject to change).
Following the feature presentation, fans will be treated to an exclusive behind the scenes documentary about the making of Woman in Motion, which includes additional interviews with Nichols and other notable guests from the documentary, deleted scenes and additional footage from the making of the film.


“We are thrilled that Woman in Motionwill be getting its U.S. premiere and launching the Fathom Events Celebrates Black History Month series next month! This is a great American story with incredible global impact,” said director Todd Thompson. “Nichelle Nichols helped create the brighter future we are living in today by proclaiming that space exploration is for everyone. It’s a simple but very strong statement that opens doors and allows all humankind to boldly go!”  
Fathom Events CEO Ray Nutt said, “We are proud to bring pioneer and role model Nichelle Nichols’ inspiring story in cinemas across the nation. It is an honor to have Woman in Motion as the debut film in the inaugural Fathom Events Celebrates Black History Month series.”

STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE is Back on the Big Screen in September

” Any show of resistance would be futile, Captain. “

In 1979, the Starship Enterprise flew its very first big-screen mission in “Star Trek—The Motion Picture,” and to mark the film’s 40th anniversary, Fathom Events and Paramount Pictures will bring this awe-inspiring adventure back to movie theaters for two days only, on September 15 and 18.

Tickets to “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” are available beginning Friday, August 2, at www.FathomEvents.com or participating theater box offices. 

In its first nationwide cinema release since the film premiered in December 1979, the original theatrical cut of “Star Trek—The Motion Picture” will include the film’s soaring overture by famed composer Jerry Goldsmith. Preceding the film, this special presentation will also feature the behind-the-scenes documentary short “The Longest Trek: Writing the Motion Picture.”

A mammoth undertaking by Oscar®-winning director Robert Wise, “Star Trek—The Motion Picture” boldly took audiences further into the final frontier than ever before and kicked off one of the biggest franchises in movie history. The film became the fourth highest grossing of the year and earned three Academy Award nominations, including Best Visual Effects, Best Art Direction, and Best Music, Original Score.

Starring William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, George Takei, Nichelle Nichols, Walter Koenig, and James Doohan, “Star Trek—The Motion Picture” sees Admiral James T. Kirk return to the helm of an updated U.S.S. Enterprise to confront an alien spacecraft of enormous power heading toward Earth.

“‘Star Trek—The Motion Picture’ is a visual marvel and a film that even many ardent ‘Star Trek’ fans have never had an opportunity to see on a big screen. Fathom Events is honored to celebrate this cinematic classic’s 40th anniversary with this special theatrical presentation,” said Tom Lucas, Fathom Events Vice President of Studio Relations.

CANCELLED! – William Shatner at the STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN Screening in St. Louis

Set phasers to Disappointed! This engagement has been cancelled due to a scheduling conflict!

St. Louis audiences were supposed to see WILLIAM SHATNER, live on stage after a screening of the classic film STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN at the Touhill Performing Arts Center on September 27th, but that event has been cancelled due to a scheduling conflict!

Dammit Jim!

William Shatner Live On Stage Following a Screening of STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN at Touhill Performing Arts Center in St. Louis


“Scotty, I need warp speed in three minutes or we’re all dead!”


Set phasers to stun and beam yourself to Touhill Performing Arts Center on September 27, 2018 for an unforgettable night with the one and only WILLIAM SHATNER, live on stage. Audiences will enjoy a screening of the classic film STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN on the big screen, followed by a live conversation with the one and only “Captain James T. Kirk.” A limited number of VIP tickets will be available which include premium seating and a photo opportunity with Mr. Shatner. Tickets start at $49.75 and go on sale Friday, June 15th at 10:00a.m. at Touhill.org, by phone at 314-516-4949, and at the Touhill Performing Arts Center Ticket Office.


William Shatner will be sharing fascinating and humorous stories from portraying the original Captain Kirk in the “Star Trek” television series and movies, and from his career spanning over 50 years as an award-winning actor, producer, director and writer. Fans will also have a chance to ask Mr. Shatner their question during the audience-led Q&A.


Don’t miss your chance to see a Hollywood legend in this thrill-of-a-lifetime evening. Produced by Mills Entertainment and The Backlot Project.


About William Shatner

William Shatner has cultivated a career spanning over 50 years as an award-winning actor, director, producer, writer, recording artist, and horseman.  In 1966, Shatner originated the role of “Captain James T. Kirk” in the television series Star Trek, a show that spawned a feature film franchise where Shatner returned as Captain Kirk in seven of the Star Trek movies, one of which he directed. He’s won Emmys and a Golden Globe for his portrayal of lawyer “Denny Crane” on both The Practice and Boston Legal.  He received four more Emmy nominations as well as other Golden Globe and SAG Award nods.

His love of music inspired him to record the critically acclaimed album Has Been. William Shatner’s book, Leonard: My Fifty-Year Friendship with a Remarkable Man, appeared on the NY Times Bestseller list,  and his newest book, Spirit of the Horse: A Celebration in Fact and Fable, was released in May 2017. Shatner continues to act, write, produce and direct while still making time to work with charities and further his passion in equestrian sports.  He and his wife, Elizabeth and three married children live in Los Angeles.


About The Backlot Project

Created by Mills Entertainment, The Backlot Project brings the most beloved stars of television and film from the screen to an exciting and intimate live setting. Each Backlot Project is interactive and takes audiences behind the scenes as the brightest stars engage in a tell-all conversation with the talents that brought their favorite moments in entertainment to life.

WIZARD WORLD Comic Con St. Louis Adds Anime Voice Actors Bryce Papenbrook, Austin Tindle, and Jad Saxton – February 2nd – 4th

Three popular anime voice actors have been added to Wizard World Comic Con St. Louis, February 2-4 at America’s Center, as Bryce Papenbrook, Austin Tindle and Jad Saxton will appear at the Anime Arena on the show floor. The three will be available for photos, autographs and voice recordings.

In addition, RightStufAnime.com is partnering with Wizard World to bring something awesome to the Anime Arena. They will be sponsoring a 20×40 space which will be free to all attendees. The Arena will include PS4’s playing the new DragonBallz fighter game, a 500+ manga library, board games, and even some free swag for attendees. Popular character stand-ups will be waiting to take photos will fans (Naruto, Bleach, Yu-Gi-Oh). All items can be rented with some form of ID.

Wizard World attendees can meet them as part of their standard admission, or get an enhanced Anime Gold VIP package with curated anime items, dedicated VIP check in and more at https://wizardworld.com/vip-package/anime-gold-vip-package-5-2-1.

