Star Trek Into Darkness was released in 2013 after adding actress Alice Eve to the impressive ensemble. She played Carol Marcus, but there was no sign of the character in Star Trek Beyond. There simply weren't any ongoing plans for Captain Kirk's love interest, though some wondered if the controversy surrounding one key moment might have led to Eve's absence.
We are, of course, referring to the completely superfluous underwear scene, which saw the doctor reduced to little more than eye candy for Kirk to drool over. Producer Damon Lindelof later apologized, while J.J. Abrams similarly accepted that it may have been a misfire.
Eve, on the other hand, doesn't understand the complaints!
"It was something I voluntarily worked with a trainer to be fit for, was very much prepared for, and very much enjoyed [doing] — filming, executing, promoting," Eve recently told Inverse, making it clear she was actively involved in all of Carol Marcus' scenes in the Star Trek sequel. "The feeling I shouldn’t have done it, or that it was exploitation, was confusing to me."
"There are many things in the world that are confusing," the actress continued. "I put it down to one of those anomalies. I’m proud of that scene, and all the work I did."
Well, seeing as these comments come straight from Eve, that brings an end to the controversy that continues to surround this moment. There's no denying that it was gratuitous, but the actress clearly enjoyed being part of this scene in Star Trek Into Darkness and didn't view it in any sort of negative light.
If you're wondering what the fuss is all about, here's that scene: