Actor Paul Wesley is sharing his thoughts about famed Star Trek star, William Shatner.
During an August 2025 interview with ABC News, Wesley spoke about playing the iconic character, Captain James T. Kirk, in the Paramount+ series, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. As fans of the beloved science fiction franchise are aware, Shatner originated the role in Star Trek: The Original Series, which aired from 1966 to 1969.
In the ABC News interview, Wesley referenced that Shatner shared kind words about his casting as Kirk for the second season of Star Trek: SNW, which premiered in 2023, on X.
“Keep my ship and crew safe, Captain! Congratulations!” read the X post, uploaded on March 15, 2022.
Wesley shared that he appreciated the message.
“That tweet meant so much to me, it was such a touching moment. Because he didn’t have to do that. And it was very classy,” said the Vampire Diaries star in the August 2025 interview.
Wesley also shared how he prepared to play Captain Kirk in Star Trek: SNW, which is a prequel to Star Trek: TOS.
“I watched every single episode of The Original Series. Twice. The show is so iconic,” said Wesley during the interview. “Obviously, it was such a huge part of American history, pop TV history, and the role of James T. Kirk is arguably one of the the most famous roles on television. And so, my goal was how to I differentiate myself, how do I bring something else to the table in terms of telling Kirk’s story before.”
He then said he decided to make his version of Captain Kirk less confident than how Shatner portrayed the character in Star Trek: TOS.
“William Shatner is unbelievably confident in his portrayal of Captain Kirk, it’s so unbelievable his charm and confidence,” said Wesley. “And I thought my version of Kirk isn’t captain yet, so should I make him perhaps a little less surefooted. Maybe a little more vulnerable. So you see him learning to become captain, you see him learning how to get his confidence.”
During an appearance at the 2025 San Diego Comic Con, held in July 2025, Wesley expressed gratitude for playing Captain Kirk.
“I’m so unbelievably honored. I can’t express how deeply grateful I am to have the opportunity,” said the actor.
In addition, Wesley said that he is “trying [his] best to do everything [he] can to pay respect and homage to what William Shatner created.”
The third season of Star Trek: SNW is currently airing on Paramount+.
This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 24, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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