James Doohan reprised his iconic role in several “Star Trek” films, with his final appearance being in the 1994 movie “Star Trek: Generations.” Prior to that, Scotty made a memorable return in “Star Trek: The Next Generation” during the Season 6 episode titled “Relics.” Beloved for his ingenious problem-solving abilities and his humor that lightens even the direst situations, Scotty became a fan favorite. In a testament to his enduring legacy, “Star Trek” enthusiasts rallied to ensure that James Doohan’s son, Chris Doohan, secured a role in J.J. Abrams’ 2009 “Star Trek” movie.

Chris Doohan, in an interview with TrekMovie.com, recounted how he urged fans to write to Paramount, advocating for him to step into his father’s shoes as Scotty. Although Simon Pegg was ultimately cast in the role, Chris managed to audition for a minor part, allowing him to pay homage to his father’s legacy. This opportunity, made possible by the dedication of “Star Trek” fans, led to a poignant experience for him.

Though Chris Doohan had not initially envisioned himself as an unnamed Starfleet officer in the 2009 “Star Trek” film, he was thrilled to set foot on the USS Enterprise. Reflecting on this experience for the official Star Trek website, Chris described the moment when assistant director Tommy Gormley guided him to his designated spot on set. “Turning the corner to see the transporter room, I couldn’t help but grin widely. When he pointed to the chair in front of the controls and said, ‘That’s your chair,’ it felt surreal. I truly sensed that my dad was watching over me that day.” Chris can be seen about halfway through the film, nodding beside Simon Pegg’s Scotty.

Chris shared with TrekMovie.com that he secured a role in “Star Trek Into Darkness” after Simon Pegg encouraged him to come back, which led to a call from executive producer Jeffrey Chernov. “Simon wrote a note to J.J. [Abrams], asking if I could be involved in the film,” Chris recalled, adding that Chernov detailed an “upgrade” for his part. Upon arriving on set, Chris was guided to his own trailer and discovered that he would be occupying Pegg’s former seat in the transporter room, positioning him at the heart of a pivotal scene nearly two hours into the movie.

Doohan looks like a natural in the chair, and he should, since this was not his first time on a “Star Trek” set. Doohan told the official Star Trek website that he grew up going to set with his father. He and his brother, Montgomery (James’ middle name, as well as that of his famous character), would appear as extras in 1979’s “Star Trek: The Motion Picture.” Doohan was thrilled to be included in the “Star Trek” franchise once again, and one cast member knew that he had to come back for more adventure. 

Chris Doohan told TrekMovie.com that he got a part in “Star Trek Into Darkness” after Simon Pegg asked him to return. This was followed by a phone call from executive producer Jeffrey Chernov. “He told me that Simon wrote a note to J.J. [Abrams] asking him if I could be in the movie. Mr. Chernov gave me all the details and told me that I would ‘get an upgrade.’” Upon arrival, Doohan was ushered to his own trailer, and he soon learned that he would be sitting in Pegg’s former seat in the transporter room. Taking this seat meant that he would be right in the middle of a critical scene that happens about two hours into the film.

Doohan’s role as a transport officer is instrumental in sending Mr. Spock (Zachary Quinto) to his pending battle with the infamous yet overrated Khan (Benedict Cumberbatch). He was even told that he would receive a few lines, which he never saw coming. “After I thought we were done, J.J. came up to me and said, ‘So, are you ready?’ I said, ‘Ready for what?’ He said, ‘You want a line don’t you?’ I was in shock, as I never expected that (this day was full of surprises).” Abrams then added another line for good measure. 

Doohan said that he also got to spend time with the main cast, who were very welcoming. It couldn’t have been possible without Pegg, Abrams, those dedicated fans, and his father, whose legacy still lives on in the “Star Trek” franchise.