Paul Wesley has high praise for Anson Mount and the cast of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Wesley plays Lt. James T. Kirk in Strange New Worlds, although he also appeared as two alternate reality variants of Captain Kirk. Wesley debuted as one of the alt-Captain Kirks in Strange New Worlds season 1’s finale, but his version of the Prime Timeline’s James Kirk formally debuted in Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 3, and returned for two more episodes, including Star Trek‘s first-ever musical.
Appearing on Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum podcast which was recorded before the premiere of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, Paul Wesley talked about the “great role” of James T. Kirk, and he effusively hailed the ensemble cast of Strange New Worlds led by Anson Mount. Read his quote and watch a video clip from Inside of You below:
When a great role comes around… Like, right now, I’m doing Star Trek… I could not ask for a better cast. I mean, these people… Again, I’m not a series regular, right? I’m a recurring. And they welcomed me with open arms. They are so awesome. The showrunner, Akiva Goldsman, is just the best. I just adore him. And Henry Alonso Myers. They’re just the nicest. And Anson Mount as a lead… He’s just such a good dude. I mean, Ethan Peck, who plays Spock, he’s a good friend of mine. It’s a great show.
Will Paul Wesley Return As James T. Kirk In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3?
Paul Wesley isn’t confirmed to return for Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 3. After joining the crew of the USS Enterprise in song in Strange New Worlds‘ musical episode, Wesley’s Lt. James T. Kirk was absent from Strange New Worlds season 2’s finale. Strange New Worlds season 3 was due to begin production in May 2023, but it was halted due to the WGA Writer’s Strike, which was then joined by SAG-AFTRA joining the picket lines. When Strange New Worlds will resume production on season 3, and if Paul Wesley’s Kirk will be a part of it, is anyone’s guess.
However, Lt. Kirk has unfinished business on Strange New Worlds. Kirk confessed to Lt. La’an Noonien-Singh (Christina Chong) that he has a pregnant girlfriend named Carol Marcus. James and Carol could both appear in Strange New Worlds season 3. Kirk is also rapidly rising up Starfleet ranks and became First Officer of the USS Farragut, but he could still need to learn under Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) en route to becoming the next Captain of the USS Enterprise. Paul Wesley’s James T. Kirk certainly fit in with the cast of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, and their enjoyment of working together is mutual. It’s safe to say Paul Wesley and James T. Kirk would be welcome back anytime.
All episodes of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds are streaming on Paramount+.
