Meet The New William Shatner-Approved Captain Kirk

Attention on deck! There’s a new Captain James T. Kirk on board! Actor Paul Wesley will take over as the famous “Star Trek” captain, though he will be playing a younger Kirk before taking over the Enterprise.

And if you’re worried about it, don’t worry, the original Cap. Kirk has approved.

If you think, “Wait, they’re making new “Star Trek” TV shows?” Then, this article is for you. Let’s dive in. 

Related: Paramount Reportedly Working On New Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Series, Section 31 Still In Development

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Did you know there is a new “Star Trek” TV show? Technically, there are five, and all of the shows air on the streaming service, Paramount+.

Wesley will join season two of a prequel to the original “Star Trek” franchise, dubbed “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.”

The show introduces us to the original crew of the Enterprise as they set on a years-long mission to seek out new life. Hardcore fans will note that the first Enterprise captain in SNW follows the exploits of Captain Christopher Pike when presumably acting as his XO. 

Who Is Paul Wesley?

Wesley is an American actor born and raised in New Jersey. Before playing Kirk, he was mostly known for his role on “The Vampire Diaries.” 

In addition to acting, he owns his line of bourbon whiskey

Was William Shatner The Best Captain Kirk?

Shatner will always be Kirk to me. No one can capture the charisma and 60s charm that he brought to the role. 

However, I thought Chris Pine did a solid job and tailored Kirk for a modern audience while still playing to the arrogance and womanizing attitude that people loved (or loathed) about Shatner’s Kirk.

Related: William Shatner Reacts To Space Travel After Returning To Earth

The New Batch Of “Star Trek” TV Shows

“The Next Generation,” “Deep Space 9,” and “Voyager” all acted as continuations of the original series.

The latest batch now on TV takes place before “Enterprise,” and that has some hardcore fans upset that certain parts of the series have been “retconned.”

Yes, some things have moderately changed, or vague canon details have been mildly adjusted. But why get upset about it? 

Related: Star Trek Fan Launches Petition To Have Alex Kurtzman’s Star Trek Designated As Non-Canon

Imagine if the recent horrible Star Wars movies affected your enjoyment of the classics? Ridiculous, right? 

Thankfully all of the original “Star Trek” series (including “The Animated Series”) is on Netflix. They’re always worth a good re-watch.

What’s your favorite classic “Star Trek moment?” Share your comments in the post below.

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