Anton Yelchin won’t be replaced in future ‘Star Trek’ films: JJ Abrams

The character played by late actor Anton Yelchin won’t be recast for future Star Trek films, producer J.J. Abrams says.

Yelchin, 27, died in what the LAPD called a “freak accident” last month. The actor was found on his driveway pinned between his Jeep Grand Cherokee and the gate to his home.

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The vehicle that rolled backwards on the steep driveway and crushed the actor was the subject of a voluntary recall and may have a design flaw that causes drivers to believe the vehicle is in the park position when it is not.

WATCH: Fiat Chrysler involved in investigation into death of ‘Star Trek’ actor Anton Yelchin 

2:32 Fiat Chrysler involved in investigation into death of ‘Star Trek’ actor Anton Yelchin

Yelchin played the role of Pavel Chekov in three Star Trek films, including Star Trek Beyond, which opens in theatres Friday. The character will not appear in any future films.

READ MORE: Hollywood reacts to the death of Anton Yelchin

Abrams told The Toronto Sun “there’s no replacing him.”

“There’s no recasting. I can’t possibly imagine that, and I think Anton deserves better.”

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He said there has been a discussion regarding whether to kill off Yelchin’s character, but a decision has not been made.

Plans are in the works for a fourth film.