Papenbrook (appearing Saturday and Sunday), is well known as the voice of Kirito from Sword Art Online, Eren Jaeger from Attack on Titan, and Meliodas from The Seven Deadly Sins, and will be making his first ever Wizard World appearance. He has been a professional voice over artist since the age of eight. He was introduced to the voice acting scene by his father, Bob Papenbrook, and has continued the trade in his footsteps. Bryce has performed in numerous video games, cartoons, and television shows. Some other recent roles include Rin Okumura in Blue Exorcist, Shirou Emiya in Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works and Wol in Mobius Final Fantasy. Fans You can follow Bryce on Facebook at http://facebook.com/ActorBrycePapenbrook, @BrycePapenbrook on Twitter, and @BrycePapenbrook on Instagram! IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0745310/.

Tindle (appearing all three days) has worked on several of our favorite Animes including Attack on Titan, Assassination Classroom, Is This a Zombie, and even voices Ken Kaneki from Tokyo Ghoul. The Dallas resident attended the University of Texas at Dallas on an academic scholarship, where he almost became an electrical engineer. At 19, he was cast as Romeo and changed majors the same day. He has spent over a decade performing professionally on stage in Dallas, Texas, but he’s probably most well-known for his work with Funimation Studios, where he has voiced many characters including: Marco Bodt (Attack on Titan), Karma Akabane (Assassination Classroom), Avilio Bruno (91 Days) and many others. Fans can currently hear him voicing the role of Kaneki every Saturday at 1 a.m. on Cartoon Network.

Saxton, appearing all three days, has over 150 roles including some of our favorites: Kanna from Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid, Carla from Fairy Tail, and Akatsuki from Log Horizon. She is also known for her roles as Yuki in Wolf Children, Young Nico Robin in One Piece, Koneko in High School DxD, Hatchin in Michiko & Hachin (Toonami), Faris in Steins; Gate, Haruna in Is This a Zombie?, Sena Kashiwazaki in Hagani, Adèlie in Space Dandy (Toonami), Mira in Dimension W (Toonami) and Nona in Death Parade. For a full list of her work, please visit www.animenewsnetwork.com.

Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop culture: movies, television, gaming, live entertainment, comics, sci-fi, graphic novels, toys, original art, collectibles, contests and more. The second event scheduled on the 2018 Wizard World calendar, St. Louis show hours are Friday, February 2, 4-9 p.m.; Saturday, February 3, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, February 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Kids 10 and under are admitted free with paid adult.

The other guests at this year’s Wizard World Comic Con in St. Louis are:

SEBASTIAN STAN

Sebastian Stan is quickly becoming one of Hollywood’s most sought after young actors.  Stan was last seen on USA Network’s buzzed about mini-series Political Animals. Stan also appeared on ABC’s hit fantasy series Once Upon A Time with for a seven-episode arc. On the big screen, Stan is best known for his role as Bucky Barnes in Marvel’s box office smash Captain America: The First Avenger and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Other film credits include Summit Entertainment’s Gone, Darren Aranofsky’s Black Swan, Rachel Getting Married, Spread, Hot Tub Time Machine, The Education of Charlie Banks, The Architect and The Covenant.

SEAN BEAN

Sean Bean is an English actor with a long and varied career.  After graduating from RADA he made his professional debut in a theatre production of Romeo and Juliet in 1983 and after leading roles at the royal Shakespeare company, he found his first mainstream success for his portrayal of Richard Sharpe in the ITV series Sharpe.    He has since garnered further recognition for his performances as Ned Stark in the critically acclaimed HBO series Game of Thrones, as well as roles in the BBC anthology series Accused and the award winning BBC drama BROKEN.  Perhaps his most prominent film roles is Boromir in The Lord of the Rings trilogy.   He has starred in such films as GoldenEye, Troy, Patriot Games, Ronin, National Treasure, North Country  and many more.

BILLY BOYD

When he was 17 he left school and went to work in a book-binding workshop. Ironically, during the years he worked at the book-binders, the Lord of the Rings trilogy was printed and bound there, many copies bound by his hands. Billy planned on going to America for a year, but before he went he called the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and asked about applying for when he got back. But it so happened that they still had space for this year and they asked him if he wanted to apply and he did. He was at the drama school in a 3-year course for his bachelor of arts degree, meanwhile studying everything from Shakespeare to puppet-making. During this time Billy had a few small roles in TV series such as Down Amongst The Boys and Taggart. After graduating he performed in many plays like The Slab Boys, The Diary of Adrian Mole etc. at The St. Andrews theatre which were his first paying roles. He then received a call from his agent about the Lord of the Rings movies and if he would like to audition for them. He went along not expecting much, but within a few months Peter Jackson came out to Scotland to meet him and to audition him personally. While rehearsing for a show he received a call from his agent who said that the part of Pippin had been offered to him – if he wanted it.

SEAN ASTIN

Sean Astin (born February 25, 1971) is an American film actor, director, voice artist, and producer best known for his film roles as Samwise Gamgee in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Mikey Walsh in The Goonies, and the title character of Rudy. In television, he appeared as Lynn McGill in the fifth season of 24 and currently voices Raphael in the 2012 Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles TV series.

MICHAEL ROSENBAUM

Michael Rosenbaum has worked with everyone from Bradley Cooper and Kevin Spacey to Christopher Walken and Clint Eastwood. The diverse actor has worked in over twenty films, such as Hit and Run, Urban Legend, Sweet November, Bringing Down The House, Pool Hall Junkies and Sorority Boys. He portrayed Lex Luthor on the smash hit Smallville for seven years and voiced The Flash on the hit animated series The Justice League. Currently, Rosenbaum is starring as the lead actor and Executive Producer in the second season of the dark comedy series IMPASTOR for TVLAND that is a hit with critics and recently finished filming the feature film The LAST DAYS OF SUMMER with Bill Fichtenor.

LUCY DAVIS

Lucy’s first job as an actress was at the age of 20, when she played Maria Lucas in the BBC/A&E adaptation of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle.  A few years later, she starred in the Golden Globe winning BBC comedy THE OFFICE, playing DAWN TINSLEY. Shortly after this she played DIANNE in Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright’s zombie movie SHAUN OF THE DEAD.She is also part of Pamela Adlon and Louis CK’s comedy drama BETTER THINGS on FX. And more recently, she can be seen in the new DC movie WONDER WOMAN, where she plays Wonder Woman’s friend and Steve Trevor’s secretary – ETTA CANDY.

