Mike Windle/Getty ImagesThe stars of Star Trek Beyond shined bright at the film's premiere on the opening night of San Diego Comic-Con Wednesday. Sofia Boutella, John Cho, Idris Elba, Simon Pegg, Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana and Karl Urban hit the red carpet, many of them wearing black Star Trek command lapel pins to honor Anton Yelchin, their co-star who passed away at age 27. Yelchin played Chekov in 2009's Star Trek and 2013's Star Trek Into Darkness, and he died in June after a freak car accident at his home in Studio City, Calif. Star Trek Beyond is his final film.
Before the screening began, producer J.J. Abrams paid his respects. "As wonderful as this is to be here with all of you and to be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Star Trek, there is something wrong tonight. There is something missing tonight. There is someone missing tonight. Anton Yelchin should be here," he said. "Anton's parents are here, Irina and Victor. We love their son, and if I could ask everyone to have a moment of silence for our dear friend, Anton."
After the moment of silence, the San Diego Symphony played a medley of Star Trek theme music. A light show appeared above the audience's head as fireworks crackled over the marina.
Quinto, who plays Spock, also paid tribute the actor who originated his role, Leonard Nimoy. "I just want to take a moment to honor him, to acknowledge him, to celebrate him and to love him," Quinto said of Nimoy, who died in 2015. "We all carry him with us in our heart tonight."
Star Trek Beyond is in theaters Friday.
For more from San Diego Comic-Con, watch E! News tonight at 7 and 11.