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Wesley on Kirk: Shatner's Shadow and His Own Path
14 Sep
Summary
- Paul Wesley finds playing Kirk daunting but adds new layers.
- He values his friendship with original Kirk actor William Shatner.
- His bond with Ethan Peck enhances the Kirk-Spock dynamic.
Paul Wesley is embracing the challenge of embodying a younger James T. Kirk in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. He admits to the pressure of measuring up to William Shatner's iconic portrayal, stating, "It was definitely a work in progress, and it is incredibly daunting." Wesley seeks to add new dimensions to Kirk, offering insight into the character's development.
Despite a friendly relationship with Shatner, Wesley avoids discussing Star Trek with him, preferring genuine conversation. He finds his off-screen camaraderie with Ethan Peck, who plays Spock, significantly benefits their on-screen chemistry. This real-life bond mirrors the initial friction and eventual deep friendship between Kirk and Spock, a dynamic Wesley aims to portray authentically for the audience.
Wesley expresses immense enjoyment in his role, calling Star Trek: Strange New Worlds the most fun he's had filming. He remains open to future opportunities within the franchise. Separately, Wesley is also reuniting with former Vampire Diaries co-star Nina Dobrev for an upcoming Hulu murder mystery, You Deserve to Know, which they believe will appeal to their grown-up fanbase.
