My aunt at the AP said Syd Poitier indeed auditioned for Uhura but also another female lead as a yeoman/love interest. Apparently she’s trying to “transcend” a “black” role the way Rosario has seemingly tried to buck the actress of color thing. Apparently Kimberly Elise has looked at the Uhura role as well. Kerry Washington got a script but she’s busy.
Why didn’t Terrance Howard go to Comic Con with John Favreau? Would’ve made a big splash as the representation for people of color was seemingly small in that department. Then again, lily white Hollywood has made Comic Con so top heavy it will likely implode in another year…