Paul Wesley Admits He Still Wonders If He’s ‘Doing Enough’ to Honor William Shatner’s Captain Kirk

**Paul Wesley Discusses Challenges and Joys of Portraying Captain Kirk in ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’**

Actor Paul Wesley is making his mark in the world of science fiction with his role as a young James T. Kirk in the latest series, *Star Trek: Strange New Worlds*. In a recent exclusive conversation with PEOPLE, Wesley opened up about the complexities he faces while stepping into a role first immortalised by the legendary William Shatner over sixty years ago.

At 44, Wesley acknowledges the immense weight that comes with embodying such an iconic character. “It was definitely a work in progress, and it is incredibly daunting,” he stated. The actor expressed his ongoing self-reflection as he aims to honour Shatner’s legacy while simultaneously carving his own path. “I’m constantly questioning, ‘Am I doing enough to pay homage to what William Shatner did so beautifully?’” Wesley reflected.

Wesley aims to present a nuanced version of Captain Kirk, one shaped by his own interpretation rather than strict adherence to what has come before. “I need to let go and understand that I’m creating my own version of Kirk,” he explained. By focusing on aspects of the character that perhaps were not explored in *Star Trek: The Original Series*, Wesley hopes to provide audiences with a greater understanding of Kirk’s development. He noted, “I’m presenting some new parts of Kirk that are maybe different than the Kirk we’ve seen before, and that’s crucial for understanding why he becomes the man that he is.”

Despite his trepidation about following in Shatner’s footsteps, Wesley shares a friendly rapport with the original Captain Kirk. The two recently conducted a mutual interview for *Interview Magazine* in celebration of Star Trek’s 60th anniversary. Wesley has chosen not to delve into specifics about the character with Shatner during their encounters. “I just try to talk to him about things two guys would talk about,” he said, deeming this comfortable dynamic as more genuine than merely discussing Kirk. “I think he appreciates that,” he added.

Another important relationship for Wesley is with his co-star Ethan Peck, who plays the role of Mr. Spock. Their friendship off-screen plays a significant role in developing the on-screen chemistry between Kirk and Spock, which is pivotal to the franchise. “Ethan and I are very good friends off camera, which is not always the case,” Wesley noted, adding that their relationship resembles the dynamic in the show: instinctual Kirk versus logical Spock.

Wesley believes that the nuances of this friendship will resonate well with audiences. “There’s this kind of push-pull,” he explained, noting how the characters need to earn their friendship. The actor emphasised that their differences in personality and perspective contribute to the evolution of their bond—a crucial aspect that needs to be conveyed to viewers.

Despite the pressures of living up to Shatner’s portrayal and Chris Pine’s interpretation in the recent films, Wesley relishes the opportunity to play Kirk. “I still pinch myself,” he admitted. “Kirk is Kirk. I’ve never had more fun filming anything than *Strange New Worlds*.” He expressed a deep appreciation for being able to build on such a longstanding legacy character. “It feels like such an honour,” he stated, affirming his willingness to take on further opportunities to portray Kirk in the future.

Outside of the Star Trek universe, Wesley is thrilled about reuniting with his *Vampire Diaries* co-star, Nina Dobrev, in the upcoming Hulu drama *You Deserve to Know*. Having discussed the possibility of working together for some time, the two artists finally found a project that resonated with them. “It felt quite adult,” Wesley described their new venture, noting the narrative revolves around relationships and the complexities of friendships. He believes the storyline will appeal to fans who have grown up with them.

Wesley continues to look forward to what lies ahead. New episodes of *Star Trek: Strange New Worlds* can be streamed on Paramount+ every Thursday following the Season 4 premiere, which took place on 23 July 2026.