JOHN BARROWMAN

John Barrowman is an Entertainer with a capital E. He sings, he dances, he acts, he presents, he judges – he is a unique talent in the entertainment industry on both sides of the Atlantic. John can currently be seen in the regular role of Malcolm Merlyn (aka The Dark Archer) in the hit American drama series Arrow, based on the Green Arrow comic books. The show has been a huge success all over the world, and is aired in the UK on Sky 1 and on the CW network in the USA. He has appeared in all four series of the show. He subsequently guested as Malcolm Merlyn in The Flash, and has also guested on the CW’s hit historical drama Reign. Having guested on the hit American political drama Scandal for the ABC network, he hosted a major new entertainment series for the network, Sing Your Face Off. In the UK on Channel 4 he hosted Superstar Dogs (a game show for dogs) and The Small Animal Hospital with John Barrowman, which followed the work of Glasgow University Veterinary Hospital. He hosted two series of the BBC1 game show Pressure Pad and has hosted The National Lottery Awards on BBC1 three times.

DAN FOGLER

Forging an exceptional transition from theater to film & television, Tony award-winning actor DAN FOGLER recently starred in Warner Bros. highly anticipated FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM. Written by JK Rowling, Dan helped launch the five-film franchise series alongside Eddie Redmayne and Katherine Waterston in 2016. He just wrapped production on the sequel FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD, coming to theaters everywhere Thanksgiving 2018. His credits include a starring role in Ang Lee’s TAKING WOODSTOCK, Relativity’s TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT, and LOVE HAPPENS opposite Aaron Eckhart and Jennifer Aniston. Dan is also well known for the cult classicsBALLS OF FURY for Focus and FANBOYS for Weinstein. On the TV side, Dan’s been featured in ABC’s SECRETS & LIES opposite Ryan Phillippe; and had recurring roles on both THE GOLDBERGS and HANNIBAL. In 2005, Dan won a Tony Award for his performance as ‘William Barfee’ in the Broadway production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Bee”.

BONNIE WRIGHT

Wright’s interest in directing springs from her experiences as an actor. From 2001 to 2011, she played Ginny Weasley in all eight films in the Harry Potter series and had the good fortune to work with Christopher Columbus, Alfonso Cuarón, Mike Newell and David Yates. Subsequent acting roles include The Sea (2013) with Charlotte Rampling, After the Dark (2015) with James D’Arcy and most recently,The Highway is for Gamblers (2015), directed by Alexandra McGuinness.

NICHELLE NICHOLS

Nichelle Nichols began her professional singing and dancing career in her home town, Chicago, at the tender age of 14. As a teenager she was discovered by the great Duke Ellington, who hired her to choreograph and perform a ballet for one of his musical suites, and finished the tour as his lead singer. When Nichelle was cast by Gene Roddenberry to create Chief Communications Officer Lt. Uhura, fourth in command of the Starship Enterprise, in his legendary TV series Star Trek – in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King – “The first non-stereotypical role portrayed by a black woman in television history.”

JAMES FRAIN

James Frain is one of Hollywood’s most versatile and respected actors who has a reputation for bold, intelligent performances in a diverse body of work in which he’s collaborated with some of the finest actors and directors working today. He has appeared as character actor and leading man in 28 feature films, and in 47 TV shows, including: True Blood, The Tudors, 24, and The White Queen.

JON HEDER

Jonathan Joseph “Jon” Heder (born October 26, 1977) is an American actor and producer. His feature film debut came in 2004 as the title character of the comedy film Napoleon Dynamite. He has also acted in the films Ghost Team, Walt Before Mickey as Roy Disney, The Benchwarmers, School for Scoundrels, Blades of Glory, Mama’s Boy, and When in Rome, and provided voice talents in the animated films Monster House, and Surf’s Up, as well as Pickle and Peanut,  Star vs. the Forces of Evil, and the Napoleon Dynamite animated series.

 

JAMES MARSTERS

AMERICAN actor, singer and songwriter James Marsters first found international fame playing punk-goth Brit vampire Spike in the critically acclaimed American TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the equally popular spin-off Angel. Film roles include live action film Dragon Ball, romantic love story P.S. I Love You with Hilary Swank, Gerard Butler and Kathy Bates, USA Original true-crime film Cool Money, independent thriller Shadow Puppets, Winding Roads, The House On Haunted Hill and Chance with Buffy co-star Amber Benson.

HOLLY MARIE COMBS

Holly Marie Combs is an American actress and television producer. She is known for her roles as Kimberly Brock in the CBS series Picket Fences, Piper Halliwell in The WB series Charmed, and Ella Montgomery in the Freeform series Pretty Little Liars.

THOMAS IAN NICHOLAS

Thomas Ian Nicholas is an American film actor, singer, musician, producer, director, and writer. Nicholas is best known for playing Henry Rowengartner in Rookie of the Year, Walt Disney in Walt Before Mickey and Kevin Myers in the American Pie film series.

And there are many many more guests! Check back here at We Are Movie Geeks for more coverage of this year’s Wizard World!

 

STAN LEE Joins the Guest List for Wizard World Comic Con in St. Louis


Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, cosplay, comics, television, sci-fi, toys, video gaming, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. St. Louis show hours are Friday, February 2nd, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, February 3rd, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday,February 4th, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Stan Lee , the legendary comic book writer, editor, actor, producer and publisher, announced that he will attend Wizard World Comic Con St. Louis, February 3-4, The iconic Lee, a member of both the Will Eisner Comic Book Hall of Fame and the Jack Kirby Hall of Fame, will greet fans, pose for photo ops, sign autographs and conduct interactive Q&A sessions in Saturday and Sunday.

Known to millions as the man whose superheroes propelled Marvel to its preeminent position in the comic book industry, Stan’s co-creations include Spider-Man™, The Incredible Hulk™, X-Men™, The Fantastic Four, Iron Man, and hundreds of others. He introduced Spider-Man™ as a newspaper strip which became the most successful of all syndicated adventure strips having appeared in more than 500 newspapers worldwide. Stan currently remains Chairman Emeritus of Marvel, as well as a member of the Editorial Board of Marvel Comics.

“There is no bigger name in the comics world than Stan Lee, and we couldn’t be happier to have him back at two of our upcoming shows,” said John D. Maatta, Wizard World CEO. “It is truly an experience for fans to meet this legend who has made everything in the industry possible.”

Wizard World Comic Con is also the place for cosplay, with fans young and old showing off their best costumes throughout the event. Fans dressed as every imaginable character – and some never before dreamed – will roam the convention floor and participate in the famed Wizard World Costume Contest on Saturday evening.

For more on the 2018 Wizard World St. Louis, visit http://wizd.me/StLouisPR

Stan Lee will be joining these other great guests in St. Louis:

SEBASTIAN STAN

Sebastian Stan is quickly becoming one of Hollywood’s most sought after young actors.  Stan was last seen on USA Network’s buzzed about mini-series Political Animals. Stan also appeared on ABC’s hit fantasy series Once Upon A Time with for a seven-episode arc. On the big screen, Stan is best known for his role as Bucky Barnes in Marvel’s box office smash Captain America: The First Avenger and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Other film credits include Summit Entertainment’s Gone, Darren Aranofsky’s Black Swan, Rachel Getting Married, Spread, Hot Tub Time Machine, The Education of Charlie Banks, The Architect and The Covenant.

SEAN BEAN

Sean Bean is an English actor with a long and varied career.  After graduating from RADA he made his professional debut in a theatre production of Romeo and Juliet in 1983 and after leading roles at the royal Shakespeare company, he found his first mainstream success for his portrayal of Richard Sharpe in the ITV series Sharpe.    He has since garnered further recognition for his performances as Ned Stark in the critically acclaimed HBO series Game of Thrones, as well as roles in the BBC anthology series Accused and the award winning BBC drama BROKEN.  Perhaps his most prominent film roles is Boromir in The Lord of the Rings trilogy.   He has starred in such films as GoldenEye, Troy, Patriot Games, Ronin, National Treasure, North Country  and many more.

BILLY BOYD

When he was 17 he left school and went to work in a book-binding workshop. Ironically, during the years he worked at the book-binders, the Lord of the Rings trilogy was printed and bound there, many copies bound by his hands. Billy planned on going to America for a year, but before he went he called the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and asked about applying for when he got back. But it so happened that they still had space for this year and they asked him if he wanted to apply and he did. He was at the drama school in a 3-year course for his bachelor of arts degree, meanwhile studying everything from Shakespeare to puppet-making. During this time Billy had a few small roles in TV series such as Down Amongst The Boys and Taggart. After graduating he performed in many plays like The Slab Boys, The Diary of Adrian Mole etc. at The St. Andrews theatre which were his first paying roles. He then received a call from his agent about the Lord of the Rings movies and if he would like to audition for them. He went along not expecting much, but within a few months Peter Jackson came out to Scotland to meet him and to audition him personally. While rehearsing for a show he received a call from his agent who said that the part of Pippin had been offered to him – if he wanted it.

SEAN ASTIN

Sean Astin (born February 25, 1971) is an American film actor, director, voice artist, and producer best known for his film roles as Samwise Gamgee in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Mikey Walsh in The Goonies, and the title character of Rudy. In television, he appeared as Lynn McGill in the fifth season of 24 and currently voices Raphael in the 2012 Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles TV series.

MICHAEL ROSENBAUM

Michael Rosenbaum has worked with everyone from Bradley Cooper and Kevin Spacey to Christopher Walken and Clint Eastwood. The diverse actor has worked in over twenty films, such as Hit and Run, Urban Legend, Sweet November, Bringing Down The House, Pool Hall Junkies and Sorority Boys. He portrayed Lex Luthor on the smash hit Smallville for seven years and voiced The Flash on the hit animated series The Justice League. Currently, Rosenbaum is starring as the lead actor and Executive Producer in the second season of the dark comedy series IMPASTOR for TVLAND that is a hit with critics and recently finished filming the feature film The LAST DAYS OF SUMMER with Bill Fichtenor.

LUCY DAVIS

Lucy’s first job as an actress was at the age of 20, when she played Maria Lucas in the BBC/A&E adaptation of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle.  A few years later, she starred in the Golden Globe winning BBC comedy THE OFFICE, playing DAWN TINSLEY. Shortly after this she played DIANNE in Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright’s zombie movie SHAUN OF THE DEAD.She is also part of Pamela Adlon and Louis CK’s comedy drama BETTER THINGS on FX. And more recently, she can be seen in the new DC movie WONDER WOMAN, where she plays Wonder Woman’s friend and Steve Trevor’s secretary – ETTA CANDY.

JOHN BARROWMAN

John Barrowman is an Entertainer with a capital E. He sings, he dances, he acts, he presents, he judges – he is a unique talent in the entertainment industry on both sides of the Atlantic. John can currently be seen in the regular role of Malcolm Merlyn (aka The Dark Archer) in the hit American drama series Arrow, based on the Green Arrow comic books. The show has been a huge success all over the world, and is aired in the UK on Sky 1 and on the CW network in the USA. He has appeared in all four series of the show. He subsequently guested as Malcolm Merlyn in The Flash, and has also guested on the CW’s hit historical drama Reign. Having guested on the hit American political drama Scandal for the ABC network, he hosted a major new entertainment series for the network, Sing Your Face Off. In the UK on Channel 4 he hosted Superstar Dogs (a game show for dogs) and The Small Animal Hospital with John Barrowman, which followed the work of Glasgow University Veterinary Hospital. He hosted two series of the BBC1 game show Pressure Pad and has hosted The National Lottery Awards on BBC1 three times.

DAN FOGLER

Forging an exceptional transition from theater to film & television, Tony award-winning actor DAN FOGLER recently starred in Warner Bros. highly anticipated FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM. Written by JK Rowling, Dan helped launch the five-film franchise series alongside Eddie Redmayne and Katherine Waterston in 2016. He just wrapped production on the sequel FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD, coming to theaters everywhere Thanksgiving 2018. His credits include a starring role in Ang Lee’s TAKING WOODSTOCK, Relativity’s TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT, and LOVE HAPPENS opposite Aaron Eckhart and Jennifer Aniston. Dan is also well known for the cult classicsBALLS OF FURY for Focus and FANBOYS for Weinstein. On the TV side, Dan’s been featured in ABC’s SECRETS & LIES opposite Ryan Phillippe; and had recurring roles on both THE GOLDBERGS and HANNIBAL. In 2005, Dan won a Tony Award for his performance as ‘William Barfee’ in the Broadway production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Bee”.

BONNIE WRIGHT

Wright’s interest in directing springs from her experiences as an actor. From 2001 to 2011, she played Ginny Weasley in all eight films in the Harry Potter series and had the good fortune to work with Christopher Columbus, Alfonso Cuarón, Mike Newell and David Yates. Subsequent acting roles include The Sea (2013) with Charlotte Rampling, After the Dark (2015) with James D’Arcy and most recently,The Highway is for Gamblers (2015), directed by Alexandra McGuinness.

NICHELLE NICHOLS

Nichelle Nichols began her professional singing and dancing career in her home town, Chicago, at the tender age of 14. As a teenager she was discovered by the great Duke Ellington, who hired her to choreograph and perform a ballet for one of his musical suites, and finished the tour as his lead singer. When Nichelle was cast by Gene Roddenberry to create Chief Communications Officer Lt. Uhura, fourth in command of the Starship Enterprise, in his legendary TV series Star Trek – in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King – “The first non-stereotypical role portrayed by a black woman in television history.”

