‘Star Trek’ Star Comes to Castmate’s Defense Following Criticism originally appeared on Parade.
Star Trek: Strange New World star Anson Mount came to his castmate Adrian Holmes’ defense.
During a July 2025 appearance on the Inside of You podcast, hosted by actor Michael Rosenbaum, Mount, who plays Captain Christopher Pike, discussed criticism from some Star Trek viewers about Holmes being cast as Admiral Robert April. Before Holmes began starring on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, the character was only seen in Star Trek: The Animated Series.
“How did you feel about the negative criticism over the casting of Adrian Holmes as Captain April, a character that had been shown as a white man in the animated series?” asked Rosenbaum during the podcast interview.
Mount replied that the criticism was unacceptable.
“It pissed me off. It really pissed me off. And I really felt disappointed in a least a few people’s lack of … I mean is that really as deep as character goes for you?” said Mount.
In addition, he said he “actually reached out to Adrian when that happened and told him there was never any conversations like that on this set and there never will be.”
“We think he’s doing an amazing job. And he did. And he does now,” said Mount to Rosenbaum.
The actor then said he believes “the culture wars have gotten so bad it’s gotten to the point where if you cast a Black actor in anything, somebody’s going to scream woke.”
Holmes spoke about playing Admiral April during a 2022 interview with PST Network. He said he was pleased being apart of such an iconic franchise because he loves science fiction. In addition, he said he likes the values of Star Trek.
“It’s so forward thinking, it’s so progressive, and it deals with so many issues like using racism with the aliens and things like that. They are a very forward thinking and progressive show and I’m honored to be apart of it, playing Admiral April,” said Holmes during the 2022 interview.
‘Star Trek’ Star Comes to Castmate’s Defense Following Criticism first appeared on Parade on Jul 24, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
