A film for fans everywhere, Star Trek Beyond gives viewers an experience of not only adventure within the galaxy, but also getting to know its characters as humans. The cast and filmmakers attended the Los Angeles press conference and shared the best moments of filming, what they loved about this new installation of the franchise and memories of the forever missed Anton Yelchin.

Simon Pegg began by pointing out that “the Star Trek movies have always been event films” so it was very important for them to really make something special for Beyond, especially since the film is being released now during it’s 50th anniversary. He explained, “Both Jung and I and Justin, we wanted to sort of try and create a hybrid of an episode with the original series with a spectacular cinematic event.” Doug Jung, who co-wrote the movie with Simon Pegg mentioned the collaboration was effortless and it involved getting done with writing and running to watch an episode of Star Trek.

One of the relationships that is truly explored is between Commander Spock (Zachary Quinto) and Karl Urban (Doctor 'Bones' McCoy). Their relationship involves more understanding and as actors they got to explore a new dynamic, including some comedy between the two. Karl Urban expressed, “It was just great to have those two characters who are so diametrically opposed to each other be forced into a situation where they have to depend on each other to survive and through the process come to a deeper understanding of who they both are. it was obviously an opportunity to explore all the comedy but to also really kinda deepen the relationship between the two.” Zachary Quinto added, “From a character’s standpoint I really echo the idea that these two characters historically in this franchise are connecting from entirely different perspectives and points of view and i think there’s nothing more fun for fans of the original show to see that dynamic.” 

To all this, the relationship between Lieutenant Uhura and Spock also changes. But as Zoe Saldana points out, ‘Uhura is tired’. “I think she’s homesick and I felt that that’s the one thing I appreciated that Simon and Doug did for this installment is that they made us human… How being overly worked and being away from home and all the things that keep you grounded can put a strain not just on the intimate relationships that you may have but also the professional ones.” Something that is very relatable whether there’s a galaxy involved or not. Spock and Uhura evolve into something new. Saldana explains that while Uhura fell in love with her teacher, she discovers something new in the process. “There is a parallel universe situation here thats going on with Uhura and women these days is that there is no longer this animosity or this resentment to sort of prove who you are. You just want to be alone. You just want to be left alone to sort of find out who you are because you’re interested and you're curious. So I like this autonomy that’s happening with women right now.”

Joining Zoe in Beyond is Sofia Boutella, who plays Jaylah. Pegg commented,  “Zoe has a lot on her shoulders, so we wanted to increase that.” Jaylah is a fun and “independent female who was a very resourceful character.” On creating her name Pegg shared a fun anecdote, “We didn’t have a name for her, so we used to call her ‘Jennifer Lawrence In Winter’s Bone.’ That was her long name.” He explained it became tiring so, “we started calling her J-Law. And then, she became Jaylah.” 

On the costumes, Karl Urban said he was very happy with costume designer Sanja Milkovic Hays, who “did an extraordinary job. One of the things I was most proud of was the fact that unlike the previous two films we got to do with J.J., the women in the Starfleet uniforms in Star Trek Beyond all had ranks on their uniforms. That’s a fantastic thing.”

The message today for the Star Trek franchise is reflective of our society. Pegg explained, “I think the film is actually even more apt today. It’s become more so, even since we shot it. The message of this and the social commentary in this iteration of Star Trek is that we’re better together. It’s about collectivism.” John Cho (who plays Sulu) added, “In the Star Trek set-up, you’re going into space and seeing so many different kinds of species. It does become comically apparent when you look around the planet Earth that we live on, that we do have so much more in common than we don’t. So, the little things that seem to divide us here, in our present time, seem even more exaggeratedly small after seeing an episode of Star Trek.” 

Moments in the conference were quite celebratory but also sad as the Star Trek family loss one of its own, Anton Yelchin. His passing was unexpected and the cast and filmmakers all express their love for Anton and his portrayal of Pavel Chekov. “This film will probably forever be the most special experience for all of us. It represents the golden period of when our family was fully together, for the last time. It really was the best summer of our adult lives. We love him so much, and we miss him terribly,” expressed Karl Urban. When it comes to editing, fans will be glad to know that no scene was left behind, including Anton as Chekov. Director Justin Lin said, “basically everything we shot is pretty much on the screen.”

While we are just getting ready for the cinematic release of Beyond, J.J. Abrams confirmed that it is “100 percent yes” happening. There’s more Star Trek to come.

Star Trek Beyond opens in theaters July 22nd.