Why Did the Star Trek Voyager Series Undergo Actor Changes?

Star Trek Voyager, part of the beloved Star Trek series, experienced only a few actor changes over the years, but those changes were significant and well-liked by fans. This article dives into the reasons behind these changes, focusing on the shows' ratings, performance, and character development.

Decrease in Ratings and Budget Cuts

The ratings for Star Trek Voyager were declining, which prompted the production company to slash the budget. This drastic decision led to the reduction of the main cast from 9 to 8 actors. One of the actors, Garrett 'Harry Kim' Wang, was initially targeted for dismissal. Why Harry Kim? The show emphasized a female captain and promoted three significant female leads, thus reducing another male lead felt necessary. However, Garrett Wang's features in a People magazine article as one of the 50 sexiest young performers in Hollywood saved him from the cut.

Underperformance and Contract Renewal

Another actor, Jennifer 'Kes' Lien, faced termination due to allegations of underperformance, which were claimed to be linked to drug use and excessive partying. Her contract was not renewed after three years, prompting the producers to consider the importance of their female cast members. They realized that, despite Kes' charisma, the show wanted to maintain a balance with other strong female characters.

Introduction of Seven of Nine

To compensate for the departure of Kes, the production team created a new character: Seven of Nine. This character was designed with specific traits to stand out and appeal to the audience. She was a former Borg, both physically and mentally superior to humans but emotionally and socially immature. Such a character needed to be physically capable and able to engage in physical stunts.

Another key aspect was her age, location within the show's timeline, and her availability for relationships. Seven of Nine was designed to be female, around 30 years old, but younger than Captain Janeway, and not linked to another character like Kes. She was also expected to be conventionally attractive and ready for relationships, rather than focused solely on her duties as the captain. This meant the character needed to be played by a tall, blonde actress who could convincingly portray a fighter.

Jeri Ryan was chosen for the role of Seven of Nine, as she was not only an actress who could carry the character but also fit all the other criteria mentioned. The character's iconic look, including the distinctive catsuit, was added later to enhance her roles.

These changes in actors were crucial for the continued success and character development of Star Trek Voyager. While they may have initially seemed like cutbacks, they ultimately added depth and character to the series, reflecting the complexity and nuances of the Star Trek universe.