"Culber IS There." Star Trek: Discovery's Wilson Cruz Talks Season 5 Reshoots

[@cbenson513]

Thanks to Wilson Crruz for his portrayal of Hugh and for this engaging discussion. Thanks also to Sean for asking great questions and giving Wilson space to tell his story.

[@christopherstephenjenksbsg4944]

Several years ago a very good friend of mine, Alec, showed me a quick video of an encounter he had with Wilson Cruz on the subway. Alec was a huge fan of Star Trek generally and of Discovery in particular. Alec was also an advocate and activist for people on the Autism spectrum and a gay man. Wilson gave him such a wonderful shout-out in this video for both Alec's autism advocacy and his identity as a gay man. (They had obviously been talking for a while before the video.) It meant so much to Alec! Unfortunately, Alec died very unexpectedly a short time later at the age of 30. Thank you Wilson Cruz!

[@StephenLeGresley]

Dr. Culber is the heart of Discovery. Wilson has done an amazing job bringing life to one of the most layered characters in Star Trek. Think of the arc his character has been on. He's died, come back to life, been possessed by the soul of a deceased person. Struggled with his own existence and his place in the world. It's astounding and through it all Wilson has presented us with such in depth emotion that it really heightens the story because you feel it so much more. Let's hope he shows up in Starfleet Academy. 🤞🤞

[@billycovingtonjr1717]

I appreciate that Mr.Cruz is a great actor and a better person. It's obvious that he cares about all people that he becomes in contact with and hopes that the world does become a more understanding and open and cooperative group of people.

[@richardblanchard6163]

Wilson did a fantastic job on DISCO as the Doctor and the Husband and the Friend. He is a great person as well, and I will miss him in DISCO. I love the representation, and how positive and nurturing it has been on the show. And having the amazing Sean Ferrick speak to him makes it better.

[@Yibambe.]

He was more than just the husband and the friend, but a hero in his own right.

[@richardvinsen2385]

He looks damned good for 50 years old.

[@littleshopofrandom685]

i google him... he looks wolverine good. damn (and im not into men hahahahaha)

[@milou66]

He puts the work in, for sure.

[@markanquoe2612]

I know, right? Damn.

[@jamesallred460]

He's 50?!

[@sijumosa]

That its what happen when you look at a number only, Im 50 too and im better than much younger folks....

[@dlewis1701]

I’ve loved Wilson’s work throughout Discovery’s entire run. The scenes between him and Detmer in Season 3 particularly stand out in my memory of the show. A great actor and great character to add to the infinite diversity of Trek. Great interview Sean, thanks for bringing it to us.

[@philly83]

I have not been the biggest fan of Discovery but to me one of the best parts of the show has been Culber. Great interview. Wilson is such a wonderful person.

[@adrianvanleeuwen]

Cruz's performance when he was possessed by an ancient in the start of this season 5 was a lot of fun to watch. He acted brilliantly.

[@LimpingforJesus]

It truly showed his acting ability. Hes amazing.

[@jpwphoenix1701]

I have so much love, respect and gratitude for Wilson. He means so much to me, on and off-screen and I’m going to seriously miss him as Culber. Really glad to hear they’ve found some way to put him in the extra coda for the finale, even if he wasn’t able to be there while they were filming it.

[@matthewlamont3112]

I like Dr. Culber, he has so much depth as a person. Becoming the ship's counsellor as a catharsis for his need for a counsellor, while getting that counselling himself from other members of the crew able to help with specific things.

[@olafkloppel9]

It's heart warming how emotional and open he is. But what astonishes me most: it's a mere You Tube Video call with a Fan Channel (OK, THE Fan Channel - no offense Sean, I love you guys from the bottom of my heart). But still, it's even primarily meant to be a podcast - but Mr. Cruz looks polished like James Bond himself! It awesome how serious he takes us fans!

[@barrygavin749]

Wilson is one of the kindest and most down-to-earth people I’ve ever had the privilege of meeting, and I would love to one day do it again.