JAMES FRAIN

James Frain is one of Hollywood’s most versatile and respected actors who has a reputation for bold, intelligent performances in a diverse body of work in which he’s collaborated with some of the finest actors and directors working today. He has appeared as character actor and leading man in 28 feature films, and in 47 TV shows, including: True Blood, The Tudors, 24, and The White Queen.

JON HEDER

Jonathan Joseph “Jon” Heder (born October 26, 1977) is an American actor and producer. His feature film debut came in 2004 as the title character of the comedy film Napoleon Dynamite. He has also acted in the films Ghost Team, Walt Before Mickey as Roy Disney, The Benchwarmers, School for Scoundrels, Blades of Glory, Mama’s Boy, and When in Rome, and provided voice talents in the animated films Monster House, and Surf’s Up, as well as Pickle and Peanut,  Star vs. the Forces of Evil, and the Napoleon Dynamite animated series.

 

JAMES MARSTERS

AMERICAN actor, singer and songwriter James Marsters first found international fame playing punk-goth Brit vampire Spike in the critically acclaimed American TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the equally popular spin-off Angel. Film roles include live action film Dragon Ball, romantic love story P.S. I Love You with Hilary Swank, Gerard Butler and Kathy Bates, USA Original true-crime film Cool Money, independent thriller Shadow Puppets, Winding Roads, The House On Haunted Hill and Chance with Buffy co-star Amber Benson.

HOLLY MARIE COMBS

Holly Marie Combs is an American actress and television producer. She is known for her roles as Kimberly Brock in the CBS series Picket Fences, Piper Halliwell in The WB series Charmed, and Ella Montgomery in the Freeform series Pretty Little Liars.

THOMAS IAN NICHOLAS

Thomas Ian Nicholas is an American film actor, singer, musician, producer, director, and writer. Nicholas is best known for playing Henry Rowengartner in Rookie of the Year, Walt Disney in Walt Before Mickey and Kevin Myers in the American Pie film series.

And there are many many more guests! Check back here at We Are Movie Geeks for more coverage of this year’s Wizard World!

 

Wizard World COMIC CON St. Louis February 2nd – 4th – Great Line-Up of Guests!

Pop culture comes to life in St. Louis next month! It’s the Wizard World COMIC CON February 2nd, 3rd, and 4th at America’s Center downtown (701 Convention Plaza – St. Louis, MO 63101), and boy oh boy, do they have an amazing line-up of guests!

Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, cosplay, comics, television, sci-fi, toys, video gaming, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. St. Louis show hours are Friday, February 2nd, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, February 3rd, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday,February 4th, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Wizard World Comic Con St. Louis is also the place for cosplay, with fans young and old showing off their best costumes throughout the event. Fans dressed as every imaginable character – and some never before dreamed – will roam the convention floor and participate in the famed Wizard World Costume Contest on Saturday night.

Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, television, cosplay, comics, graphic novels, toys, video gaming, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of topical programming takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A’s, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more.

For more on the 2018 Wizard World Comic Con St. Louis, visit https://wizardworld.com/comiccon/st-louis

And check out these guests you can meet in St. Louis that weekend!:

SEBASTIAN STAN

Sebastian Stan is quickly becoming one of Hollywood’s most sought after young actors.  Stan was last seen on USA Network’s buzzed about mini-series Political Animals. Stan also appeared on ABC’s hit fantasy series Once Upon A Time with for a seven-episode arc. On the big screen, Stan is best known for his role as Bucky Barnes in Marvel’s box office smash Captain America: The First Avenger and Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Other film credits include Summit Entertainment’s Gone, Darren Aranofsky’s Black Swan, Rachel Getting Married, Spread, Hot Tub Time Machine, The Education of Charlie Banks, The Architect and The Covenant.

SEAN BEAN

Sean Bean is an English actor with a long and varied career.  After graduating from RADA he made his professional debut in a theatre production of Romeo and Juliet in 1983 and after leading roles at the royal Shakespeare company, he found his first mainstream success for his portrayal of Richard Sharpe in the ITV series Sharpe.    He has since garnered further recognition for his performances as Ned Stark in the critically acclaimed HBO series Game of Thrones, as well as roles in the BBC anthology series Accused and the award winning BBC drama BROKEN.  Perhaps his most prominent film roles is Boromir in The Lord of the Rings trilogy.   He has starred in such films as GoldenEye, Troy, Patriot Games, Ronin, National Treasure, North Country  and many more.

BILLY BOYD

When he was 17 he left school and went to work in a book-binding workshop. Ironically, during the years he worked at the book-binders, the Lord of the Rings trilogy was printed and bound there, many copies bound by his hands. Billy planned on going to America for a year, but before he went he called the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and asked about applying for when he got back. But it so happened that they still had space for this year and they asked him if he wanted to apply and he did. He was at the drama school in a 3-year course for his bachelor of arts degree, meanwhile studying everything from Shakespeare to puppet-making. During this time Billy had a few small roles in TV series such as Down Amongst The Boys and Taggart. After graduating he performed in many plays like The Slab Boys, The Diary of Adrian Mole etc. at The St. Andrews theatre which were his first paying roles. He then received a call from his agent about the Lord of the Rings movies and if he would like to audition for them. He went along not expecting much, but within a few months Peter Jackson came out to Scotland to meet him and to audition him personally. While rehearsing for a show he received a call from his agent who said that the part of Pippin had been offered to him – if he wanted it.

SEAN ASTIN

Sean Astin (born February 25, 1971) is an American film actor, director, voice artist, and producer best known for his film roles as Samwise Gamgee in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Mikey Walsh in The Goonies, and the title character of Rudy. In television, he appeared as Lynn McGill in the fifth season of 24 and currently voices Raphael in the 2012 Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles TV series.

MICHAEL ROSENBAUM

Michael Rosenbaum has worked with everyone from Bradley Cooper and Kevin Spacey to Christopher Walken and Clint Eastwood. The diverse actor has worked in over twenty films, such as Hit and Run, Urban Legend, Sweet November, Bringing Down The House, Pool Hall Junkies and Sorority Boys. He portrayed Lex Luthor on the smash hit Smallville for seven years and voiced The Flash on the hit animated series The Justice League. Currently, Rosenbaum is starring as the lead actor and Executive Producer in the second season of the dark comedy series IMPASTOR for TVLAND that is a hit with critics and recently finished filming the feature film The LAST DAYS OF SUMMER with Bill Fichtenor.

