![“Star Trek: Discovery” Alters Saru’s Path in Season 3, Challenging Actor Doug Jones 2 l intro 1709162436](https://i0.wp.com/theubj.com/uae/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/l-intro-1709162436.jpg?w=1170)
Famed for his portrayals of otherworldly beings, Doug Jones has often hidden behind make-up to bring to life some remarkably memorable creatures. His array of roles spans across various genres, with some highlights including the undead entertainer in “Hocus Pocus,” a mystic kangaroo creature in “Warriors of Virtue,” the enigmatic faun in “Pan’s Labyrinth,” and the notable aquatic humanoid in both “Hellboy” and “The Shape of Water.” He has also taken on parts as diverse entities in “Doom,” “The Lady in the Water,” “Crimson Peak,” “Legion,” “The Watch,” and “The Bye Bye Man.”
Embracing his niche, Jones had anticipated a supporting role in “Star Trek: Discovery.” However, taking the helm as captain in Season 3 was a prospect that caught him off guard:
“Facing Season 3, I found Saru’s eagerness to captain a starship at odds with my own hesitations. The weight and obligation of it felt intimidating. Stepping up as captain came with an influx of lines to learn and scenes to navigate, and it was quite demanding. Initially, I was content with my secondary status on the show, knowing it revolved around Michael Burnham’s saga — Sonequa Martin-Green indisputably leads our cast. Yet, accepting the captain’s duties proved to be an immense task.”
Nonetheless, Saru impressively held command throughout the season, blossoming into a more self-assured figure — a transition that logically followed his recent evolutionary development, which instilled a newfound boldness in him.
FAQ
Who is Doug Jones?
Doug Jones is an actor renowned for his specialized performances in heavy prosthetics and makeup, often portraying non-human characters.
What is “Star Trek: Discovery” about?
“Star Trek: Discovery” is a science fiction television series, part of the Star Trek franchise, that follows the crew of the USS Discovery as they explore new worlds and civilizations.
What role did Doug Jones play in “Star Trek: Discovery”?
Doug Jones played the character Saru, a Kelpien who eventually becomes the captain of the USS Discovery.
What change occurred for Saru in Season 3 of “Star Trek: Discovery”?
In Season 3, Saru’s character arc took him to the role of starship captain, a significant change that coincided with a biological transformation that made him braver.
How did Doug Jones feel about this change for his character?
Doug Jones admitted feeling intimidated by the responsibility of portraying a captain, as it required more dialogue and scenes, and was a notable escalation from the supporting role he expected.
Conclusion
Doug Jones, a master at embodying non-human roles, faced an unexpected turn in his career when his character Saru in “Star Trek: Discovery” was promoted to captain in Season 3. While the actor experienced intimidation at the challenge, his character’s evolution was a natural extension of the storyline and allowed Jones to delve deeper into Saru’s development, demonstrating his versatility beyond the intricate prosthetics and makeup that define many of his roles. Saru’s journey reflects a broader theme within the Star Trek universe: growth and bravery in the face of the unknown, something both the character and the actor portraying him seem to share in their respective voyages.