Chris Pine is looking forward to playing an older James T. Kirk in the next Star Trek film

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The Star Trek universe is thriving. There are currently three different Star Trek television series running: Lower Decks, Strange New Worlds and Prodigy. There are also several Star Trek films in development. Star Trek fans have reason to rejoice.

The only thing missing is James T. Kirk. Chris Pine hasn’t played the character since 2016’s Star Trek Beyond. With so many Star Trek projects in development, is it possible that Pine could return? The actor is certainly up for it.

During a spotlight panel at ACE Superhero Comic Con 2024, Pine talked about his return as Kirk.

“As for the next phase of (Star Trek), of course you’re all fans, so I’m sure you’ve read it,” Pine said, a reference to reports that Pine and his colleagues would return for an untitled Star Trek sequel set in the franchise’s Kelvin timeline. The project has been in development hell for years, and Pine’s involvement has shifted depending on various factors. However, the star said he really wants to work with his Trek colleagues again.

“We all like each other very much. I’m good friends with everyone I’ve worked with. We have a lot of fun doing it. I’m a lot older now, so I’m curious to see what the next story brings us, what it will be and what we’ve said in the press.”

Regarding the question of age: Chris Pine was 29 when his first Star Trek film was released. Today he is 43 – only five years younger than the other James T. Kirk, William Shatner, when he made the first Star Trek film.

Will Pine return to Star Trek? Even if Star Trek 4 falls through, I think it’s only a matter of time before we see him in one project or another.

Space may be the final frontier, but Popverse’s love for the Star Trek universe knows no bounds. Board the Starship Enterprise with our Star Trek watch order, explore strange new worlds with our list of upcoming Star Trek TV shows and movies, fathom the franchise’s new life, and venture where no Star Trek film has gone before – with Quentin Tarantino?