[songbird27]

I agree it was a mistake because in the the original series, Kirk's relationship with his brother was alluded to as being a close relationship, not estranged, yet by leaving out the character of Sam Kirk altogether, not even a mention by name in the movie, the makers are changing the nature of that relationship. Yes I know it's messing about with canon, and certain quotes about 'canon and those people needing to hold on to minutiae - open your mind' - by Mr Nimoy - are truly insulting to those of us who do have open minds but also like the established histories (as written by Gene Roddenberry) of these characters to be at least mentioned, even briefly, and not changed totally because it doen't suit the film makers version of what the familial relationship 'should be.'

If the scenes were filmed then I cannot see why they were not included, unless there was a contractual dispute with the actor playing Sam (which then became John or Johnny) or there wasn't time in the movie to show his scenes.

My point is that if the actor was cast as Sam, then we should have seen one scene, or even just a line of dialogue between him and Jim (as with the uncle on the phone) - not leave this important character out totally, I'd love to ask JJ Abrams why he did that that's all.

[vantheman77]

To further illustrate that this is an alternate universe, Jim calls him Georgie instead of Sam.

[songbird27]

That's correct. I wish JJ had not set this in an alternate universe because it can't be considered the prequel to the original series timeline. Perhaps it should have been called Star Trek:Alternate Reality 1: The Beginning, or something like that. As with Star Trek: Next Generation, or Star Trek: Voyager and so on, Star Trek: Alternate Universe (Reality) would have been better and would have started off a series all of it's own without bothering the original reality in any way whsoever.

[mmoore]

It's the Chuck Cunningham Syndrome.

[Sohna]

Originally Posted by JSnyder4

The novel is nice, but apparently a late decision was made to change the kid's name after Mr. Foster was given that information. Credits back up this fact. Johnny is what was said, Johnny is what is listed and Johnny is who the now random kid is.

I agree so far as to them deliberately changing the kid's name to Johnny, as that is what the credits say.

However, I just watched it - in English (and I am a native speaker) - and it was not re-dubbed. The kid playing Jim still says, "Hey Georgie!" I'm thinking they didn't bother because it goes by fast with a lot of road noise and they probably didn't think anyone would notice.

I've got to wonder why they changed that, though. I don't see any purpose behind it.

[JSnyder4]

Originally Posted by Sohna

I've got to wonder why they changed that, though. I don't see any purpose behind it.

After listening to Orci & Kurtzman's last podcast from iTunes (Creative Screenwriting Magazine Star Trek Q&A 05/15/09; Jeff Goldsmith interviewer), I think I may have the answer.

They refer to characters with heavy exposition as "Johnny the exposition guy". Personally, I'm still cool with the Kirk-as-only-child impression in the film.

Great interview (hour and a half; first 3 minutes or so is promotional ad) with lots of answers and behind-the-scenes.

[lonstar70]

He says, "Hey Johnny!"

I have seen this movie many times, and rewatched this scene over and over to clarify it. He says, "Johnny".

[Macon ACE]

Young Jimmy clearly said "Hey Johnnie" in the movie I saw. It sure looks/sounds like JJ and Co. have decided to ignore Sam... at least for now. I just figured his history was changed as well. Maybe he took off after Dad died? Maybe he'll show up later as a villain ala Sybok? (NOOOOO!)

[I-Am-Zim]

Originally Posted by NCC-73515

He was cast as Sam, and Kirk didn't say "Johnny". I read that was added later when the character was changed.
Spencer looked a lot like Hemsworth. They should have switched the roles of the two Kirks

Originally Posted by lonstar70

He says, "Hey Johnny!"

I have seen this movie many times, and rewatched this scene over and over to clarify it. He says, "Johnny".

Yep. He says "Johnny". I've seen it 5 times.

[NCC-73515]

So you saw the original unedited version?