He’s not a Gorn.
We talked to Elba about his character and the joys of claustrophobic prosthetics.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Your character has been shrouded in mystery.
Credit: Kimberley French
yo tell me everything about him.
This is a man with a definite purpose.
I say a man, but hes not a man.
Everyone wants to know: Is he a Gorn?
Is he a new species in theStar Trekuniverse?
Whats interesting about him is that he has a real beef with what the Enterprise stands for.
Kralls a character whos deeply steeped in hatred in my opinion, a well-earned hatred for the Federation.
It felt quite political.
Theres a relatability to whats happening in our world.
Not everybodys happy with what everybody calls the good guys.
Theres that line inthe trailer, This is where the Frontier pushes back.
It feels like a refutation of the whole foundation for the Federation.
Theres some history that we explore, to understand why he feels the frontier needs to push back.
Theres definitely an opposing argument to the good that the Federation think they do.
Theres massive relatability to modern world politics in that sense.
Does Krall fall into one of those traditions?
Hes not one for big speeches.
He is one for going to get what he wants.
What it like working under all that makeup?
Typically, my day would start at 4:15 in the morning.
Id be in the chair until around 7:30, shoot about 8:30.
Shot til around 9 at night, maybe later.
It was definitely an extensive process.
I learned so much about working with prosthetics, and how that can influence the performance.
Im claustrophobic by the way; I dont like rubber masks on my face.
Did you have a favoriteStar Trekcharacter growing up?
Honestly, my favorite character from the TV show was Clark Kent.
[laughs] Sorry, different show!
Captain Kirk was my favorite.
Kirk was just smooth, man!
There was nothing fazing him.
What is Kralls relationship like with Kirk inBeyond?
Working with Chris [Pine] was a good old laugh.
Hes a funny boy, and a wicked professional.
But in terms of Krall and Kirk… can we say, Jaws and Dory?
Youre attached to a few different franchises now, between the Marvel Cinematic Universe andthe upcomingDark Toweradaptation.
Is there a possibility that you will return for another round ofStar Trek?
I cant imagine at this point what else could happen for this character.
I think, after this film, you dont want me to return.
Star Trek Beyondopens July 22.