LUCY DAVIS

Lucy’s first job as an actress was at the age of 20, when she played Maria Lucas in the BBC/A&E adaptation of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle.  A few years later, she starred in the Golden Globe winning BBC comedy THE OFFICE, playing DAWN TINSLEY. Shortly after this she played DIANNE in Simon Pegg and Edgar Wright’s zombie movie SHAUN OF THE DEAD.She is also part of Pamela Adlon and Louis CK’s comedy drama BETTER THINGS on FX. And more recently, she can be seen in the new DC movie WONDER WOMAN, where she plays Wonder Woman’s friend and Steve Trevor’s secretary – ETTA CANDY.

JOHN BARROWMAN

John Barrowman is an Entertainer with a capital E. He sings, he dances, he acts, he presents, he judges – he is a unique talent in the entertainment industry on both sides of the Atlantic. John can currently be seen in the regular role of Malcolm Merlyn (aka The Dark Archer) in the hit American drama series Arrow, based on the Green Arrow comic books. The show has been a huge success all over the world, and is aired in the UK on Sky 1 and on the CW network in the USA. He has appeared in all four series of the show. He subsequently guested as Malcolm Merlyn in The Flash, and has also guested on the CW’s hit historical drama Reign. Having guested on the hit American political drama Scandal for the ABC network, he hosted a major new entertainment series for the network, Sing Your Face Off. In the UK on Channel 4 he hosted Superstar Dogs (a game show for dogs) and The Small Animal Hospital with John Barrowman, which followed the work of Glasgow University Veterinary Hospital. He hosted two series of the BBC1 game show Pressure Pad and has hosted The National Lottery Awards on BBC1 three times.

DAN FOGLER

Forging an exceptional transition from theater to film & television, Tony award-winning actor DAN FOGLER recently starred in Warner Bros. highly anticipated FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM. Written by JK Rowling, Dan helped launch the five-film franchise series alongside Eddie Redmayne and Katherine Waterston in 2016. He just wrapped production on the sequel FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD, coming to theaters everywhere Thanksgiving 2018. His credits include a starring role in Ang Lee’s TAKING WOODSTOCK, Relativity’s TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT, and LOVE HAPPENS opposite Aaron Eckhart and Jennifer Aniston. Dan is also well known for the cult classicsBALLS OF FURY for Focus and FANBOYS for Weinstein. On the TV side, Dan’s been featured in ABC’s SECRETS & LIES opposite Ryan Phillippe; and had recurring roles on both THE GOLDBERGS and HANNIBAL. In 2005, Dan won a Tony Award for his performance as ‘William Barfee’ in the Broadway production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Bee”.

BONNIE WRIGHT

Wright’s interest in directing springs from her experiences as an actor. From 2001 to 2011, she played Ginny Weasley in all eight films in the Harry Potter series and had the good fortune to work with Christopher Columbus, Alfonso Cuarón, Mike Newell and David Yates. Subsequent acting roles include The Sea (2013) with Charlotte Rampling, After the Dark (2015) with James D’Arcy and most recently,The Highway is for Gamblers (2015), directed by Alexandra McGuinness.

NICHELLE NICHOLS

Nichelle Nichols began her professional singing and dancing career in her home town, Chicago, at the tender age of 14. As a teenager she was discovered by the great Duke Ellington, who hired her to choreograph and perform a ballet for one of his musical suites, and finished the tour as his lead singer. When Nichelle was cast by Gene Roddenberry to create Chief Communications Officer Lt. Uhura, fourth in command of the Starship Enterprise, in his legendary TV series Star Trek – in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King – “The first non-stereotypical role portrayed by a black woman in television history.”

JAMES FRAIN

James Frain is one of Hollywood’s most versatile and respected actors who has a reputation for bold, intelligent performances in a diverse body of work in which he’s collaborated with some of the finest actors and directors working today. He has appeared as character actor and leading man in 28 feature films, and in 47 TV shows, including: True Blood, The Tudors, 24, and The White Queen.

JON HEDER

Jonathan Joseph “Jon” Heder (born October 26, 1977) is an American actor and producer. His feature film debut came in 2004 as the title character of the comedy film Napoleon Dynamite. He has also acted in the films Ghost Team, Walt Before Mickey as Roy Disney, The Benchwarmers, School for Scoundrels, Blades of Glory, Mama’s Boy, and When in Rome, and provided voice talents in the animated films Monster House, and Surf’s Up, as well as Pickle and Peanut,  Star vs. the Forces of Evil, and the Napoleon Dynamite animated series.

 

JAMES MARSTERS

AMERICAN actor, singer and songwriter James Marsters first found international fame playing punk-goth Brit vampire Spike in the critically acclaimed American TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the equally popular spin-off Angel. Film roles include live action film Dragon Ball, romantic love story P.S. I Love You with Hilary Swank, Gerard Butler and Kathy Bates, USA Original true-crime film Cool Money, independent thriller Shadow Puppets, Winding Roads, The House On Haunted Hill and Chance with Buffy co-star Amber Benson.

HOLLY MARIE COMBS

Holly Marie Combs is an American actress and television producer. She is known for her roles as Kimberly Brock in the CBS series Picket Fences, Piper Halliwell in The WB series Charmed, and Ella Montgomery in the Freeform series Pretty Little Liars.

THOMAS IAN NICHOLAS

Thomas Ian Nicholas is an American film actor, singer, musician, producer, director, and writer. Nicholas is best known for playing Henry Rowengartner in Rookie of the Year, Walt Disney in Walt Before Mickey and Kevin Myers in the American Pie film series.

And there are many many more guests! Check back here at We Are Movie Geeks for more coverage of this year’s Wizard World!

 

KHAAAAN! ​​​ STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN Returns to Theaters for Two Days Only

 
“Are you out of your Vulcan mind?”
The Starship Enterprise flies back to the big screen this September as Fathom Events and Paramount Pictures bring 1982’s milestone STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN back to cinemas nationwide for two days only.
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STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN will beam back to more than 600 theaters throughout the U.S. on Sunday, September 10, and Wednesday, September 13, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. (local time) each day.  The special presentation of director Nicholas Meyer‘s classic science-fiction adventure — which is celebrating its 35th anniversary — will be accompanied by a newly produced, in-depth interview with William Shatner that will play before each screening.  Tickets are available now at www.FathomEvents.com.

“Making Star Trek II seems like only yesterday,” Shatner said. “Even back then, we knew we were creating something really special, and to have The Wrath of Khan back on the big screen 35 years later is a wonderful testament both to the film itself and to the incredible passion of Star Trek fans.”

Director Nicholas Meyer’s “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” was a box-office hit upon its release – the sixth highest-grossing film of 1982 – and continues to be revered and quoted by fans. The film, a continuation of the original Star Trek series episode “The Space Seed,” finds longtime Starfleet nemesis Khan Noonien Singh (Ricardo Montalban) alive and well, marooned on a seemingly lifeless planet. When he’s discovered by Chekov (Walter Koenig), Khan will stop at nothing to exact revenge against the man who exiled him on the barren world: Admiral James T. Kirk. 

