11 Movie Casting Choices The Public Couldn't Handle

3. Chris Pine - Captain James T. Kirk (Star Trek)

Kirsten Stewart Diana
Paramount

Gadot's Wonder Woman co-star is himself no stranger to fanning the fires of an enraged fandom, as he experienced first-hand when he was cast as Captain Kirk in J.J. Abrams' 2009 Star Trek reboot.

Kirk is of course one of the most statuesque and iconic characters in all of sci-fi, and one originally played quite inimitably by the great William Shatner.

By comparison, the relatively unknown Pine smacked of "generic white guy," unaided by the movie's marketing failing to showcase one drop of his actual charisma.

Despite the anxiousness of Trek fans, the final film acquitted Pine exceptionally, revealing his Kirk to be a cocky, charming rogue with a beating heart just barely detectable underneath.

Pine did a fantastic job growing into the part in the two sequels, and while never capable of replacing Shatner, took up the mantle with grace and respect.

Contributor
Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.