“I needed to live up to the expectation of that iconic character…”
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is an amazing streaming series, but it really wouldn’t work as well without those recurring appearances by actor Paul Wesley’s version of James T. Kirk. However, Wesley admits that taking on the iconic role "is terrifying.” Wesley elaborated while promoting SNW season 4 at this year’s Comic Con Experience (CCXP) in Mexico City by saying (per TrekMovie.com):
“For me to take on that role and to sort of have to reignite the childhood nostalgia that many people felt in the 60s is terrifying. It’s really terrifying. That being said, I’m not William Shatner, I’m Paul Wesley. And I had to make it my own out of respect for him, out of respect for the franchise, and really respect your Strange New Worlds.”
Wesley, who first appeared as the iconic Star Trek character in the final episode of Strange New Worlds season 1, “A Quality of Mercy,” also said while attending the CCXP event:
“So, what I try very much to do is to pay homage to what he did but also bring my own spin to it. And I try to do that in the most respectful way. And so far, it’s been just an incredible experience, and he’s been nothing but complimentary, and it’s been truly wonderful, a real gift, and something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.”
Not only did Wesley have to live up to Shatner’s success portraying James T. Kirk, but the actor was coming into Strange New World on the heels of Chris Pine’s performance as the captain of the USS Enterprise in the three immensely successful box office hits Star Trek (2009), Star Trek Into Darkness, and Star Trek Beyond.
I think Wesley’s had the good fortune to play yet another and wholly different version of Kirk outside of what Shatner brought to the table through The Original Series and seven feature films. For instance, I loved the past flirtation between Kirk and La’an Noonien Singh (Christina Chong) on Strange New Worlds.
And I simply can’t get enough Spirk in my life! How about you? Share your thoughts and comments about Paul Wesley’s version of James T. Kirk with us on the Redshirts Always Die Facebook and X pages. And Star Trek: Strange New Worlds returns for a brand-new season July 23, on Paramount+.
Live long and prosper, Trekkies!
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