William Shatner has nothing but praise for the other two Captain Kirks

Though Wililam Shatner has had a career that has spanned over seven decades, which included five seasons as T.J. Hooker and an Emmy-winning run as Denny Crane on Boston Legal, he will always be most known for portraying Captain James T. Kirk on Star Trek: The Original Series and its subsequent movies. Shatner was cast in the second pilot for The Original Series after the first one, "The Cage" was turned down by the studio. The rest, they say, is history.

In 2009, the Star Trek franchise made a bold move by launching a movie with an entirely new cast portraying the characters from The Original Series. This included Chris Pine as the legendary Captain Kirk. This was followed by Paul Wesley undertaking the role in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, and though some fans still take issue with the captains, the same can't be said for Shatner.

In an exclusive interview with Screen Rant to promote the documentary of his life, You Can Call Me Bill, which begins debuts March 20 in a nationwide theatrical release on the actor's 93rd birthday, the star was asked his thoughts on the actors who've stepped in the captain's shoes.

"They're wonderful. I just wish I looked as good as they do, and their ilk, as actors. They're both wonderful."

- William Shatner

That's high praise indeed from the actor who made Captain Kirk an international star and who continues to enjoy acclaim from his portrayal of the brash, dedicated captain. Though both Pine and Wesley have brought unique takes to the role, in fans' minds, there will still only be one true Captain Kirk who helmed the Enterprise. Just ask Shatner at any one of his appearances. Captain Kirk always comes up. There's no denying the popularity of not only the character but the actor himself.