It's hard to imagine anybody but LeVar Burton playing Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation. However, there was a time when CBS was still looking for the perfect actor to play the role and they actually considered Wesley Snipes. Interestingly, the former Blade star has finally addressed the missed casting opportunity in the sci-fi series.
Snipes recently spoke to Collider where he was asked if it was true that he tried out for the Star Trek series. Not surprisingly, the Demolition Man star confirmed it and even admitted that he was disappointed that he didn't get the role.
"Yes, that is true," Snipes said. "I think that was in the eighties. Yeah. And was disappointed that I didn't get it."
Interestingly, Snipes added that he was "not as disappointed" as he was when he didn't get chosen for Coming To America. Nevertheless, he believed it worked out for the best.
"I think if I had gotten the role that I would have been in television more than film, and maybe would have been never got a chance to do everything else I've done," Snipes said.
He does have a point there. Although playing La Forge in The Next Generation would have been an awesome opportunity, Snipes managed to land several action films including New Jack City, White Men Can't Jump, Passenger 57, and US Marshals. He later nabbed the title role in Marvel's Blade.
Meanwhile, Burton would play La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation as well as its spin-off films. Needless to say, it worked out well for everyone in the end.
Do you think Wesley Snipes should have played Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation? Sound off in the comments below.
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