Paul Wesley Says Kirk Will Carry On An Amorous Tradition in 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds'

La’an (Christina Chong) and Kirk (Paul Wesley). Image: Paramount+.

JUNE 28, 2023 - It appears that Paul Wesley's reprisal of James T. Kirk in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2 will uphold the amorous tradition established by William Shatner and Chris Pine. Wesley's return as Kirk has been eagerly anticipated since his appearance in the season 1 finale, and now we have some inside information regarding his character's romantic escapades.

CinemaBlend's Mick Joest had the opportunity to speak with Paul Wesley and the cast of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds prior to the season 2 premiere, and Joest directly inquired about the possibility of Kirk pursuing either La'an or Uhura. 

Wesley's response confirmed that romance will indeed be a part of Kirk's storyline, as he explained, "I definitely think he has, I mean, yeah, he likes women, and that’s part of the character [laughs]. He’s definitely a flirt. He’s definitely someone who enjoys the company of a female. I think that, yeah, you can certainly expect some romance to some degree. I’m being vague, but yeah, definitely."

While Wesley remained somewhat enigmatic in his response, it's evident that romance will play a role in James Kirk's return to Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. The burning question, however, revolves around which character will capture Kirk's affection. Both La'an, who served as a commander on Kirk's ship in an alternate timeline flash forward, and Uhura, who shared a kiss with Kirk in the prime timeline, have a history with the character. Additionally, Wesley's comments hinted at the possibility of a yet-to-be-revealed character, adding further intrigue to the mix.

For long-standing Star Trek devotees, Wesley's confirmation may not come as a surprise. Flirtation has always been a defining characteristic of James T. Kirk, as exemplified by William Shatner's iconic portrayal of the character. In fact, it would be somewhat peculiar if Kirk didn't engage in his trademark charm in Strange New Worlds. Therefore, it's reassuring to learn that the show remains faithful to the core attributes of Kirk's personality.

The truth about Kirk's romantic exploits will soon be unveiled, provided that viewers have their Paramount+ subscriptions up to date. Wesley’s version of Kirk is set to return this week in the season’s third episode.