Star Trek's Anton Yelchin will NOT be replaced as Chekov says JJ Abrams
JJ ABRAMS promises that Anton Yelchin's character Pavel Chekov will not be recast after Star Trek Beyond but will the character's death be shown in the sequel?
Anton Yelchin as Chekov in Star Trek
Yelchin died in a terrible freak accident outside his LA home on June 19 when his car rolled back and crushed him.
He will be seen this weekend in his final appearance as Ensign Pavel Chekov in Star Trek Beyond.
The franchise's producer, JJ Abrams has confirmed today that the role will not be recast in any subsequent films.
Abrams said: “I would say there’s no replacing him. There’s no recasting. I can’t possibly imagine that, and I think Anton deserves better.”
Anton Yelchin, JJ Abrams (seated) and the Star Trek cast
Star Trek Beyond will be dedicated to the memory of Yelchin and Leonard Nimoy, who also passed away during the making of the film.
Abrams also discussed whether the death of Chekov, the chief navigator of the Starship Enterprise, would feature in the next film.
He said: “I have thought about it, we’re working on it, and it’s too early to talk about it."
The next film will also see the return of Chris Hemsworth as the father of Captain James T Kirk.
Anton Yelchin as Chekov
Until then, Yelchin can also be seen in four more films and a television series, all due for release later this year.
Yelchin voices the lead role of Jim in the upcoming animated TV series Trollhunters alongside Kelsey Grammer and Ron Perlman.
In cinemas he will be seen in Porto later this year and Thoroughbred and Rememory in 2017.
Star Trek Beyond is out in UK cinemas on July 22