Paul Wesley seems to have found his next thing, but in this case, he is surely benefitting from the popularity of a decades-old franchise. He currently stars on “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds” as Captain James T. Kirk, a role that was famously brought to life by William Shatner on the original “Star Trek” series. Wesley said he was drawn to the project both for its storied history and the chance to distance himself from “The Vampire Diaries.”
“One of the things that excited me about the role of Captain Kirk was the fact that it’s such a popular, arguably one of the most, influential characters in the history of television,” Wesley told InStyle. “I jumped at this role because it allows me to be something other than Stefan in a big way.”
Wesley also appreciates the opportunity to distinguish his version of Kirk from Shatner’s. Wesley’s Captain Kirk is written in a much goofier and lighthearted fashion than Shatner’s, and he pointed out just how much he appreciates the differences between how the two characters and shows are written.
“We have to remember it’s sort of an escapism, space-adventure show, and it can’t take itself too seriously,” he said. “Obviously, there are moments where we have to commit and be serious, but I think a part of the allure of ‘Star Trek’ is how fun and entertaining it is.”
