Tom Hanks Nearly Changed the Best Star Trek Movie Ever Made

The two-time Oscar winner was considered for the iconic role of Zefram Cochrane in 'Star Trek: First Contact'.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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In its 60-year history, the Star Trek franchise has made numerous attempts to widen its fanbase beyond devoted Trekkies. In 1996, the franchise nearly landed one of America's most treasured actors, Tom Hanks, for the role of Zefram Cochrane in Star Trek: First Contact. Though talks never got too far, Hanks's participation could have conferred a new level of prestige and event status to the film.

Why it matters

Hanks's addition could have brought more mainstream appeal and box office muscle to the Star Trek franchise, which has consistently tried to attract a wider audience beyond its core fanbase. While the role ultimately went to James Cromwell, the possibility of Hanks playing the legendary warp drive inventor highlights the franchise's efforts to land A-list talent.

The details

In Star Trek: First Contact, the Enterprise crew travels back to 2063 to stop the Borg from assimilating Earth, where they encounter the alcoholic and reluctant inventor Zefram Cochrane, the creator of the warp drive. Though Hanks's name was floated early on, talks 'never got that far' due to his busy schedule and high salary demands. Ultimately, Cromwell's performance as the cynical Cochrane was well-received, and the film succeeded without Hanks's involvement.

  • In 1996, Hanks was considered for the role of Zefram Cochrane in the production of Star Trek: First Contact.
  • Star Trek: First Contact was released in theaters in 1996.

The players

Tom Hanks

A two-time Oscar-winning actor who was a self-professed Star Trek fan and was considered for the role of Zefram Cochrane in Star Trek: First Contact.

Zefram Cochrane

The creator of the warp drive system in the Star Trek universe, who was introduced in The Original Series and played a key role in the events of Star Trek: First Contact.

James Cromwell

The actor who ultimately played the role of Zefram Cochrane in Star Trek: First Contact, portraying him as a reluctant and cynical inventor.

Ronald D. Moore

The co-writer of Star Trek: First Contact, who revealed that talks with Hanks about the role 'never got that far'.

Gene Roddenberry

The creator of the Star Trek franchise, whose beloved sci-fi universe the films and series are set in.

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What they’re saying

“The guy who invented warp drive? Oh come on, I would've jumped on that! I would have come in, and I would have brought gift Tribbles to everybody at the first meeting. 'Guys, here's some Tribbles for you.'”

— Tom Hanks (Happy Sad Confused podcast)

“Though Hanks's name was floated early on, Moore revealed that talks 'never got that far'.”

— Ronald D. Moore, Co-writer of Star Trek: First Contact (The Hollywood Reporter)

What’s next

As Star Trek continues to expand on the small screen with Star Trek: Starfleet Academy and a new feature film in development, the door remains open for Hanks to bring his gravitas to a new but significant character in the broader Star Trek universe.

The takeaway

The possibility of Tom Hanks playing the iconic role of Zefram Cochrane in Star Trek: First Contact highlights the franchise's efforts to attract A-list talent and mainstream appeal, even as it remained true to its core Trekkie fanbase. While Hanks's involvement never materialized, the film's success without him demonstrates the strength of the Star Trek brand and its ability to captivate audiences.