In a surprise move, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has cast (or recast) the iconic role of James T. Kirk.
The role was originally played by William Shatner in 79 episodes of Star Trek (1966-69), 22 episodes of Star Trek: The Animated Series (1973-74) and seven feature films (1979-94), as well as in numerous adverts and video games. Chris Pine picked up the role in three additional movies produced by J.J. Abrams, and will do so again for a new movie due next year.
Actor Paul Wesley (The Vampire Diaries, Medal of Honor, Tell Me a Story) has been cast in the role and will debut in Season 2, which is already in production. However, whilst he will be playing James Kirk, he won't be playing Captain James T. Kirk. At this point in the Star Trek timeline, the captain of the USS Enterprise is Christopher Pike (Anson Mount), who should continue in that role for several more years. The nature of Kirk's early involvement on the Enterprise remains to be seen.
On Twitter, Wesley noted the bizarre coincidence of sitting next to William Shatner randomly on a commercial airline flight, just after his own trip to space.
Season 1 of Strange New Worlds debuts on Paramount+ in the USA on 5 May. Season 2 should follow next year.
Why would William Shatner ever fly window seat on a plane again after...the incident?
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