[@chrisveness1892]

What struck me the most was Wilson saying he was the only one paying the bills. If it's his choice then fine but otherwise how can someone so lovely not have someone to love him back. It's a tribute to his and Anthony's performances that its so easy to think he would have some kind of mirror of that life at home. Guess that's why they call it acting. Thank you Wilson and Hugh, you will always be, seen, loved and appreciated.

[@esumiwa5583]

Wilson described my life to a T. Infected when I was 16, azt came out a year later, my Dad and I and a drag queen drove to Mexico to get the drug. and wave a magic wand, Im turning 57 and going "I wasn't supposed to make it. I wasn't supposed to live this long. what do i do now?" I still dont have an answer

[@shirokuro73]

Well even though I don’t know you, I’m so glad you’re still here, and I hope you’re happy!

[@jamesallred460]

You don't need to know, just so long as you're here! I don't know you either but I glad you made it.

[@mindcircus1985]

You live your life and try to be as happy as you can in this difficult world we live in. And u know what's great? True Trek Fans can come together and be there, even for ppl we don't know and share our love, and I don't know u either, but I share some love with you. Trek saved ( and continually does save ) my life. And that might sound cheesey to some, but if u love Trek, u understand. So from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 I send all my best, and I'm really gonna miss Culber 😢😢....... and the rest xx

[@jamesallred460]

@@mindcircus1985 what great words!

[@mikeymondavi]

What a humble and awesome guy.

[@gerryh8367]

He's brilliant

[@ProspectorofWonder]

This podcast deserves a thousand thumbs up! Wilson Cruz is an amazing human being and really delivered in his portrayal of Hugh!❤️👍

[@lfrands]

Star trek fan since childhood. Love the show, love the character, I’m so sad to see it end 💙

[@johncattley5919]

I love seeing Trek actors express pride in their work.

[@blanketfortressofsolitude5270]

They really pulled off "old married couple," in the toothbrush scene. I watched it with my wife and could relate.

[@ThorstenWieking]

I love that scene because it is so mundane and everyday. I would like to show it to people that are not so fond of gay people and say "look, a gay couple is no different in their everyday life as we heterosexual ones." I really appreciated how their relationship, their marriage was never about them being two men, but two humans with a history. In making it so average, so "does not need to be mentioned or named" was so beautiful and a future that we hopefully one day achieve.

[@sunnysummer342]

Wilson Cruz, I have loved you since 'My So Called Life'. Such a beautiful man and a beautiful soul.

[@leticiagarcia9025]

Great interview Sean with Wilson Cruz. He’s now a legend in Star Trek.

[@smstnitc]

I initially thought when he died "here we go, they killed the gay character"... I was truly happy when he came back. He played such a great, genuine character.

[@gerryh8367]

That scene was shocking. I cried for ages

[@johncattley5919]

I stopped watching for weeks. They flashed back to the neck snap so many times in the next episodes and the “last time on Star Trek: Discovery.” As if killing Hugh violently was not enough, they kept coming back to it, reveling in it.

[@DawnDavidson]

@@johncattley5919yes, it was terrible. Traumatizing, literally.

[@PhillipKellyBenton]

Love DISCO ❤️ the cast! 😢 sad to see it end

[@MutantProductions]

I have had my ups and downs with the show, but I love the characters, and Culber is one of my faves. Thanks for the interview. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@jamesmc1038]

What a cool guy awesome interview trek culture

[@ScottSherman1]

I have enjoyed Wilson since I saw him in Rent with Anthony. Thank you for this.

[@rocky-o]

wilson..you are the best part of discovery..and humanity.. peace to you always.. rocky

[@ericgen5022]

Great interview. Great actor that created a unique character. Wilson did a fantastic job! One of the highlights of the show.

[@ArtistryBranson]

Fantastic man, fantastic talent and off-the-chart skill. Wilson Cruz is a gem.

[@shirokuro73]

2 of my favourite people in the Treksphere!!

