EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Star Trek Cast Member Clifton Collins Jr.

We caught up with Star Trek cast member Clifton Collins Jr. at the Star Trek movie premiere in Las Vegas’ Brenden Theater’s IMAX, inside The Palms Hotel and Casino.
Clifton was there taking pictures and signing exclusive Star Trek posters for his fans. You may know Clifton from numerous TV and film projects such as Babel, The Shield,Crank: High Voltage, Alias, ER or Capote. Clifton even has 4 films in ‘post’ and 2 ‘completed’. Clifton is the 4th generation of entertainers in his family. His grandfather ‘Pedro Gonzalez Gonzalez’ has a Hollywood Star next to John Wayne, who he co-starred with in several western films. Clifton has his very own Vegas Hollywood Star in the Brenden Theater lobby inside of The Palms.
We got to spend some quality time getting to know the amazing Clifton, and what it was like working on the new Star Trek movie. We even got a little tid bit about what it was like working with ‘Crank: High Voltage’ actor Jason Statham.

Which character do you play? “I play ‘Ayel‘, who works for the badass ‘Nero‘, played by Eric Bana.”

What was it like working on Star Trek the movie? “It was great working with J.J. Abrams. I was glad to be working with him again since I had previously worked with him on ‘Alias.’ He’s one of the best directors to work with. J.J. is just a great storyteller. You can tell by his amazing work on Cloverfield, MI3, Lost or Alias. He appreciates everyone around on the set from the cast, the crew-everybody-it’s just a joy to put so much time and effort into the role when you are appreciated as an artist.”

What was it like working with Jason Statham? “He’s awesome. And he plays a ‘cling on’ in Star Trek. You might not recognize him [haha joke]. I also worked with him on Crank 2: High Voltage and he is a blast-he’s awesome-a dear friend of mine. He’s great to work with. I’m looking forward to working with him again. He’s out doing “The Expendables” now [Jason Statham’s new film].”

Clifton added that “everyone will be a ‘Trekkie’ after seeing the film [Star Trek].”   “The definition of a ‘Trekkie’ is a Star Trek fanatic-people who love Star Trek. You will be a Trekkie after seeing this film.