With an cast that includes William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, Walter Koenig, George Takei, Nichelle Nichols, James Doohan, Kirstie Alley, Paul Winfield, Bibi Besch, and Merritt Butrick — and an indelible performance by Ricardo Montalban as Khan — STAR TREK II: THE WRATH OF KHAN will be presented in a digitally remastered director’s cut. Live long and prosper,

TO BE TAKEI – The Review

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Directed by Jennifer M. Kroot with George Takei, Brad Takei, Walter Koenig, William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Nichelle Nichols.

It’s the voice. That mellifluous, basso profundo, deep down rumbling that issues words, sentences, entire speeches with such authority, sincerity and such relish that we cannot but pay attention. We hang on every word because we hear the intelligence, the humor, the irony and most of all the joy of someone who is in love; with life, with his partner, with acting, with being in the world and a part of human society, with the absolute joy of living. That voice is as recognizable and distinctive as Orson Welles, John Huston, Ed Begley or Roger Corman, that voice takes us by the hand and reveals to us a life lived full out, in every sense of the word; complicated, tragic, loving, generous and most of all fun.

It appears to be a lot of fun to be George Takei and he wants us all to know why. Here is an irresistible documentary about the one member of the original Star Trek crew who is now a super star in several media all at once, especially the social media that has evolved over the years.

Unless you have lived in a cave the past few decades, even if you are not a fan, you must be aware of George Takei’s involvement with a little thing called Star Trek. In that ground breaking and rule breaking series from the 1960s George Takei was one among several actors portraying a multicultural crew exploring deep space from the deck of a little plastic model. A multi cultural crew that not only got along within the confines of an intergalactic star ship but who all seemed to be on the same page as to their mission,” to explore strange new worlds”…and you know the rest.

Takei was the iconic Sulu, helmsman of the USS Enterprise, an Asian who did not speak in mono syllables and was trusted with steering that little model through all manner of adventures.

I recall his involvement with the Star Trek movie franchise and occasional roles in low budget projects like Oblivion in 1994. I remember being curious when he came out of the closet a few years ago and then announced his marriage to his long time partner Brad Altman after California finally decided to allow gay marriage. I was not aware of how busy he has been professionally. Check his IMDB page, the man has worked almost nonstop since Star Trek went off the air; film, television and stage including a lot of voice work. I was overjoyed to see him in Larry Crowne, not only with a major role but easily stealing every scene he is in.

George Takei has also been very busy as an activist, speaking out about the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, a subject he knows all too well. George and his other family members lost everything when they were forcibly moved out of California and put in a series of concentration camps. George admits that he hurt his Father deeply when he questioned his lack of resistance to being interned. And he admits that he never got around to apologizing to him. We don’t expect that kind of brutal honesty in a show business biography. The internment of Japanese Americans was one of the more disgraceful episodes in American history along with the treatment of Native Americans, our history of slavery and any number of other home grown atrocities. George Takei recited the Pledge of Allegiance every day while surrounded by guard towers, barbed wire and attack dogs. Just for a moment, please, think what that must have been like.

George Takei has also taken a great risk in finally coming out about his sexual orientation. Like a great many Hollywood actors he kept all that hidden away for fear of destroying his career. He and Brad bicker back and forth like any married couple. We see them on the road, at conventions, at speaking engagements. In one amazing scene that actually recalls The Big Lebowski we see them attempt to scatter the ashes of a family member, funny and horrifying at the same time.

George in 70's

Takei speaks very passionately about gay rights, about the injustice visited on Japanese Americans and we see how wonderful a guest he is on talk shows both radio and television. Amazingly he is treated with a great deal of respect… by Howard Stern! Of all people!

But for those of us who are true Movie Geeks it is the Star Trek years we most want to hear about, and TO BE TAKEI does not disappoint, no sir and no ma’am!

Nichelle Nichols, Walter Koenig (who appears to be a genuine friend to George, and still looks boyish despite a bald head and wrinkles), Leonard Nimoy and William Shatner are all present; to talk about the glory days of a struggling NBC show that almost got canceled after the second season. And we hear quite a lot about George Takei’s contributions. George himself is fond of the episode Naked Time in which he got to use a fencing foil and run around the Enterprise sets without a shirt, and he even snuck in some stealth gay subtext, I’m not kidding, watch it and see, George himself points it out.

On that particular issue I was not aware of a segment of Star Trek fandom that produces fiction and images of gay sex between Kirk and Spock! Nimoy discusses this and says he has seen some of this material. I personally would think if Spock went that way it would have been Chief Engineer Montgomery Scott that he may have yearned to cozy up with, on those long, long nights in deep space…….so cold out there! And how ironic that in the rebooted franchise Spock is now played by Zachary Quinto, an openly gay actor!

I had heard about the cost of obtaining celebrity autographs and here we see George and Brad set up shop at a fan convention, 35$ for an autograph, which I understand is actually quite reasonable these days. George will autograph whatever you have but they prefer if you buy a photo or a copy of George’s autobiography “To The Stars” from George’s table. Brad takes his role as George’s assistant and business manager quite seriously. To get George’s autograph you have to go through Brad first.

Walk of Fame TO BE TAKEI

George Takei also has one of the most liked and friended Facebook pages, visited by hundreds if not thousands of people every day. He really is a master of all media and is constantly on the move from one engagement to another.

TO BE TAKEI is a wonderful piece of work, an intimate, warts and all portrait of an American show business icon. And as I said it is his association with Star Trek that brought him to this stage of his life, and our interest in him. The punch line to this entire documentary, the icing on the cake so to speak, is George Takei’s comments to William Shatner at Shatner’s celebrity roast! I will not even hint at what he says, it is worth your time to watch this wonderful documentary just for this incredible showdown! Priceless!

We also hear quite a bit about Shatner’s no show at George’s wedding, Nimoy was out of the country working, but Shatner had no such excuse. Even cast members from other Trek shows were at the wedding. I’m not sure but it would appear all this had some bearing on George’s comments to Shatner. Seriously, don’t miss this one, TO BE TAKEI is filled with priceless moments.

And finally let us all keep in mind that Kirk may have been the Captain, but Sulu steered the ship! Speaking of which “Mr. Sulu, take us out, warp factor 3!”

TO BE TAKEI opens in theaters and available on all VOD platforms
including iTunes and Amazon Instant Video
August 22nd

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Interview: WAMG Talks To TO BE TAKEI Director Jennifer M. Kroot

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TO BE TAKEI is an entertaining and moving look at the many roles played by eclectic 76-year-old actor/activist George Takei whose wit, humor and grace has allowed him to become an internationally beloved figure.

