Anton Yelchin’s Chekov won’t be recast in Star Trek 4

Star Trek 4 has officially been announced with Chris Hemsworth returning as George Kirk. One actor that sadly won’t be coming back, however, is the late Anton Yelchin, who will make his final appearance as Chekov in Star Trek Beyond.

We were all devastated when the young actor died in a freak accident almost a month ago. Most people assumed that Chekov would be recast in future Star Trek installments. According to J.J. Abrams, though, it’s too early to be thinking about that.

“I would say there’s no replacing him,” Abrams informed Postmedia Network. ”There’s no recasting.”

“I can’t possibly imagine that, and I think Anton deserves better.”

Since Chekov supposedly won’t be recast, some have assumed this might mean the character will be killed off in Star Trek Beyond. In response to this rumor, Abrams stated, “I have thought about it, we’re working on it, and it’s too early to talk about it.”

How do you think the Star Trek crew should handle Chekov’s future? Should the character be recast or should Star Trek Beyond be Chekov’s last mission until the next reboot?

Abrams and company might want to consider what the filmmakers did in Furious 7, the final film starring the late Paul Walker. After Walker tragically died in a car accident, we were all worried how the Fast & Furious franchise would address the absence of Brian O’Conner. Yet, Furious 7 actually sent Brian off into the sunset on a poignant, respectful, touching note.

Whatever the future holds for Chekov, let’s hope Star Trek Beyond provides Anton Yelchin with a proper farewell.

Star Trek Beyond hits theaters on July 22.