In the realm of science fiction, few franchises have had as significant an impact as Star Trek. A pivotal moment in this legacy occurred with the 1991 film “Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country.” Originally, the beloved character Saavik, portrayed by Kirstie Alley in earlier installments, was slated for a substantial role. Saavik, a half-Vulcan, half-Romulan officer, was first introduced in “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan,” where she was depicted as a protégé of Spock. However, by the time the sixth film was in development, changes were afoot.
Saavik’s involvement in “Star Trek VI” was contentious, as creator Gene Roddenberry opposed a storyline wherein she would betray her crew, a narrative choice deemed inconsistent with her character. With Robin Curtis stepping away from the role, the writers needed a new character entirely. Enter Kim Cattrall, who had previously auditioned for the part of Saavik but was hesitant to take it on again as the third actress to embody the character. Instead, the decision was made to create a fresh character for her: Valeris.
Cattrall’s reservations about joining the Star Trek universe were rooted in her perception of the treatment of women within the franchise. She wanted more depth and dimension in the character she portrayed. Reflecting on her past observations of the series, she remarked that women were often relegated to superficial roles—either as mere objects or overly antagonistic figures. This perception nearly led her to turn down the role outright.
However, the filmmakers were willing to collaborate with Cattrall to build Valeris from the ground up, turning her vision into reality. She infused Valeris with a complexity that was lacking in previous female roles. Cattrall not only contributed to the character’s hairstyle but also to significant elements of her identity, including the clever nod to Eris, the goddess of discord, in Valeris’s name.
Cattrall’s enthusiasm for the character grew as she developed a unique look that balanced futurism with a retro aesthetic. She embraced the character’s distinct features, including the iconic ear tips, though they posed a challenge during everyday tasks like making phone calls. Behind the scenes, there were even lighthearted moments, like Cattrall sneaking onto the Enterprise Bridge set for playful photos, which her co-star Leonard Nimoy later discovered and destroyed to prevent any scandal.
Cattrall was adamant that Valeris was more than a pretty face in an interesting costume; she was ambitious, driven, and had clear motivations. In her eyes, Valeris brought a vital dynamism that the previous iterations of Saavik lacked. Cattrall described Valeris as defined and resolute, setting her apart from earlier portrayals that seemed ambivalent and without clear direction.
Ultimately, Cattrall’s portrayal of Valeris not only marked a significant contribution to Star Trek but also made her presence felt in the franchise. The film became a testament to how collaborating with an actor can lead to the creation of a multi-faceted character, reshaping the landscape for women in sci-fi narratives for years to come.
