John Colicos, the actor who first breathed life into the iconic Klingon character Kor in Star Trek: The Original Series, nearly declined to reprise his role in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. This decision could have drastically altered a beloved piece of Star Trek history, specifically the memorable Klingon reunion in DS9’s season 2. His initial hesitation stemmed from concerns about the portrayal of Kor, a character he deeply respected and feared might be reduced to a caricature. Thankfully, persuasion and understanding prevailed, allowing Colicos to return and solidify Kor’s legacy within the Star Trek universe.
John Colicos’s Fear of a “Buffoonish” Kor in DS9’s “Blood Oath”
When presented with the script for the Deep Space Nine episode “Blood Oath,” John Colicos was immediately apprehensive. The original script envisioned Kor as a Klingon equivalent of Shakespeare’s Falstaff – a boisterous, often drunken, and largely comedic figure. This interpretation clashed sharply with Colicos’s understanding and portrayal of Kor in The Original Series. He worried that such a depiction would undermine the gravitas and respect the character had garnered over the years.
Colicos voiced his concerns directly to DS9 producer Michael Piller, explaining his reluctance to portray Kor in such a light. He articulated his fear that turning Kor into a “buffoon” would betray the character’s established persona and disappoint the dedicated fanbase who revered the original Kor. For John Colicos, maintaining the integrity of Kor’s character was paramount, even if it meant potentially missing out on a return to the Star Trek franchise.
“I don’t really want to play this character, because it’s totally contradictory to the original Kor. I have a huge following from the original one, and if he becomes just a buffoon, then I’d honestly rather not do it.”
The Pivotal Decision: Kor’s Survival and John Colicos’s Return
Michael Piller reassured John Colicos that while there would be comedic elements to Kor in “Blood Oath,” the character would ultimately be portrayed heroically by the episode’s conclusion. Crucially, a key element in persuading Colicos was the agreement that Kor would survive the events of “Blood Oath.” Unlike Koloth (William Campbell) and Kang (Michael Ansara), Kor would live on, becoming the storyteller of his comrades’ valiant sacrifices.
This decision was vital for John Colicos. He felt strongly that Kor’s survival was essential to preserving the character’s dignity and allowing him to continue as a significant figure in Klingon lore. His return wasn’t just about revisiting a role; it was about ensuring that Kor’s legacy remained intact and that the historic Klingon reunion on Deep Space Nine felt authentic and meaningful for long-time Star Trek fans. Colicos himself stated that he preferred to be remembered as the commanding Kor from the original series rather than a character whose end diminished his initial impact.
John Colicos and the Indispensable Klingon Reunion in DS9
The Deep Space Nine episode “Blood Oath” is celebrated for bringing together Kor, Kang, and Koloth, three iconic Klingon characters from Star Trek: The Original Series. This reunion was a significant moment for Star Trek, bridging the gap between the classic and newer series. However, the impact of this reunion hinged significantly on the presence of John Colicos as Kor.
A Klingon reunion without the actor who originated the Klingons in Star Trek would have felt fundamentally incomplete. John Colicos was not just any actor; he was the original Kor, the Klingon who made a lasting impression in “Errand of Mercy” and helped shape the Klingon identity within the Star Trek universe. His participation in “Blood Oath” legitimized the reunion, providing a crucial link back to the franchise’s origins and ensuring that the episode resonated deeply with fans who cherished the classic Klingon characters. Fortunately, John Colicos’s eventual agreement to return enriched Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and solidified the episode’s place as a standout moment in Star Trek history, all thanks to his dedication to the character of Kor.