[@karlaelia4275]

He is a great actor and live his portrayal of Hugh. Great interview. Now I apologize in advance because I don’t know how to message Trek Culture directly, but I did have a question unrelated to this video: I was thinking about Chiakotay and his upcoming role in prodigy second season. And it had me thinking in all these Star Trek shows. Have we ever seen one of Chakotay’s people or tribe members either working for Starfleet or make some sort of cameo? I know we first meet them in TNG. I’m thinking maybe in lower decks but I don’t know. we know (via prodigy) Chakotay joins star fleet. But were there others of his tribe? Just a thought and question. Don’t know if there’s an answer. Wishing you a good one.

[@CaptainKwame1773]

Sean + Wilson = sign me up! Great conversation! Thanks, Wilson and all of Discovery for five seasons of taking Trek to entirely new heights!

[@petepanteraman]

Hey Wilson, I personally wanted to thank you for your organic/natural signs of affection and portrayal in all your scenes and giving the show your best efforts. From season 1-5, I'm satisfied it was you in that role 😆 just thought of the scenes of you and Tilly, trying out new things. You both rocked that dealing with awkwardness bit or the casual kissing that was natural with (....) Stamitz and seeking your identity, as a character, with the different upper chain of command, like you were asking one person to another. Just saying your acting was natural and I want to see you in more shows or better yet Movies.

[@samlowry5008]

Thanks, this was a beautiful interview.

[@jeremydoud4885]

I’m going to miss Disco…but most of all I will miss your performance as Dr. Culber…Wilson Cruz you’re a great actor! Love your performance in My So Called Life…

[@thomashong2938]

🎯

[@mrbarry4898]

Hugh is one of my favorite character of the show, and Wilson Cruz is absolutely perfect for the role! The Culber and Stamets couple is in my opinion the best and one of the most natural and realistic in the entire franchise, just ahead of Keiko and Miles 😍

[@philopharynx7910]

It has been a pleasure watching Cruz in Discovery. I stand with him in calling out the racism, sexism, homophobia and other forms of intolerance. That has no place in Star Trek. I look forward to seeing him again. Possibly in Star Trek Academy? At least a guest shot if not a series regular.

[@hawkiowan]

Great interview!

[@leemcclennan1118]

Finish and relaxing now but full excitement. The most brilliant channel.... love you guy ❤️💯

[@darkelement209]

Great interview!! Thank you all!

[@Xandara]

Great interview!!!

[@TroySeward]

Awesome interview Sean.

[@americanberran2527]

Such a cool chat! He is awesome!

[@zuko_Nachtschatten]

Big thanks for this interview

[@Capt.Marco-Hawk-L.L.A.P]

Wilson you are amazing on Discovery, discovery had its issues but a lot of us will miss it

[@johnsieverssr8288]

Great show Sean😊

[@seriesv8]

Well, he is just utterly charming

[@carolbriscoe9337]

I'm going to miss the show. I enjoyed all the main characters especially the Doctor's. Thank you for this interview

[@EGGmockradio]

I remember Culber’s death being such a shock and gut punch. Even early on, I loved Mr. Cruz’s character. I was so pleased when they brought him back and his character’s subsequent journey. I related hard to Culber, especially during season four when he found himself caring for others at the expense and neglect of his own care, and also in an attempt to not face his own pain, hoping he’d hopefully and simply find healing in the care of others. I will always be thankful for this character. I’m so happy Wilson Cruz has shared of himself with us. He is a class act through and through.

[@PmmGarak]

Seán, you forgot about Shaxs, he came back, too.

[@alexandruirimescu8143]

Awesome interview and such a nice a sweet man!!

[@odesseus]

Absolutely love Wilson Cruz

[@ronm6585]

Great talk. Thanks for sharing. 🖖🏻🖖🏻

[@RGBJR]

I'm not in the community but Wilson Cruz is my favorite character from discovery despite anything to the contrary... I'm so glad they didn't kill him off... love you Sean keep up the positive vibes

[@siamac7705]

Wow. As someone who was the perfect age when My So Called Life came out, has seen @wcruz73 in other projects over the years to watching him as a regular on Disco, to hear that those two were the most meaningful projects to him, just touched my xennial Trekkie soul.

