Captain James T. Kirk is unquestionably among the most iconic leaders in science fiction, and the original captain of the starship in Star Trek remains influential throughout each era of the franchise. Regardless of whether you initially encountered him through The Original Series, J.J. Abrams’ reboots, or Strange New Worlds, it’s clear that his impact endures. Although William Shatner will forever be remembered as the original Kirk, he is not the only actor to wear the gold command tunic.
Over the course of six decades, no fewer than eight actors have taken on the role of a captain in the Star Trek universe, ranging from A-list Hollywood celebrities to lesser-known talents of the cosmos. Here’s a comprehensive list of every one of them, including some names that might leave even dedicated Trekkies scratching their heads in surprise.
1) William Shatner: The Original Captain Kirk
When you envision Captain Kirk, it’s likely that the memorable face of William Shatner comes to mind. Known as the pioneering commander of the USS Enterprise, Shatner brought life to the role with his captivating persona, appeal, and a knack for torn shirts. Making his debut in The Original Series back in 1966, Shatner’s Kirk led the bridge through three seasons, seven movies, and even an animated adaptation.
To this very moment, Shatner’s portrayal of Kirk continues to stand out for many viewers, combining 1960s male prowess with moments of philosophical introspection and strong moral beliefs. Shatner gained such popularity that Paramount executives even gave him the job to direct “Star Trek V: The Final Frontier“, though many, including Shatner himself, feel he might have been better off sticking with acting. His final on-screen appearance as Kirk was his death on Veridian III in “Generations“, but fans remain divided over whether his character’s fate could be reversed in some future Star Trek plotline.
2) Chris Pine: The Kelvin Timeline’s Kirk
In the revamped “Star Trek” movies directed by J.J. Abrams, Chris Pine assumed the role of a more youthful, assertive Kirk from an alternate reality known as the Kelvin Timeline. His portrayal in the 2009 film “Star Trek,” along with his subsequent performances in “Star Trek Into Darkness” and “Star Trek Beyond,” effectively blended the essence of Shatner’s Kirk while making it relevant for a contemporary audience.
In Chris Pine’s portrayal, Kirk evolved from a rash youngster into a noble, self-sacrificing commander. The fate of the Kelvin films may be uncertain, but Pine’s rendition of the character continues to captivate fans, particularly those who are newer admirers of Star Trek.
3) Paul Wesley: A New Face in Strange New Worlds
2022’s Star Trek: Strange New Worlds series introduced an unexpected new version of Captain Kirk, portrayed by Paul Wesley, who was previously recognized for his work in The Vampire Diaries. This fresh interpretation of the iconic character made its debut in the Season 1 finale, titled “A Quality of Mercy,” which offered a fresh take on the classic “Balance of Terror” episode from the original series, but set within an alternate timeline, offering fans a peek at a Kirk from another reality.
In Season 2, Wesley reappeared in a role that was more down-to-earth, portraying the true (Prime Timeline) Kirk in multiple episodes such as “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow.” This particular episode offered a glimpse into Kirk’s human side before he became captain. Wesley has explained his acting style as subtle, focusing on conveying Kirk’s intelligence and curiosity as well as his confident demeanor.
4) Sandra Smith: The Body Swap in “Turnabout Intruder”
Among the unexpected castings, it was Sandra Smith who portrayed Dr. Janice Lester in the memorable finale of TOS, titled “Turnabout Intruder.” In this episode, Lester – a scientist and Kirk’s former flame – employs an alien energy-swap device to trade places with Captain Kirk, thereby commandeering the Enterprise. Consequently, Smith enacts a character that embodies Kirk’s consciousness for most of the episode.
Despite some debate about the gender politics, Smith’s performance as Captain Kirk was generally acclaimed for its accurate and subtle depiction of William Shatner’s character. Notably, Smith is the first and only female actor to have portrayed James T. Kirk on screen in the annals of Star Trek.
5) Jimmy Bennett: An Even Younger Kirk in Star Trek (2009)
Prior to Chris Pine assuming the captain’s position, it was twelve-year-old child actor Jimmy Bennett who initially portrayed Kirk as a rebellious Iowa farm boy in J.J. Abrams’ “Star Trek”. In the film’s initial scenes, Bennett’s short appearance depicted a young James Tiberius Kirk speeding in a stolen Corvette and shouting into the wind, establishing the character’s hot-tempered personality.
In a relatively short span, Bennett’s performance enriched our perception of Kirk, offering insights into his character, and significantly heightened the emotional intensity in the Kelvin Timeline’s backstory.
6) Vic Mignogna: Fan-Film Hero in Star Trek Continues
An unexpected addition to the list is the fan-made series “Star Trek Continues“, where actor Vic Mignogna portrayed Kirk in a heartfelt continuation of the original series’ legacy. This webseries garnered acclaim for its high production quality and adherence to the aesthetic of the original series (TOS), including the lighting, cinematography, and pacing of dialogue.
Mignogna’s portrayal mirrored Shatner’s speech patterns and behaviors, resulting in a captivating performance that resembled the fourth season of the original Star Trek series for numerous fans. Although it wasn’t an officially recognized production, this show garnered considerable admiration from the fanbase.
7) James Cawley: Kirk in Star Trek: New Voyages
Star Trek: New Voyages,” a well-known fan production also recognized as Phase II, showcased James Cawley as Captain Kirk. Originally an Elvis Presley impersonator who developed a passion for Star Trek, Cawley played the lead role in the initial episodes and even invested his own funds to replicate the Enterprise.
Cawley meticulously applied his attention to detail across all aspects of set design, accessories, and clothing, constructing them based on authentic blueprints and studio specifications. Later, he chose to relinquish the director’s seat to concentrate on production duties. Episodes such as “World Enough and Time” (starring George Takei) attracted renowned former cast members from “Trek,” garnering admiration from fans and recognition from CBS.
8) Brian Goss: Another New Voyages Kirk
Following Cawley’s departure from the position, Brian Goss assumed the role of Captain Kirk in the closing episodes of Star Trek: New Voyages. Despite having fewer scenes, Goss carried on the legacy by being meticulous about details and staying true to the storytelling.
After Cawley left his post, Brian Goss stepped into the role of Captain Kirk in the final episodes of Star Trek: New Voyages. Although he had fewer scenes, Goss maintained the tradition of being precise with details and faithful to the storyline.
His performance played a significant role in concluding one of the most enduring Star Trek fan initiatives ever, demonstrating both elegance and sincerity. As a result, he received acclaim from the fandom, being recognized as a worthy bearer of the legacy.
Catch Star Trek: The Original Seriesand other official Star Trek titles streaming on Paramount+.
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2025-07-24 00:16