Star Trek: J.J. Abrams says Anton Yelchin won’t be replaced in next film

When the fourth Star Trek film arrives in theaters, it will do so without Pavel Chekov.

Speaking to the Toronto Sun, producer J.J. Abrams said there were no plans to find a new Chekov following the death of Anton Yelchin, who played the character in three Trek films, including this week’s Star Trek Beyond.

“I would say there’s no replacing him. There’s no recasting. I can’t possibly imagine that, and I think Anton deserves better,” Abrams said.

Yelchin died in June after being crushed by his car in front of his home. Abrams, who directed the first two Star Trek films, called the actor “our little brother” in a tribute to Yelchin shortly after his death. “But only by years,” he added. “He was as wise and clever and intellectually curious as anyone we ever knew. His laugh was preposterous – you couldn’t hear it and not laugh yourself. He was funny, edgy, wild and talented beyond measure. His focus and dedication was admirable, as was his love of family, friends, literature and music.”

Source: ew.com