The talented actress Alice Eve shared the riveting details of her audition process for the role in “Star Trek Into Darkness,” which was nothing short of an odyssey. When her agent tipped her off about the imminent call from director J.J. Abrams, Eve ensured she was safely parked before taking the life-changing call. She was very aware of the franchise’s magnitude and the importance of the conversation she was about to have.
Speaking of the auditions, Eve reflected on them with ardor, saying:
“I must have done it 17 times in a row in the room with J.J. [Abrams]… various different ways. I was heavily auditioned for that role, yeah. But [I] really enjoyed auditioning for him. Auditions aren’t always enjoyable, but with J.J. it was like a workshop—fluid and open to exploration. […] He’s always up for trying things out. And so in the middle of it, if I wasn’t happy, I’d just say, ‘No, no, I want to go again.’ And he would respond, ‘Yeah, yeah, go again! Yeah, yeah, yeah, go again!’ So it really was an [inter]active, dynamic process.”
The character Dr. Marcus in “Into Darkness” was created with a fresh perspective, differing from her “Wrath of Khan” counterpart. This reinvention allowed for a new dynamic and even included Dr. Marcus’ father as a crucial character in the film—someone not referenced in “Wrath of Khan.”
Unfortunately, as Carol Marcus was absent from “Star Trek III: The Search for Spock,” she likewise did not return for the “Into Darkness” sequel “Star Trek Beyond.” Despite the limited screen time, Eve’s portrayal remains noteworthy.
FAQ – Alice Eve’s Star Trek Into Darkness Audition
- How many times did Alice Eve audition for her role in “Star Trek Into Darkness”?
- Alice Eve auditioned almost 20 times, 17 times back-to-back in the room with J.J. Abrams, according to her own recount.
- How did Alice Eve feel about the audition process?
- Eve enjoyed auditioning for J.J. Abrams, describing the experience as similar to a workshop rather than just an audition, where both she and Abrams actively worked together on the performance.
- Did Alice Eve’s character Dr. Marcus appear in the sequel to “Star Trek Into Darkness”?
- No, Alice Eve’s character Dr. Carol Marcus did not return in the subsequent film, “Star Trek Beyond.”
Conclusion
The behind-the-scenes glimpse of Alice Eve’s elaborate audition process offers a testament to the rigorous efforts and collaboration that go into casting major film roles, especially within iconic franchises such as “Star Trek.” Eve’s dedication to her craft and her commitment to working hands-on with the director highlights the intricate nature of bringing a character to life on screen. Despite her role’s brevity and absence in the following sequel, Alice Eve’s portrayal of Dr. Carol Marcus in “Star Trek Into Darkness” remains a significant contribution to the sci-fi series.