The first season finale of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds featured the surprise appearance of Paul Wesley as James T. Kirk, who appeared in the alternate timeline part of the episode. While his casting was announced for the second season months ago, his involvement in the first season finale was kept under wraps until the opening credits of the episode played.
After finally making his debut in the series, Wesley spoke about his casting as the iconic captain in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter where he shared the story of how he got involved in the series.
"It was so secretive!, It happened so quickly that I thought it was a prank, because it was literally a call from my agent over the weekend saying, 'Hey, do you want to do a quick Zoom with [showrunners] Akiva [Goldsman] and Henry [Alonso Myers] and casting directors?'," Wesley told the outlet. "I said, 'Yeah, of course. Do you know what is this for?' And they were like, 'It’s a character who is very iconic in Star Trek, just talk to them and see what happens.'"
He continued, "So, we did this Zoom, and we all just had a great time. The episode had not been written yet, but they knew they wanted Kirk to come in. So, there was no material, it was just kind of a general conversation about everything you can imagine. And that was it. Then it was literally like, “You’re leaving next week.'"
Wesley also noted that, while he is playing the younger version of the character in The Original Series, he has no intention to imitate William Shatner, who famously originated the role, in his performance.
"The most important aspect is to not do an imitation of something that is sacred. And obviously William Shatner’s interpretation of Captain Kirk has really touched people; it’s been important to people for a variety of reasons," he said. "I think the most important thing is to not do an imitation because it’s an insult to the character who is so iconic — and it’s a reminder that I’m not William Shatner. (laughs) So, this is a version of Kirk we’ve never seen, and every episode is different."
The actor also clarified that the alternate timeline version of Kirk that we met in the first season finale will not be the same one that we will see in the second season since it will be more of the Kirk that we know.
"Obviously, the season one finale is an alternate timeline that doesn’t exist, because it takes place in the future. He’s not captain of the Enterprise," he said. "He’s never met Spock, and he’s never had all those experiences. It’s a Kirk who has been shaped differently. So in the season finale, it really was open to interpretation. In season two, we meet a Kirk who we know better."
It was great to see Wesley making his official debut on Strange New Worlds in the first season finale. While it may be the alternate timeline version of the character, we were still able to get a glimpse of his take on the iconic captain and he was able to do his own version than really doesn't look like he is imitating Shatner or even Chris Pine. It's now more exciting to see what he'll do in the second season.
Also Read: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Writer Teases Hemmer Actor's Return
The entire first season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is streaming on Paramount+. The second season is expected to premiere next year.
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!