Paul Wesley Reveals Mind-Boggling Twist: Unraveling the Enigma of Star Trek's Captain Kirk in Strange New Worlds

Paul Wesley discusses his portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 3 - "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow." Wesley's interpretation of Kirk is characterized as more intellectual, contrasting with the description of Kirk as "a stack of books with legs" in the original series. In this episode, Wesley's Kirk teams up with Lieutenant La'an Noonien-Singh, played by Christina Chong, to protect the timeline in the 21st century. The episode also explores a romantic connection between Kirk and La'an, which ends tragically. In an interview with Esquire, Wesley explains his approach to playing this iconic Star Trek character, highlighting Kirk's expertise in chess and referring to the non-three dimensional version of the game as "idiot's chess."

Paul Wesley Plays 3 Different Kirks In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Incorporating the idea of a "stack of books with legs" as the foundation, I didn't want Kirk to become a monotonous character. Instead, I aimed to showcase his intelligence and intellect. It was an excellent opportunity to embark on a different path and witness Kirk's evolution into the iconic figure known in popular culture. This involved emphasizing his mental capabilities rather than solely relying on his physical strength. It allowed for a portrayal of a character who was still discovering his identity, his desired persona, and the type of leader he aspired to be. Ultimately, it's important to note that he hadn't yet attained the status of a captain.

In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Paul Wesley takes on the role of James T. Kirk in three different variations. In the season 1 finale, Wesley portrays Captain James T. Kirk from a future that no longer exists, where he commanded the USS Farragut instead of the USS Enterprise. This was due to Captain Christopher Pike remaining unharmed, allowing Kirk to assume command. Surprisingly, Wesley also portrays an alternate reality version of Captain Kirk in season 2, episode 3, titled "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow." In this timeline, Kirk serves as the Captain of the Enterprise during a never-ending war between the United Earth Fleet and the Romulan Star Empire, with the Fleet losing ground.

In the conclusion of episode 3 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, viewers are finally introduced to Paul Wesley as Lt. Kirk, a younger incarnation of the character who will eventually become Captain Kirk, portrayed by William Shatner, in Star Trek's Prime Timeline. While Lt. Kirk is not the same person that James La'an had previously fallen in love with and lost in "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow," Paul Wesley skillfully portrays three different versions of Kirk, each with their own distinct qualities that still capture the essence of the character. Wesley's portrayal of the "brainier" yet "less self-assured" version of James T. Kirk will be fully showcased when he returns later in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2 can be streamed on Paramount+ every Thursday.

Source: Esquire