Mike Vogel to Star as James T. Kirk in Star Trek XI?
I don’t envy the cast of J.J. Abrams’ upcoming reboot of the Star Trek franchise. They’ve got a pretty tough job on their hands, in that they need to erase memories of previous installments in the series, and yet somehow still retain the spirit of these iconic characters too. Although the new film is specifically not trying to cater to the hardcore fans, I can tell you that there are a lot of Trekkies who are going to be ready to criticize their every move. Thus far, the young cast members that have been officially confirmed seem quite capable and, in the case of Zachary Quinto (Spock), already happen to have a geek following behind them. But I gotta say, the rumoured frontrunner for the role of James T. Kirk has me a little worried.
IESB have learned from a couple of different studio insiders, that Mike Vogel is currently the man they are looking at to fill Shatner’s shoes. Who is Mike Vogel? Well, you probably don’t know the name, but you may have seen him in a few recent movies including The Texas Chainsaw Massacre remake, Poseidon, and… Supercross?! Of course, he also just so happens to have a major role in J.J. Abrams’ upcoming Cloverfield movie, so I’m assuming that was his inside track to the gig. Obviously they think he has the chops to pull off what is without a doubt the most important role in the film… and maybe he does. Acting talent isn’t necessarily the issue here (there are plenty of people in this world who are much better actors than William Shatner), but somehow this pretty boy doesn’t quite embody the rough and tumble character of Kirk. I can definitely see a physical resemblance if the guy didn’t have one of those hip shaggy haircuts, but still… I don’t know. What happened to Matt Damon?
Comments (7)
As a Trekkie, I have to take issue with your implication that the actor chosen to portray Captain James T. Kirk doesn’t require much acting talent. If the actor doesn’t remind us of Kirk as played by Shatner, then I would much rather prefer that the character not use the iconic name from the original series. I see Kirk as a complex, heroic character of exploration, embodying many noble traits of historical characters and projecting these essential qualities in humanity’s future.
I don’t think it would make sense for an actor to make a reinterpretation of an established fictional character.
Beyond the “rough and tumble” character of Kirk, I think the actor will need to reflect the intelligence and passion that were at the core of Shatner’s portrayal of Kirk. (Kirk’s backstory did establish him as a bookworm in his academy days.)
Posted by Pacifistofury on September 28th, 2007Good lord.
They should cast Carrot Top as Kirk.
Posted by Greg on September 28th, 2007Intelligence? Complexity? Kirk was a cowboy in space!
This is just going further and further away from my rader. I’m afraid to watch this movie, it’s like watching Brøndby in a game I know they’ll lose…
Fuck J.J. Abrams and his shitty ideas. Fuck Paramount. This shitty treatment is pretty much the worst thing that could have ever happened to Star Trek.
Posted by Henrik on September 28th, 2007Have you seen how buff Carrot Top looks these days? Betcha Shatner wish he had his bod.
Greg, I hope J.J.Abrams gets involved with the Star Wars remake and casts Carrot Top as Luke Skywalker.
Henrik, you just insulted all the cowboys who peruse Film Junk. (Um, I don’t know what Brondby is. I don’t even know how to type that o with a slash in it. But I think your sentiment comes across regardless. I’m guessing we won’t be watching Star Trek XI in the theatre together.)
Posted by Darth Nameless on September 28th, 2007Why would I want to watch it? It stars young TV actors, is written by the guys who wrote Transformers, and directed by the person who thought Alias was a good idea.
Posted by Henrik on September 28th, 2007Aw, Henrik, now I don’t want to watch it either.
Posted by Darth Nameless on September 28th, 2007Leave a Reply