The Surprising Star Trek Role of Jeff Bezos
As a cultural icon and one of the wealthiest individuals on the planet, Jeff Bezos’ involvement in the world of Star Trek might come as a shock to many fans of the franchise. Known for his significant wealth—estimated at over $237 billion—Bezos is the face of Amazon and has been linked to various political fundings that often diverge from the core values presented in the Star Trek universe. Star Trek envisions a utopian society where the need for wealth is nonexistent, and class disparities have vanished, presenting a stark contrast to Bezos’ capitalist pursuits.
Despite this philosophical clash, there are connections tying Bezos to the final frontier. His private aerospace company, Blue Origin, embodies a shared fascination with space exploration. Notably, in 2022, Star Trek veteran William Shatner made headlines by traveling aboard a Blue Origin spacecraft, creating a symbolic link between the billionaire and the beloved sci-fi series.
Bezos’ involvement with Star Trek goes beyond admiration for its ideals; he made a brief appearance in the 2016 film Star Trek Beyond, directed by Justin Lin. His role is fleeting but memorable—he played an alien doctor named Bezos. While fans might struggle to identify him, his character appears early in the film during a scene where the character Kalara, portrayed by Lydia Wilson, is brought aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise after her escape from a devastating incident on the planet Altamid.
Despite his brief screen time in the movie, Bezos’ love for the franchise is evident in other ways. He has purchased one of the eight-foot models of the U.S.S. Enterprise used in filming and has even named his dog Kamala after a character from Star Trek: The Next Generation. Additionally, Bezos was inspired by the series’ sophisticated voice-activated computers, and this influence can be seen in the development of Amazon’s Alexa.
While his political stance may starkly contrast with the inclusive and peace-driven ethos of Star Trek, one can hope that Bezos, having had a taste of the Star Trek universe through his cameo, might reflect on the deeper messages the series imparts about unity and a post-capitalist future. He has a grasp on the technological marvels presented in Star Trek, yet the true essence of unity and shared humanity remains a lesson yet to be fully embraced.
