Michael Dorn Reveals Lie That Prevented Him From Directing More Star Trek: Enterprise Episodes

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I was really surprised to learn about something Michael Dorn recently revealed! Apparently, he was passed over for a directing opportunity on Star Trek: Enterprise because of a false claim. For those who don’t know, Dorn is a Star Trek legend, of course best known as Worf, the franchise’s most iconic Klingon. But he also proved himself behind the camera, directing three episodes of Deep Space Nine while also starring in it! It’s frustrating to hear that a misunderstanding kept him from potentially directing on Enterprise too.

Michael Dorn directed “Two Days and Two Nights,” an episode from the first season of Star Trek: Enterprise. It was a comedic story set on the fun-loving planet Risa. However, despite the episode’s success, Dorn wasn’t asked to direct any other installments of the Star Trek prequel, which starred Scott Bakula as Captain Jonathan Archer.

Michael Dorn recently revealed on the D-Con Chamber podcast that he was misled about why he only directed one episode, “Two Days and Two Nights,” of Star Trek: Enterprise. He shared this information with his former co-stars and podcast hosts, Dominic Keating and Connor Trinneer.

Michael Dorn shared the story of how he got the opportunity to direct an episode of Star Trek: Enterprise. It all started with his discussions about appearing in Star Trek: Nemesis. Interestingly, producers actually used Scott Bakula’s name to mislead him during the negotiations. Here’s what Dorn had to say:

The situation arose – and it’s interesting to note this – when our last movie, Star Trek: Nemesis, was released. We hadn’t signed a contract for that film. During negotiations, and this is a factual account, I read the script and wasn’t pleased with it. My main concern was that Worf didn’t have much to do in the story.

They asked me what I wanted, and I told them I wanted to direct. I was originally scheduled to direct three or four episodes of Enterprise. It was my mistake, though. They offered me one guaranteed episode and then offered to pay me for three more if they used them. I should have insisted on a guarantee for all four, but I didn’t. I ended up directing just one episode, and they paid me the agreed-upon amount for the remaining three that never happened.

It was really upsetting to hear they didn’t want to work with me again, and made me question what I’d done wrong. Apparently, they’d told my agents that Scott Bakula and I didn’t get along, which just wasn’t true. That’s the real reason I wasn’t asked to direct any more episodes of Enterprise.

Dominic Keating and Connor Trinneer were surprised by a statement attributed to Scott Bakula, and Michael Dorn confirmed he’d discussed it with Bakula himself years prior.

I spoke with Scott while he was visiting Patrick Stewart in London, and we had a great time together. But I already knew the rumors weren’t true. Scott and all the actors on Enterprise were true professionals, and there wasn’t any drama happening behind the scenes.

Watch Michael Dorn’s full appearance on The D-Con Chamber below:

Look, as far as class acts go, Michael Dorn is one. He hasn’t revealed who told his agents that Scott Bakula supposedly ‘hated’ him, and honestly, good for him. But Dorn, along with Connor Trinneer and Dominic Keating, all know Scott personally, and they’re adamant – Scott would never say he hated Michael, or use his influence to keep Michael from directing more episodes of Enterprise. They all vouch for him, and I believe them.

Let me tell you, as someone who’s been around a lot of sets, Scott Bakula’s reputation is absolutely deserved. Everyone – and I mean everyone – who’s worked with him raves about him. He’s not just talented, he’s a true professional and a leader who genuinely cares about the entire cast and crew. I even heard a fantastic story from Michael Dorn, who directed Bakula. Dorn admitted he used to believe rumors that Bakula disliked him, but working with him firsthand completely shattered that idea. It’s clear Bakula’s a class act.

The episode “Two Days and Two Nights” of Star Trek: Enterprise was the only one directed by Michael Dorn, and it also marked the last time he directed any Star Trek project for many years. He didn’t return to the franchise until reprising his role as Captain Worf in season 3 of Star Trek: Picard after Star Trek: Nemesis.

As a huge Star Trek fan, I don’t think anyone will ever surpass Michael Dorn’s incredible run as Worf! He played the character in so many episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation, the movies, Deep Space Nine, and even Picard – a total of 283 appearances! Plus, his episode of Enterprise is still one of my favorites from that first season. He really brought something special to the franchise.

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2025-11-21 14:59