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2. Bruce Greenwood
Bruce Greenwood comes next, giving us a Pike who is both formidable and undeniably human. His portrayal in J.J. Abrams' Kelvin Timeline films Star Trek (2009) and Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) offered a Pike who guided Chris Pine’s younger, wilder Kirk with a mix of authority and empathy. Their interactions helped Kirk understand the responsibility of command and what awaited him when it was his turn in the captain’s chair.
Greenwood’s Pike is commanding without being overbearing, and he makes the weight of leadership feel earned. He exudes both wisdom and approachability, the kind of captain who inspires respect while still feeling human. Basically, the perfect mentor, the kind who scares you a little but also inspires you.