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The Star Trek Universe is thriving. There are currently three different ongoing Star Trek television series, Lower Decks, Strange New Worlds, and Prodigy. Plus, there are several Star Trek films in development. Star Trek fans are feasting.

The only thing missing is James T. Kirk. Chris Pine hasn’t played the character since the 2016 film Star Trek Beyond. With all the various Star Trek projects in development, is it possible that Pine might make a return? The actor is certainly up for it.

During a spotlight panel at ACE Superhero Comic Con 2024, Pine spoke about returning as Kirk.

“In terms of the next phase of [Star Trek], obviously you’re all fans, so I’m sure you’ve read it,” Pine said. This is a reference to reports that Pine and his castmates 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 castmates again.

“We all like one another a lot. I’m good friends with everybody I’ve worked with. We have a great time doing it. I’m a lot older now, so I would be curious where that next story lands us in terms of what it would be and what we’ve said in the press.”

On that age question, Chris Pine was 29 when his first Star Trek film was released. He's currently 43 - just five years younger than the other James T. Kirk, William Shatner was, when he filmed the first Star Trek movie.

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 there's no end to Popverse's love of the Star Trek universe. Hop aboard the starship Enterprise with our Star Trek watch order, explore strange new worlds with our upcoming Star Trek TV shows and movies list, seek out the new life of the franchise, and boldly go where no Star Trek film has ever gone before - with Quentin Tarantino?