As Star Trek: Strange New Worlds gradually introduces the future crew of the USS Enterprise from Star Trek: The Original Series, these 5 actors would be perfect to play Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy. Among the iconic Star Trek: The Original Series characters was the lovably grumpy Dr. McCoy, originally played by DeForest Kelley. Affectionately nicknamed “Bones” by Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner), the good doctor expertly balanced his short-fused temper with a passion for his patients. Any actor playing a younger Bones, like Karl Urban did in J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek movies, would need to recreate that balance.

Mainstream popularity hasn’t always influenced previous casting choices for classic characters in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Although they’ve both nailed their respective characters’ younger years and solidified their places earlier in the Star Trek timeline, Celia Rose Gooding as Lt. Nyota Uhura and Martin Quinn as Lt. Montgomery “Scotty” Scott were relatively unknown in the TV world. However, in searching for a young actor to play the future Chief Medical Officer of the Starship Enterprise, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds could benefit from an actor with more fame, and these 5 actors have plenty of popularity to go around.

5

Barry Keoghan

The Eternals star has McCoy’s dry humor and melancholy

The last few years have seen a burst of growth in Irish actor Barry Keoghan’s career, and at 31 years old, he’s just getting started. Keoghan has shined in box office hits like Eternals, Dunkirk, and Saltburn. From a superhero to a war hero, Keoghan has repeatedly proven his acting range, even against a green screen and surrounded by CGI. He’s a decade younger than Paul Wesley, who plays Lt. James T. Kirk in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, but Keoghan could bring Leonard McCoy’s signature dry humor while also making sure the doctor doesn’t fade into the background as comic relief.

4

Joseph Quinn

Best known for Stranger Things, Joseph Quinn is great in high-pressure scenes

With a breakout role in Stranger Things and a huge upcoming part as Johnny Storm in Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four, Joseph Quinn could definitely handle the pressures that often come with being a part of the Star Trek universe. He’s excellent in high-pressure scenes, even those that require action and emotion simultaneously. Quinn could showcase that talent and introduce a younger Bones in a high-stakes situation if Dr. McCoy makes an appearance in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 3.

3

Nicholas Hoult

This British star has experience in a wide range of roles

British actor Nicholas Hoult has played a superhero, a zombie, a Russian czar, and just about everything in between. His darker side of dramatic acting could benefit Star Trek: Strange New Worlds if the crew ever finds themselves visiting Star Trek’s Mirror Universe, where any actor playing Dr. McCoy would need to be sinister. Hoult can also play humor, so Bones would be in good hands when it comes to his quippy one-liners and jokes to ease tension on the bridge. His easy chemistry with costars would ensure future captain James Kirk and Dr. McCoy become fast friends.

2

Joe Keery

Playing Bones could round out Joe Keery’s bustling career

As another iconic Stranger Things alumni, Joe Keery has earned his stripes in sci-fi and drama. His experience with long-running TV shows and ensemble casts means he would be the perfect fit in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, which has already been renewed for season 4. Balancing Leonard McCoy’s many relationships on board the Starship Enterprise would be challenging, but Keery’s experience would make it a cinch. Keery’s comedic timing would also mean that McCoy’s iconic line “I’m a doctor, not a…” has a long-awaited comeback since its last utterance by Karl Urban’s McCoy in Star Trek: Beyond.

1

Alden Ehrenreich

His experience makes Alden Ehrenreich a compelling choice for Leonard McCoy

Alden Ehrenreich could nail the Starfleet doctor’s sarcastic humor and easy affection. Ehrenreich also plays anger really well, which means the younger Dr. McCoy could have characteristic squabbles with Spock (Ethan Peck), bringing back a dynamic that has recently been missing in newer Star Trek TV shows. Ehrenreich has experience playing younger versions of iconic characters, like Han Solo in Solo: A Star Wars Story. His emotional and visibly expressive acting could supply Star Trek: Strange New Worlds with Leonard McCoy’s trademark raised-brow attitude.