Zachary Quinto Reflects On Leonard Nimoy as ‘Star Trek Beyond’ Takes Off

— -- Zachary Quinto plays Cmdr. Spock in the movie blasting into theaters today, “Star Trek Beyond.” The enterprise explores space like never before, battling mysterious new villains with old friends.

The actor gave one very good reason why fans should be especially excited for this film.

“To begin with, it’s the 50th anniversary of ‘Star Trek,’” Quinto, 39, said on “Good Morning America” today of the iconic franchise. “But this is a really exciting chapter in our journey. It marries the essence of these characters with huge action visual effects.

“Justin Lin, who came from the ‘Fast and the Furious’ franchise, brought such a fusion of energy and excitement to this movie and I think it really celebrates the origins of this incredible franchise which has been around for half a century, which is remarkable in its own right.”

Quinto is humbled to play the iconic Mr. Spock, calling him “one of the most beloved characters in popular culture.”

“It’s a great honor, really,” he said. “And especially because of my personal connection with Leonard [Nimoy], who I loved and who I missed very much; but who’s incredibly present in this movie in a special way. We all carried him in our hearts while we were making this film and I think it shows on the screen.”

Nimoy, whom Quinto referred to as “such an incredible man,” died in February 2015 at age 83.

“The role brought us together but our friendship evolved beyond it almost immediately,” Quinto said. “By the end of his life, it was only one little corner of our connection. I learned so much about how to be fulfilled.

“He was an incredible man and so diverse in his creative pursuits as an actor, writer, director, incredible art collector, philanthropist. He just really taught me that I’ll be lucky to live as half a fulfilled life as he did.”

“Star Trek Beyond” is in theaters now.