Anaheim, CA – After receiving news that GNN would have the opportunity for a phone interview with Walter Marvin Koenig [pronounced Kay-nig], feeling elated would be an understatement. Mr. Koenig has had a stellar career in the industry as a whole, from actor to writer, producer to director, even creating his own comic book series. He has done it all. But he will always be best known for his roles as Pavel Chekov in Star Trek and Alfred Bester in Babylon 5. (Mr Koenig will be at Phoenix Comicon joining in a Babylon 5 reunion panel.)
Getting to the actual interview though proved more difficult. Mr Koenig missed our original scheduled time for the phone interview. After clarification, he was busy at an event so could not make the phone call. He called the next day in the morning to reschedule the interview. We agreed on the following day at the same time as the previous interview. He calls me the same day at the time agreed upon for the next day. I was not expecting his call so was not ready to do the interview. Had to reschedule one more time. Confusing yet? Well we finally got it right on the last try…
WK: I am happy we finally got it right this time [laughter]!
HL: Me too [laughter]! Mr. Koenig, thank you for taking time out of your busy day to chat with me and Geek News Network.
WK: Thank you for having me.
HL: Looking at your past accomplishments, you have done it all. From actor to writer, producer to director, even so far as creating your own comic series. What is next for you?
WK: I have no idea. I keep my eyes open for things that come my way. I am involved with this new project called “Cowboys & Engines” and a Star Trek tv movie called “Star Trek Renegades“.
HL: What can you tell us about “Cowboys & Engines”?
WK: Nothing right now. There is only a trailer out. It just finished a successful Kickstarter campaign to fund the movie. I play a professor named Nicholas Timeon. Based in a steampunk world.
HL: I was reading about “Renegades” and saw you will be reprising your role as Pavel Chekov, but as an admiral this time. What can you tell us about this?
WK: Well I am over 140 years old I believe. I should be an admiral [laughter]. It takes place after Voyagers return from the Delta Quadrant. Chekov is the head of Starfleet Intelligence. There is a crisis within the Federation where Chekov has to put a covert crew together to deal with.
HL: How does it feel to work with Tim Russ and Garrett Wang?
WK: They are wonderful. At least that is how I feel about them. Not too sure how they feel about me [chuckle].
HL: Star Trek Into Darkness came out last week. How do you feel about Anton Yelchin portraying Chekov and does he do the character justice?
WK: I actually got to meet Anton and chat with him for awhile on the set of the first Star Trek movie. He had a lot of questions. I think he portrays the character very well. The only problem is that Chekov never got a lot of screen time and it is true in these new movies as well.
HL: I hear you also have a novel out right now?
WK: Yes! It is called “Things To Come”. It is a vampire mythology based after the apocalypse. You can find it on Amazon and Bluewater Productions website.
HL: Thank you so much for your time Mr Koenig! You have a great day and we look forward to seeing you at Phoenix Comicon!
WK: Thank you Hong.
- You can find more information on “Cowboys & Engines” here at their website:Â http://cowboysandenginesthemovie.com/
- “Star Trek Renegades” is currently in production and will be out in 2014. Keep up to date on this project here:Â http://startrekrenegades.com/home/
- To find yourself a copy of “Things To Come”, you can find it on Amazon here:Â http://amzn.to/10o5wht
- Mr Koenig will be at Phoenix Comicon this weekend! Find out more information on where he is going to be at PCC’s official site here:Â http://phoenixcomicon.com/
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