It’s safe to say that no one likely saw this coming. Yes, Noah Wyle, who stars in the award-winning television series The Pitt, has been cast to portray Captain James T. Kirk. However, it’s unlikely that die-hard Star Trek fans will be all that interested in what is only a table reading of The Original Series episode “The Man Trap.”
To celebrate Star Trek’s 60th anniversary, the Writers Guild Foundation announced (per the WGF’s official website) that Wyle will be among those cast to recreate the first episode of the beloved science fiction series — through a WGF RetroReads program —which originally aired Sept. 8, 1966, on NBC.
Additionally, Mr. Spock and Dr. McCoy will undergo genderbending as Leonard Nimoy and DeForest Kelley’s roles will be read by Taylor Dearden and Katherine LaNasa respectively.
Fellow Pitt performers Fiona Dourif, Ayesha Harris, and Shabana Azeez round out the WGF’s live reading cast, which is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 30, from 7 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. PT.
Those who want to attend the Star Trek 60th anniversary celebration in person can purchase tickets for $66 by clicking this link, which does include a $15 fee for a total of $81.
The WGF’s retro reading of “The Man Trap” will be held at the renowned Highland Park live music venue known as the Lodge Room located in Los Angeles.
According to the Lodge Room's website, there will also be "an appearance by a Salt Vampire replica from the episode, on loan from the Star Trek Archive."
However, those who can’t make it in person can stream the Star Trek table read for $20 through Third Best TV on Aug. 30.
Wyle being cast as Captain Kirk certainly is intriguing, but I’m not sure Trekkies or Trekkers are going to be all that interested in a live reading of “The Man Trap.”
Now, given that Star Trek’s 60th anniversary celebration is underway right now in Las Vegas, I believe had Wyle been announced as the commander of the USS Enterprise in a new television/streaming series or even a film, the news would have broke the internet — given all of the actor’s recent success on The Pitt.
As it is, though, regardless of how much I myself will enjoy hearing “The Man Trap” live reading, I don’t think this announcement is going to spark all that much interest with Star Trek fans who are living it up in Sin City to celebrate six decades of boldly going where no fandom has gone before.
Now, what do you think about Wyle being cast as Captain Kirk for a live reading of Star Trek: The Original Series' first episode to have been broadcast on NBC? Share your thoughts ana comments with us on the Redshirts Always Die Facebook and X pages.
Live long and prosper, Trekkies!
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