Whoa! MCU's Sebastian Stan Almost Played Captain Kirk?!
Sebastian Stan Almost Became Captain Kirk: A Star Trek What If?
Get this: Sebastian Stan, the amazing Bucky Barnes from the MCU, almost played Captain James T. Kirk in J.J. Abrams' 2009 Star Trek reboot! This revelation came from Stan himself during a chat on the Happy Sad Confused podcast with Josh Horowitz, promoting his new films— The Apprentice (that Trump biopic!) and A Different Man. This was an interesting surprise for many fans considering how he was a total underdog!
The casting was under serious scrutiny; that's a given; after all, William Shatner’s legendary Kirk remains nearly iconic and the very personification of Kirk's legendary performance that many fans immediately recognize when thinking about this particular Star Trek character and what defines his own characteristics, personality and overall character development across that immensely famous and still-watched TV series. The role went to Chris Pine, who absolutely rocketed to stardom because of it, it totally catapulted him in this specific timeline! Stan, on the other hand, got major recognition as Bucky only two years later, really showcasing this remarkable coincidence which could’ve dramatically changed the entertainment industry altogether. What would’ve transpired instead had that role’s destination changed in such a pivotal way?
Stan's Audition: Photos, Screen Tests, and Shatner Impressions
Stan reveals he came extremely close— going as far as a screen test at Paramount Pictures! He even went the extra mile, with an intense photoshoot attempting to replicate Shatner’s classic poses and look; emphasizing exactly how much effort Stan put into the attempt; really making it absolutely certain how he must've valued this amazing opportunity for showcasing how valuable this role would truly be for his career. In his own words:
"There were a couple of things I didn’t get that I really, desperately wanted. Captain Kirk for J.J. Abrams was one of the first things that I got very close to. I was really close and I had a screen test with him at Paramount studios and my manager had me do a separate photoshoot where I would try and replicate all of these William Shatner pictures just to send to [J.J.] to see how much I look like him and stuff. Didn’t get it."
The Impact of Casting on Stan and Pine's Careers
Both Stan and Pine started around the same period—both hitting the big time soon after! Stan had many small parts before that iconic role— The Education of Charlie Banks, Spread, even that awesome short-lived Kings series (co-starring Ian McShane) and some bigger ones. Then in 2011 he blew up as Bucky Barnes and became immensely recognizable to a very specific set of viewers. That MCU career is undeniably his claim to fame.
Meanwhile Pine had far less experience when his career took a huge change! Six years in Hollywood gave him some small roles; yet that role of Nicholas Devereaux in The Princess Diaries 2 (2004) launched him into something far bigger; really helping to show what an immense leap this role provided. The huge follow up included some notable films which eventually ended in landing that iconic part of Kirk.
Could Sebastian Stan Have Pulled Off Kirk? Our Take!
The casting decisions surrounding Abrams' Star Trek were incredibly critical; with immense pressure regarding replacing Shatner’s iconic portrayal; the entire decision regarding which actor best fills that unique and specifically portrayed characteristic required immensely strong decisions that took years to decide; showing the magnitude of choosing the perfect individual required; this involved extensive considerations of previous actor portrayals as well. This very unique situation made Pine’s casting more difficult and complex overall, yet Pine managed exceptionally well, successfully bringing Kirk's classic swagger to life without imitating Shatner. That alone showed his greatness, as well as his potential as that great actor capable of fulfilling these demands. Stan is brilliant and might even have a strong chance; however that particular role likely needed someone capable of embodying specific attitudes and traits inherent within Kirk; someone whose performance captures something essential in the existing material which shows a distinct separation from other potential characters capable of taking that role, without any kind of conflict!
Moreover, that particular choice, if chosen incorrectly could even hamper Stan’s later MCU success! This alone demonstrates those surprising impacts from an actor’s decision concerning a career in that unpredictable world of movie productions.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity With Massive Potential Impact
Stan's near-miss with the Kirk role is fascinating, and it opens a "what if" discussion of his future! He missed that epic role. It made many think just what would've transpired. Those alternate universes where such events transpire, it really becomes a remarkable, intensely intriguing story and really gives food for thought considering all the remarkable details!