It balances unprecedented access to the day-to-day life of George and his husband/business partner Brad Takei with George’s fascinating personal journey, from his childhood in a Japanese American internment camp, to his iconic and groundbreaking role as Sulu on “Star Trek,” through his rise as an internet phenomenon with over 6-million Facebook likes.

From director Jennifer M. Kroot, this insightful film features interviews with George Takei, Brad Takei, William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Nichelle Nichols, Dan Savage, and Walter Koenig.

The documentary premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2014, played in St. Louis at Q Fest in April and opens in select cities, VOD platforms and iTunes on August 22nd.

Recently I spoke with the filmmaker about her documentary and what it truly means TO BE TAKEI.

George in 70's

How did the film come about?

JK: I’ve always been a lifelong Star Trek fan. When I was a kid I watched the original series in reruns and went to a couple conventions as a teenager. Fast-forward to 2005. George Takei, at the age of 68, decided to come out and I found myself loving to hear his voice as an LGBT activist. Not only to his ability to laugh at himself, but to be so honest.

Then I read his autobiography, written before he came out, about being imprisoned as a child in Japanese American internment camps (Tule Lake War Relocation Center, CA and Rohwer War Relocation Center, AR) at age 5, and I couldn’t stop thinking about how Mr. Sulu was imprisoned and amazing his life is. I became compelled and obsessed.

I ended up writing a letter to his agent, who had been a fan of my previous film (IT CAME FROM KUCHAR), who then called me back right away to set up a meeting pretty quickly with George and Brad. That was kind of a surprise.

We talked about making a documentary portrait of him for about six months, followed by filming. The whole project took about three and a half years.

Had George ever considered making a film about the internment camp?

JK: He actually wanted to make a narrative film about the internment of Japanese Americans. He was hoping to make a biopic about his experience, but ended up making the musical “Allegiance” about being in the camp.

For him, it was about seeing his family go through it, especially his parents’ suffering, and them having to restart their lives. That really haunted him. I don’t think a day has gone by where he hasn’t thought of it. It’s all about an overwhelming, haunting memory that he wants to keep alive.

There’s a section in the film where you go along with Mr. Takei on a trip to see the internment camp – was this his first time back to the one in Arkansas?

JK: No. He was imprisoned in two internment camps and we went to the one in Arkansas. They went on a pilgrimage there because they were doing historical work to preserve it and they wanted George’s input on it. He’s been there, but not anytime recently. It is an intense thing every time he goes back.

It’s a very intense part of the documentary and it’s nice to see the chemistry between the two as they make the drive.

JK: I love them in that drive.

Driving takei

Was anything ever off-limits?

JK: There wasn’t anything ever discussed that was off-limits. We thought we might, but in the end no. There were moments when Brad told me to stop filming – which ended up in the movie. He was afraid we looked like paparazzi and he would say, “turn the camera off.”

They’d reveal very personal things and it would be great, then there’d be times were they’d both be tired and let us know. It’s all part of how a documentary is done. There are people following you with a camera. It’s not happening every second, but it’s real and the audience sees how they’re reacting to the camera.

What surprised you most about the research?

JK: Learning about the internment camps. It’s upsetting to learn that it happened here. To find out that all the adults had to sign loyalty questionnaires and his parents refused to do that, which is why they were sent to a higher security camp.

I was surprised to find out that George had done two Jerry Lewis movies where he played very typical Asian roles, which was common for the times. It’s something that he really regrets. And we show it in the film. It was important to show how those roles were prominent then. I knew George had promised his father he wouldn’t do roles like that and was interesting to hear him talk about that.

I was also surprised to learn that George feels that Howard Stern, whether you love him or hate him, was the one who really re-ignited his career. They have a friendship as the result of working together. It’s really interesting because they seem quite different, personality-wise. Stern gets a big audience and they like hearing George on his show.

Walk of Fame TO BE TAKEI

The best line in the movie, “it’s okay to be gay, it’s okay to be Takei,” I absolutely love it.

JK: It was actually Brad’s idea for the title. He just came up with it one day.

What was your favorite interview with Mr. Takei?

JK: It was always fun to talk to George. It was interesting talking to him about being closeted and that whole experience because he’s been a celebrity since age 30 and it was a long time to live that double life. Times have changed very much in his lifetime. He’s been wonderfully very open in the struggle for marriage equality. George is very giving in relating his experience and trying to make it better for future generations.

You’re a Star Trek fan. I’m a Star Trek fan. That must have been such a cool feeling when it sunk in, “I’m making a movie about Mr. Sulu!”

JK: Yeah… I’m making a Star Trek movie! And all the remaining cast is in the documentary.

That leads to my next question. What was interviewing William Shatner like, because it’s a real eye-opener.

JK: Yeah, that was nerve racking. Brad helped to set that up. He helped with all of the Star Trek people. Shatner was willing to give me ten minutes, which is not a lot of time – usually 30 to 45 minutes is what you need for an interview – and I’m thinking, “oh my God,” but you get what you get. Honestly it was very action packed.

I’ve got to say, he was 80 when I interviewed him and I’ve never met someone with so much charisma coming into a room. He knocked me off my chair. He’s got a real aggressive personality and it was really fun to talk to him. Shatner is very smart and I really appreciated him being such a good sport in participating.

It can’t be that much fun in talking about someone you don’t like. It’s one thing when it’s private but it’s been all over the media. I don’t think he’s losing a lot of sleep over it.

Midtown Comics takei

George is on Facebook (and Twitter). Had that already happened when you started filming and was he comfortable with social media right away?

JK: George was not on social media when we started filming, believe it or not. It was insane to see how quickly he became a social media phenomenon! I think it’s great that he’s reinvented himself this way. He’s 76 and completely unafraid of new technology, and now he even hosts an online tech show for seniors. He was comfortable with social media from the beginning, or that’s how it seemed to me.

What did the Takeis say about the film once they saw it?

JK: They first saw it at Sundance and they love the movie.

What do you want audiences to take away from the film and what he’s accomplished?

 JK: He’s accomplished a lot and I really loved showing the relationship of George and Brad – the normalcy of their same sex marriage that has prevailed for so long.  They have legally been married since 2008 and have been together for 27 years. I know that’s very key to them, letting people in. I know that’s why Brad was willing to do it too – to really show the bond that they’ve had.

It’s the only documentary that’s a romantic comedy. (laughs) I’m really proud that we were able to do that.

Thanks to Jennifer M. Kroot and when you watch her film, make sure to stay to the very end of the credits.

© Courtesy of Sundance Institute.
© Courtesy of Sundance Institute.