The Quest for Captain Kirk: Who Considered for the Role of the Original Star Trek TV Show's Hero?

In the early days of Star Trek, the iconic character of Captain Kirk was a central figure that caught the attention of many actors. This article explores the initial casting process and the actors who were considered for the role before it was ultimately offered to William Shatner.

Initial Considerations for the Role of Captain Kirk

When it became clear that Jeffrey Hunter would not return to film a second pilot for Star Trek, the search for a new captain began. Two prominent actors were briefly considered for the role of Captain James T. Kirk: Lloyd Bridges and Jack Lord. However, the Star Trek team was already familiar with William Shatner, and he quickly became the consensus choice as the new Captain of the Enterprise.

Jack Lord and His Demands

Jack Lord, known for his roles in Sea Hunt and his previous experience with television, initially wanted to own a share of the show before accepting the part. This condition likely disqualified him from the role. Shatner, a well-established actor, was probably far less expensive than either Lord or Lloyd Bridges.

A Closer Look at the Actors Who Auditioned for Captain Kirk

Tragic Turndown: Lloyd Bridges

Lloyd Bridges, a well-known television star from his role in Sea Hunt and a successful movie career, was initially considered for the role. However, he might have been too expensive for the untested, already pricey television series. When offered the role, Bridges turned it down, perhaps due to the high production costs or his familiarity with the series. He eventually starred in Airplane!, a role that became more memorable as time passed.

Other Notable Auditions

Several other prominent actors auditioned for the role of Captain Kirk. Among them was Lee Majors, best known for his role in The Six Million Dollar Man. Other auditors included John Saxon, who is more famous for his role as Donald Thompson in Nightmare on Elm Street, and Peter Graves, who is known for his role as the leader of the IMF in Get Smart.

Mark Lenard: The International Spokesman for IMF

Mark Lenard, who played Colonel Bakram in Blade Runner, was audited for the role of Captain Kirk. His audition provided an interesting dynamic between Kirk and Spock, as both actors had similar terms for participation.

Jack Lord: The Winged Portland

A year after Lloyd Bridges declined, Jack Lord actually turned down the role of Captain Kirk. Ironically, after this, he starred in the cheesy but memorable sci-fi series Battlestar Galactica. Lord, best known for his role in Sea Hunt until appearing in Airplane, was a prominent figure in the 60s and 70s.

Nobody Else Played Kirk on the Big Screen

The only actors who played Captain Kirk on film were William Shatner and Chris Pine. None of the actors mentioned above or any of the few others who auditioned for the role ever portrayed the iconic character Captain Kirk.

Conclusion

The quest for the perfect Captain Kirk was a long and intriguing journey. From the initial considerations of well-known actors like Lloyd Bridges and Jack Lord to the eventual selection of William Shatner, the history of this iconic character is filled with fascinating stories and auditions.