William Shatner will always be associated with Captain Kirk, the character he defined on Star Trek. As the franchise continues with fresh faces in the captain’s chair, the original legend weighs in with a thoughtful, encouraging view of Chris Pine’s portrayal.
Back in 2012, during a Wizard World appearance in New Orleans, Shatner offered warm words about Pine, praising the actor’s talent and his convincing sense of Kirk’s demeanor, appearance, and voice. He stressed Pine’s readiness to carry the legacy forward.
In a later interview from 2014, Shatner reflected on watching Pine in the reboot films of JJ Abrams, describing the moment as a stark reminder that time advances while a new actor steps into the role he once defined. He acknowledged Pine’s vitality and the weight of living up to a famous character.
More recently, in 2024, Shatner spoke again about Pine and Paul Wesley, calling both performers wonderful and adding that they bring a glow and skill to the Kirk persona. He joked that he could only hope to look as good as they do, underscoring his enduring respect for the actors who have kept Kirk alive across generations.
As Star Trek’s storytelling evolves, Shatner’s remarks paint a portrait of mentorship and generosity toward those who carry the baton he helped establish.
Source: Original article
