Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Actor Bruce Horak Investigates 1 Episode of Devastating Final Season

[This story contains spoilers for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds episode “All Those Who Wander.”]

Bruce Horak was not a surprise. He knew how it would end for Lieutenant Hemer.

yeaTar Trek: Strange New Worlds The actor was reported as the chief engineer of the Enterprise after the first season of the Paramount+ series aired how his character’s arc would end. And when he finally arrived, Horak discovered a great deal of beauty in that moment, though that meant his time on the series was usually over.

In “All Who Wandering”, in the first episode of last season, Hemmer, unbeknownst to him at the time, sacrifices himself to save Nyota Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding) when the Gorn attacks and spits poison that hits him. It was originally thought to have blinded or burned the alleged victim, but the vemon was later found to house the corpse’s host, resulting in the death of infant species from the body. abroad. Hemmer, realizing what has happened, commits suicide to cause more damage to the crew and save himself from terrible agony.

Hammer’s work has been a pleasure and an honor, Horak said. the hollywood reporter “All Who Wandering” before the premiere. The Brave, the Wise Hemer is a genus that is an albino subspecies of the Andorrans. Though blind, Enar has strong telepathic abilities. Upon taking on the role, the Calgary-born actor Horak became the first blind star of the sci-fi franchise.

Although “All Who Wandering” was filmed a year ago, Horak remembers THR All the emotions that swirled around not just saying goodbye to him but to the whole ᲕThe way of the stars Travel. In the conversation below, the actress touched on a number of topics, including how she got into the series and the close bonds she’s built with the actors and makeup team.

How are you? I think there must have been a lot of excitement now when this amazing and moving episode came out.

Well, we’ve been filming for a year now, but I’m really happy with the outcome of the episode. When I was approached for the role, I was immediately told it was going to be a Hammer character arc. So I knew I was included. From the beginning, there was a little bit of fear about how the death would happen, what the grand finale would be like. When I read the script, I was really happy, well, happy is not the right word. i calm down That’s a big death sentence for a red shirt. (laughs.)

Was there a special dinner or party to say goodbye to? I know some shows have a tradition when a favorite character meets death.

Many tears came. The last day we filmed was the landing on the planet. I cried a lot, especially the prosthetics team Alan Cook and Shane Zander, who worked tirelessly on Hammer’s look for the season. We had a very special connection, spending three and a half hours every morning getting ready and then spending an hour at the end of the day removing our dentures. Honestly, Shane and Alan sent me off in style. Gifts were exchanged. It was really adorable.

This leads me perfectly to my next question: What was the makeup process like for you? Some actors tell me not to worry about it, while others are too eager to sit around that long.

I must say that I really enjoyed the process. I found this incredibly relaxing and admired his art. This is truly a work of art in the industry. The first day I had a scarf on my head, so they had to cover my face and hair with this sticky gum, like blue mud. And it was fine, but when they towed it all in, it was a little annoying.

How did you play the role of Hammer and what did that mean to you at some point?

The summons to a hearing came through my agent. we knew it was new ᲕThe way of the starsBut we didn’t know anything else about it. But as soon as I heard it was ᲕThe way of the starsI was totally. The following character description convinced me: I was playing a blind alien and they were specifically looking for a blind or visually impaired actor for this role, which again moved me a lot because I felt it. It was as if the door was open.[ed] for me. I think there were three or four hearings. I just didn’t believe it during the whole process. When I did the camera test with all my makeup on, I was on the Enterprise Bridge, so I took a deep breath and had this amazing feeling of climbing a huge mountain and looking into a huge space. In front of me when I thought: “It will be a very adventurous trip”. And it really was.

How was the character development? Did it make sense, since they were auditioning for the role of a blind actor? I think of the scene at the beginning of the series when Hemer denies any claim that his blindness is a disability.

Honestly, all these wonderful characters were written, and the first scene you mention is something I read in the audience. Somehow they jump up and discuss their downfall, which is a difficult word, and always has been, when you are opposed to life in the world. When I read this scene, I immediately contacted him. For my part, I added nothing to the text, everything was in its interpretation. It was just to find out how he moves and how he interacts with the world and bring physicality and serenity to him. That was my contribution.

I liked the connection formed between Hemmer and Nyota. Not only does he save her, but throughout the series he encourages her to believe in herself and tear down her walls. What was it like working with Celia and creating these wonderful moments?

I knew Hamer would be a mentor figure. It starts off cheeky and a little distant, but there are wonderful moments when he turns to Nyota and finally, in this episode, speaks with perfect determination to the goal. It looks like a really good arc for the character. And for me, mentors were absolutely at the forefront of my life. I wouldn’t be where I am without the people who have guided me and given me advice. So I actually got in touch with Hemer. Celia and I got in touch early on. Most of our scenes are together, so we spend a lot of time behind the camera, just interacting with the music and the theater. He, like me, has a career in the theater. It was one of the hardest goodbyes of all time, of course.

ბოლოს Finally, ᲕThe way of the stars It taught me never to say never, so I will say I hope Hemer returns via flashback or alternate timeline. Is it safe to assume you’re ready for this?

I feel the same about my bank account! (laughs.) Well, I was released to say that this is not the end of Bruce Horak’s career ᲕThe way of the stars.

The interview is edited for length and clarity.

Season finale Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Streaming on Paramount+ next Thursday.