Summary
AsStar Trek: Strange New Worldsgradually introduces the future crew of the USS Enterprise fromStar Trek: The Original Series, these 5 actors would be perfect to play Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy. Among the iconicStar Trek: The Original Seriescharacterswas the lovably grumpy Dr. McCoy, originally played by DeForest Kelley. Affectionately nicknamed “Bones” by Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner), the good doctor expertly balanced his short-fused temper with a passion for his patients.Any actor playing a younger Bones, like Karl Urban did in J.J. Abrams’Star Trekmovies, would need to recreate that balance.
Mainstream popularity hasn’t always influenced previous casting choices for classic characters inStar Trek: Strange New Worlds. Although they’ve both nailed their respective characters' younger years and solidified their places earlier in theStar Trektimeline, Celia Rose Gooding as Lt. Nyota Uhura and Martin Quinn as Lt. Montgomery “Scotty” Scott were relatively unknown in the TV world. However, in searching for a young actor to play the future Chief Medical Officer of the Starship Enterprise,Star Trek: Strange New Worldscould benefit from an actor with more fame, and these 5 actors have plenty of popularity to go around.
Star Trek: Dr. McCoy’s Entire Prime Universe Timeline, Explained
Dr. Leonard McCoy might have been an “old country doctor” on Star Trek, but his timeline involved some of the most important moments in the franchise.
5Barry Keoghan
TheEternalsstar has McCoy’s dry humor and melancholy
The last few years have seen a burst of growth in Irish actor Barry Keoghan’s career, and at 31 years old, he’s just getting started. Keoghan has shined in box office hits likeEternals,Dunkirk, andSaltburn. From a superhero to a war hero, Keoghan has repeatedly proven his acting range, even against a green screen and surrounded by CGI. He’s a decade younger thanPaul Wesley, who plays Lt. James T. KirkinStar Trek: Strange New Worlds, butKeoghan could bring Leonard McCoy’s signature dry humorwhile also making sure the doctor doesn’t fade into the background as comic relief.
4Joseph Quinn
Best known forStranger Things, Joseph Quinn is great in high-pressure scenes
With a breakout role inStranger Thingsand a huge upcoming part as Johnny Storm in Marvel Studios’The Fantastic Four, Joseph Quinn could definitely handle the pressures that often come with being a part of theStar Trekuniverse. He’s excellent in high-pressure scenes, even those that require action and emotion simultaneously.Quinn could showcase that talent and introduce a younger Bones in a high-stakes situationif Dr. McCoy makes an appearance inStar Trek: Strange New Worldsseason 3.
Strange New Worlds Needs Dr. McCoy: This Supernatural Star Should Play Bones
Strange New Worlds has yet to introduce the final member of Star Trek’s famous trio: Dr. McCoy. This actor would make the perfect old country doctor.
3Nicholas Hoult
This British star has experience in a wide range of roles
British actor Nicholas Hoult has played a superhero, a zombie, a Russian czar, and just about everything in between. His darker side of dramatic acting could benefitStar Trek: Strange New Worldsif the crew ever finds themselves visitingStar Trek’sMirror Universe, where any actor playing Dr. McCoy would need to be sinister.Hoult can also play humor, so Bones would be in good hands when it comes to his quippy one-liners and jokesto ease tension on the bridge. His easy chemistry with costars would ensure future captain James Kirk and Dr. McCoy become fast friends.
2Joe Keery
Playing Bones could round out Joe Keery’s bustling career
As another iconicStranger Thingsalumni, Joe Keery has earned his stripes in sci-fi and drama. His experience with long-running TV shows and ensemble casts means he would be the perfect fit inStar Trek: Strange New Worlds, which has already been renewed for season 4. Balancing Leonard McCoy’s many relationships on board the Starship Enterprise would be challenging, but Keery’s experience would make it a cinch.Keery’s comedic timing would also mean that McCoy’s iconic line"I’m a doctor, not a…“has a long-awaited comebacksince its last utterance by Karl Urban’s McCoy inStar Trek: Beyond.
Every Time Star Trek’s Dr. McCoy Said “I’m A Doctor, Not A…”
A look at every time the distinguished and much-loved Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy used his famous “I’m a doctor, not a …” catchphrase in Star Trek.
1Alden Ehrenreich
His experience makes Alden Ehrenreich a compelling choice for Leonard McCoy
Alden Ehrenreich could nail the Starfleet doctor’s sarcastic humor and easy affection.Ehrenreich also plays anger really well, which means the younger Dr. McCoy could have characteristic squabbles with Spock (Ethan Peck),bringing back a dynamic that has recently been missing in newerStar TrekTV shows. Ehrenreich has experience playing younger versions of iconic characters, like Han Solo inSolo: A Star Wars Story.His emotional and visibly expressive acting could supplyStar Trek: Strange New Worldswith Leonard McCoy’s trademark raised-brow attitude.