[@johnsieverssr8288]

Mr. Cruz I've enjoyed your portrayal of the Doctor on "Discovery" ... I hope the movie "Discovery" is in your future❤

[@IsiahBradley]

THANKS for this!!!!

[@starclone4]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful intview... Mr. Cruz is an amazing guy !!!!😊 And so are you 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@shallowgal462]

Spock and Culber _and Shaxs,_ Seán.

[@nicolasfriswell1668]

It was so great to hear him talking about what he did and why did things I’ve watched him another things I love doing the coffee date film when he was younger that is a brilliant film I’d recommend it to anyone if you want a good laugh he’s a good actor it was so good to see you and hear him I do hope him well in the future and lots more work it’s a shame they couldn’t take his character into athlete good at so what are they going to call it it would’ve been so nice his character went over to as well as Paul I’m glad I came across it thank you

[@rocky-o]

sean..YOU are a legend... peace..rocky

[@dannyayala3462]

I've been a fan of Wilson Cruz since my so-called life I'm very proud of this fellow boricua may you have all the success and accolades you deserve brother

[@HeritageRoad99]

I'm going to miss this great show. I liked it from the start and hope we get to see these characters once in a while in the new Starfleet Academy show.

[@dairedarcy1130]

Wilson Cruz is just a delight! And with Sean, that’s like, I dunno, delight squared?

[@MrDknuckle]

I for one thought he did a damn fine job with the part -- I was worried that the resurrection had drastically changed the dynamic of Hugh in totality but when the smoke cleared he shined through

[@johnsieverssr8288]

I feel the same way Doctor.❤

[@jinks6005]

They cut the Jinaal scene Cruz was talking about because Michael Burnham dispenses hope to her crew, she does not need others to instil hope in her. Remember, the "S" on Superman's chest is the Kryptonian symbol for hope. Superman both symbolizes the concept and inspires hope in all who meet him. Michael Burnham would no longer be super-human if she needed humans to encourage in her, the belief that her preferred outcomes will always occur. Had the producers listened to Cruz and left that scene in the final cut, the conversation would have only served to humanize Burnham which may have caused viewers to see her as a sympathetic and relatable character. Despite his suggestion being binned by the producers, Wilson may well have left a seed of doubt in them, prompting Burnham's moments of self-reflection in the Eternal Archive which she later revealed to Book in the penultimate episode of the series. The showrunners likely wrote dialogue for Burnham expressing feelings of inadequacy not to humanize her, but instead to create a modicum of tension and in order to add self-doubt to the list of villains she will ultimately vanquish in the finale.

[@nycgatita]

“Did she just call me Papi?” Gosh he made me laugh!

[@josephyoung6749]

I always liked seeing Mr. Cruz in movies, when I was a kid, I literally had a crush on him from the movie "Supernova" when I was in middle school or something like that!! As a gay man myself, I resonated deeply with his performances... in my mind he's the ultimate Sci-fi vixen!!!

[@dennycampbell]

Wilson and Sean - Together at last.

[@katschaccc]

Loved his Charakter, and love the person ❤

[@Sephiroth144]

Thank you for the insights Shaxs: Excuse me, I didn't fight three faceless version of my father to *not* be included in the "Die and Came Back" list!

[@roguephoenix]

i just figured when they revealed he was in that other place that they would make his character some sort of hybrid and that he would be instrumental in making the spore drive work and would come the drama where the chief scientist that on that project might be forced to use his significant other to make his project work.

[@AlbertBurdge]

I love Wilson Cruz

[@Scarlett90]

I'm really going to miss this crew

[@thomashong2938]

✅💯🖖

[@bobklaehn4979]

This interview gets a big Latinum up from me!!!

