This 1987 Casting Memo Shows Which Actors Were Considered For 'Star Trek: The Next Generation'

Via: sliceofscifi

Had auditions gone differently 30-plus years ago, Star Trek: The Next Generation would have boldly gone in directions some may not have enjoyed.

Patrick Stewart may have already been a leading contender for the role of Captain Picard, but Wesley Snipes or baseball Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson as Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge?

From the looks of this leaked memo to Paramount's head of network television, Brent Spiner wasn't even in the running to play Lt. Commander Data, and J.D. Roth was the only current candidate to play Beverly Crusher's (Cheryl McFadden) son Wesley.

Fortunately the roles would go on to be landed by Spiner and Wil Wheaton, respectively. Jonathan Frakes would capture the role of Commander Ryker, Levar Burton would become Geordi, and all would be right with the universe.