Kaiser covered the red carpet for Star Trek Beyond Premiere at Preview Night on the eve of the San Diego Comic Convention. By all accounts, it sounded like an amazing event to mark the 50th anniversary of the Star Trek TV series. Since Star Trek Universe was a staple at the SDCC long before the big movie studios moved in, it was also very appropriate roll out for the movie. In addition to the bevy of beautiful people who make up the cast, the San Diego Symphony accompanied the film as the attendees watched under the stars and the evening culminated in a huge fireworks display. Also beautiful were the tributes to both actor Anton Yelchin and Leonard Nimoy. The cast and crew wore black insignia logos and JJ Abrams asked for a moment of silence for Anton, who tragically died last month in a freak accident. Anton was represented by his parents who were in attendance. Zachary Quinto, who plays Mr. Spock in the current Star Trek franchise, said some beautiful words on behalf of his predecessor Leonard Nimoy. The film is dedicated to both actors.

The Star Trek Beyond world premiere was a night of firsts.

The event took place on the preview night of Comic-Con and, for the first time, a movie was screened outdoors on an IMAX screen. Also for the first time at a world premiere, a ninety-piece orchestra was on hand to provide live accompaniment of the film’s score.
Sadly, it was also the first Star Trek premiere since the series was rebooted without co-star Anton Yelchin in attendance.

“As wonderful as this is to be here with all of you, and to be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Star Trek, there is something wrong tonight,” said producer J.J. Abrams, who directed Yelchin in the first two Star Trek films, released in 2009 and 2013, and produced Beyond.

On stage at San Diego’s Embarcadero Marina Park Amphitheater, Star Trek alums Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Simon Pegg and Zoe Saldana were joined by newcomers Idris Elba, Sofia Boutella and director Justin Lin, all of whom honored the late 27 year-old actor, along with Abrams.

“Anton Yelchin should be here,” Abrams continued. “Anton’s parents are here, Irina and Victor. We love their son and if I could ask everyone to have a moment of silence for our dear friend, Anton.”

Following the moment of silence, the San Diego Symphony began to play a medley of Star Trek theme music. During the performance, a light show appeared above the audience’s head, while fireworks exploded over the marina.

Quinto, who plays Spock in the series, also said a few words for the late Leonard Nimoy, who passed away earlier this year. “I Just want to take a moment to honor him, to acknowledge him, to celebrate him and to love him. We all carry him with us in our heart, tonight,” Quinto said.

[From The Hollywood Reporter]

One for the SMDH File: I kind of talked The Mister into skipping Preview Night. We both had projects so I argued to work in LA for the afternoon and drive down Wednesday night. We were driving over the Coronado Bridge when I spotted the huge outdoor screen. The Mister asked me was the film was and because I was too far to recognize any faces, my adroit response was, “Uhm, I don’t know – something.” I saw the fireworks display when I was walking the dog. Go ahead – I deserve whatever you want to throw at me.

In a pretty classy move, Abrams, who is steadily growing on me, has announced that he will not be replacing Anton in the future Star Trek installments. When asked, Abrams replied, “I would say there’s no replacing him. There’s no recasting. I can’t possibly imagine that, and I think Anton deserves better.” How Pavel Chekov will exit the series has not been determined. Abrams says he has considered killing him off but, “it’s too early to talk about it.” Zoë Saldana told People that all of the cast are, “allowing ourselves to grieve,” but that they are doing it privately because it hasn’t been a month yet and they are still coming to terms with his loss. I imagine the day they film the scene that says goodbye to Chekov, regardless of how he is retired, will be a tough day to get through.

Your sudden and unexpected departure has left us all broken hearted. I woke up today feeling absolute gratitude that I had you as a friend and colleague. Your life has been cut short, but I will always tell everyone about you. You were kind, present, old souled, curious, brilliant, funny, humble, honest, and undeniably talent. Good bye Anton, it was an honor to have crossed paths with you.

A photo posted by Zoe Saldana (@zoesaldana) on Jun 23, 2016 at 10:13am PDT

Photo Credit: WENN and Fame/Flynet Photos, Getty Images and Instagram