[@agfw73]

It’s a shame they didn’t have a brief discussion about SuperNova and how that shoot went vs Disco shoot

[@cracklingice]

Discovery had a seriously rough start but it really got good, esp after the time displacement. This last season has been great and it's as much a crime it got canceled as it was for Enterprise.

[@j.tshark3313]

For those who do not know. Mother of the bride was filmed in Thailand and so he just could not jump on plane and go back to Canada

[@Sephiroth144]

OMG, yes, choosing the wrong takes- that struggle (or seeing the wrong one in the final cut) is so godsdamned real...

[@kitemg]

To Mr Cruz: You are such a incredible person. Thank you for your work! It wouldnt be the same without you!

[@milou66]

That was really sweet.

[@Adam_Outdoors]

What's the timestamp where he discusses reshoots? Did I miss it?

[@katrose5179]

I love two different bot accounts in two different language have the exact same pfp of “their” rear. I don’t mean same pose. It’s the same damn pic. 🤣

[@richardvinsen2385]

Huh?

[@roberthunter5059]

Open your eyes. The butts are pretty obvious, even in the small profile pics.

[@roberthunter5059]

Oh Lord, I got put in the moderation queue for using the b-word to describe a posterior in replying to this comment. Please, KZbin, save us from the "ifs" and "ands" as well!

[@katrose5179]

@@roberthunter5059Yeah I figured rear was safe. Who knows if it will be tomorrow.

[@rickkarrer8370]

If you've never seen the show, and you listen to Cruz's overview of his characters story arc, you'd be pretty confuse...and maybe intrigued lol.

[@dentoncrimescene]

Really liked his character, and i think that is a lot to do with the performance.

[@augustjsb]

Oh no... not the toothbrush 😅😓

[@jaspervlogt3843]

he come he looks so much younger here then as Culber. is Culber older then him?

[@DawnDavidson]

I think it’s the uniform and the gravitas of the role. Also, he had a beard in the latter part of Disco. He’s a great looking man either way. :)

[@SamriBliss]

I just realized that I remember Star Trek characters’ names but have difficulty remembering real people’s names who live and work around me. 😅

[@mattf9096]

I'm not really a fan of Discovery overall, but I did appreciate Culber and Stamets just being a couple and not having to explain or defend it to anyone. I can't imagine a future where people are OK working side by side with aliens and androids, but are still homophobic for some reason.

[@dramonmaster222]

Wilson Cruz is a Prize Act.

[@KeysundKreisPlaylists_Colt]

Will we ever get a full 7 seasons trek Show again ? ☹️

[@inquerion8867]

Maybe, but unlikely. 5 Seasons (Discovery) in 2024 is still very impressive though. TNG was made during different era. 26 episodes per season (!). Now we are getting like 8-10 episodes per season most of the time. In my opinion, 16 would be good compromise in future shows.

[@samwalker8893]

No, the world has changed, not many people want to watch 18 hours of footage anymore. (24x45), shows are deliberately written and produced for the majority of viewing platforms binge watching sprees fir today’s audience… Remember back then , surrounded by huge hits like 24, greys etc who all had 24 episode arcs… today ten hours or episodes are on average the modal presentation

[@gerryh8367]

With luck, SNW

[@inquerion8867]

@@gerryh8367 I would love it, but I doubt it. Probably 5 Seasons max. 4 are certain though. S3 is in production and Paramount already paid for Season 4.

[@johnsieverssr8288]

I couldn't believe it when your character was killed...

[@rosajennings7377]

I only that time for the original star teck

[@PmmGarak]

I guess being an out gay man in a public "job" for as long as Wilson was about the best possible preparation for the toxic side of the fandom - Y'know, those still clinging to the carpet on the D's bridge...

[@Cdr2002]

Who gave L’ak a holo-disguise to look human

[@roberthunter5059]

I have a feeling that they're not going to satisfactorily resolve Hugh's personal crisis stemming from Jinaal in the last episode.

[@JosephDickson]

Cutting content for time on a streaming platform. 🖖🙄

[@rosajennings7377]

Spock won't come this time