Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has cast Paul Wesley in the iconic role of James T. Kirk for the show’s upcoming second season. Wesley will appear as a young version of Kirk. He is the third actor to play the character in a live-action project.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds follows the adventures of Captain Christopher Pike prior to Kirk becoming captain of the Enterprise.
When news of Wesley’s casting was announced, the The Vampire Diaries actor took to Twitter to express his excitement and shared how he had met William Shatner on a flight.
Shatner played Kirk in the original Star Trek series and earlier films before Chris Pine took on the role in the newer Star Trek films.
Paul Wesley Sets Sails for a Star‑Trek Legacy
Paul Wesley has just got the ticket to one of the most iconic roles in science‑fiction history, and he’s rattling with excitement (and a touch of disbelief) about the news.
“I’m Honored, Still a Little Surprised”
“I’m deeply humbled — and a wee bit startled— to have been given the honour of playing none other than James T. Kirk,” Wesley told us, his eyes gleaming with the same wonder he felt as a kid when Star‑Trek first launched the frontiers of imagination. “Gene Roddenberry set the universe ablaze with his vision, and I’ve been a fan ever since.”
“Fate? Not Usually, But This One’s Different”
“I’m not one to gush about destiny, but this feels more than a coincidence,” the actor says. “Thanks, Mr. Shatner, for the good company, and a tip‑off to the great bird in the sky for putting us in the same orbit.”
Looking Ahead
Fans of the new era of the Enterprise can’t wait to see the Captain’s adventure unfold on screens worldwide. The show Strange New Worlds will premiere on May 5, 2022 on Paramount+.
- Cast Highlights:
- Anson Mount as Captain Pike
- Ethan Peck as Spock
- Rebecca Romijn as Una Chin‑Riley
With commercial triumphs and fan anticipation already in the line of fire, Wesley’s new stint with the legendary Redshirt promises to ignite the frontiers once again. Eyes on the stars— we’re ready to go where Picard hasn’t yet taken us!
