Shatner William James T., Kirk
Renowned for his charm, leadership, and adventurous energy, Captain James T. Kirk is among the most famous figures in science fiction history. Several gifted performers have over the years personified the venerable Captain of the USS Enterprise. Examining each of the five actors who have portrayed Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek films and TV shows, this looks at their unique interpretations of the character:
James T. Kirk, William Shatner
Arguably the most identifiable and powerful way the original Captain Kirk is portrayed is by William Shatner. He was an immediately popular person because he brought to the position a special combination of machismo, charm, and a certain swagger. Embracing the unknown and challenging the odds with his fast wit and bold actions, Shatner's Kirk was a classic space cowboy. He negotiated the complexity of space exploration combining assurance with a readiness to challenge limits.
Emphasizing the frontier spirit and exploration themes, Shatner's portrayal of Kirk drew on Gene Roddenberry's vision of Star Trek as "Wagon Train to the Stars." For decades of viewers, Shatner's performance brilliantly caught this core and became the definitive picture of Captain Kirk. He portrayed the part for three seasons of the original Star Trek series, then returned in six feature films and Star Trek: The Animated Series.
James T. Kirk, Sandra Smith
"Turnabout Intruder," the last episode of the original Star Trek series, had Sandra Smith portraying Captain Kirk in a body swap narrative. Though well-meaning, the episode is sometimes attacked for how gender inequality is portrayed.
Smith plays brilliant scientist Janice Lester, who objects to restrictions placed on her because of her gender. She eventually reveals her wish to be a starship captain by switching bodies with Kirk. Smith's performance is excellent; she captures, within Janice's body, Kirk's basic gestures and delivery. She captures the conflict between Kirk's imprisoned consciousness and Janice Lester's motivations quite skillfully.
James T. Kirk's Chris Pine
Chris Pine gave the part of James T. Kirk in J.J. Abrams' rebooted Star Trek film franchise a new viewpoint. Pine examined the character's vulnerability and inner conflict, so stressing the influence of Kirk's challenging background while preserving the natural swagger and confidence of the character.
Born into the Kelvin timeline, Pine's Kirk struggles with the absence of his father, so adding another level of complexity and relevant human struggle to his character. Finding mentoring in Spock, he reflects the rebellious streak passed on from his father while appreciating structure and direction. Pine's performance of Kirk is evidence of his adaptability as an actor since it shows his capacity to capture the core of the character and give the part an original dimension.
James T. Kirk: Jimmy Bennett
Jimmy Bennett gave the younger James T. Kirk in the 2009 Star Trek movie a youthful vitality and rebellious attitude. Bennett's performance captures Kirk's early impulsiveness and disregard for rules, so beginning his character arc. These qualities highlight the influence of Kirk's upbringing in this other reality by gently connecting with the changes in the Kelvin timeline. Bennett's performance highlights the raw potential of a young man destined for greatness while foreshadows the bold and rebellious attitude that will define the older Kirk.
James T. Kirk, Paul Wesley
Renowned for his performance in "The Vampire Diaries," Paul Wesley has assumed the venerable James T. Kirk role in "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds." He plays younger Kirk, a cadet still figuring out Starfleet.
Wesley effortlessly captures the young vitality and daring spirit that define a younger Kirk. He exhibits a vulnerability evocative of Chris Pine's portrayal in addition to the same swagger and confidence William Shatner uses. Wesley's Kirk is a multifarious character who balances his fervent search of knowledge with his need for a steady life. He fits very well with the current cast of "Strange New Worlds," giving the storyline of the show fresh levels of complexity and mystery. Wesley's performance confirms even more his acting ability and his capacity to really portray the core of this legendary character.
