[Elizadolots]

Mitchell: "The first thing I ever heard from upperclassmen was, ''Watch out for Lieutenant Kirk. In his class, you either think or sink.''

Dr. Dehner: "Gary told me you've (Kirk) been friends since he joined the service, that you asked for him aboard your first command."

Kirk: "Our task-- transport down a man I've known for 15 years, and if we're successful, maroon him there."

Mitchell: "My friend, James Kirk. Remember those rodent things on Dimorus? The poisoned darts they threw? I took one meant for you. And almost died."

It seems like the heroic life saving was during a mission (shades of Spock in The Apple).

I'm not saying it would be impossible to have Mitchell in the film, it would just need to be done right or it's going to either a) violate the established timeline or b) feel really forced.

[Zardoz]

Eliza-

Good point made there!

[MissionTrek08]

Thanks for the detective work, Eliza. I'd agree that too much of Gary Mitchell starts presenting problems because he ends up spending a lot of time with Kirk, and we already know from the production team that the film focuses on the friendship of Kirk and Spock.

Mitchell ends up being a third wheel... or in the case of the entire crew, the eighth wheel.

[Elizadolots]

He could, of course, fit into the realm of "Easter Egg"...

[JBElliott]

But Mitchell was friends with "James R. Kirk" not "James T. Kirk." Maybe that's an early clue of the timeline changes that we'll see initiated in this movie.

[JBElliott]

Originally Posted by MissionTrek08

Thanks for the detective work, Eliza. I'd agree that too much of Gary Mitchell starts presenting problems because he ends up spending a lot of time with Kirk, and we already know from the production team that the film focuses on the friendship of Kirk and Spock.

Mitchell ends up being a third wheel... or in the case of the entire crew, the eighth wheel.

I don't think that he would have to spend "too much" time with Kirk or be a "third wheel." Mitchell's character could be a great way to see things from Kirk's side about his developing friendship with Spock. Imagine scenes where Kirk is talking to Mitchell about Spock. That provides an good view into Kirk's head.

[JBElliott]

Originally Posted by Zardoz

LOL JB LOL he's not kenny from South Park...lol..

"Oh No!! They Killed Gary!!"

"You bas***ds!!"

That would be perfect! Mitchell keeps getting killed, but comes back due to all the time slips!

[sir num nums]

Just so I have this right... The novels are fan based, or actored based books right? And are not Canon. Even though from time to time elements from some novels have made on screen.

So?

[Pxer]

Originally Posted by JBElliott

But Mitchell was friends with "James R. Kirk" not "James T. Kirk." Maybe that's an early clue of the timeline changes that we'll see initiated in this movie.

hahaha
That SO needs to be digitally altered in the DVD releases.

[Commodore]

Originally Posted by Pxer

hahaha
That SO needs to be digitally altered in the DVD releases.

I remember one of the novels explaining that the "R" was something derrogatory Mitchell used to call Kirk during his Academy days. Not canon, of course, but I like the idea...

As far as Mitchell is concerned, I wouldn't be surprised if the character makes at least a brief appearance and/or is mentioned in passing. The role need not be a major one, nor even a speaking role, because fans-in-the-know would know who he is and what he's destined to become...