'Star Trek': Then vs. Now
As J.J. Abrams’ much-anticipated Star Trek reboot prepares to beam into theaters, we pit the old and new crews against each other in an interplanetary smackdown.
James T. Kirk
William Shatner vs. Chris Pine
The Matchup: It’s no easy feat portraying the character made famous by Shatner, who achieved icon status as the bold, charismatic captain of the USS Enterprise in the original series. Though high-profile stars like Matt Damon reportedly coveted the role of Kirk in the reboot, director J.J. Abrams and company went with the relatively unknown Pine. Trek fans may detect traces of Shatner in Pine’s performance, but those looking for an imitation of his predecessor’s trademark (and oft-parodied) clipped delivery will be sorely disappointed. “Absolutely not,” Pine declared to the Wall Street Journal. “In that territory, it becomes an impersonation. I can only do my version of it.”
The Winner: Pine. It’s difficult to side against a living legend like Shatner, but … no, it really isn’t. Shatner was a scenery-chewing ham whose every utterance oozed self-importance. Pine took the part and ran with it, leaving his overrated predecessor in the dust.
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