Chris Pine Addresses if He's Returning as Captain Kirk

Chris Pine isn’t sure if he’ll be returning to the USS Enterprise.

While speaking to ComicBook.com during the Sundance Film Festival in January 2026, Pine commented on if he’ll return as Captain James T. Kirk for a potential fourth Alternate Original Series (AOS) Star Trek movie following Skydance Media and Paramount’s recent merger. The publication reported that there have been talks about a fourth Star Trek film, but nothing has been cemented.

“You probably know more than I do,” said Pine to the publication.

Pine also shared advice to those who are newly in charge of Paramount and want to develop more Star Trek films.

“Advice? Have fun, good luck, live long and prosper,” said Pine, in reference to Mr. Spock’s famous line.

Chris Pine Shared His Interest in Returning to the ‘Star Trek’ Franchise

Pine expressed his interest in wearing the Starfleet uniform again in a May 2024 interview with Entertainment Weekly. Pine, who appeared as Kirk in Star Trek (2009), Star Trek Into Darkness (2013), and Star Trek Beyond (2016), said he wasn’t sure if another film was in the works. However, he would “love to do” another Star Trek movie if given the chance.

During the Entertainment Weekly interview, Pine said the first time he auditioned for Star Trek, he lost out on the role. He was later called back about five months later. He ended up auditioning for the first two Star Trek (AOS) films’ director J.J. Abrams, who enjoyed his performance as the charismatic captain.

Zachary Quinto Would Also Like to Return as Spock

Pine isn’t the only Star Trek (AOS) star who is interested in making another film.Zachary Quinto, who took on the role of science officer Mr. Spock, said he would like to play the half-Vulcan again in a September 2025 interview with TODAY.

“It’s been ten years since the last film. We all love each other. We had a great time making those movies. I think we’d all love to come back together. Fans would be really excited by it. I think the time is right,” said Quinto during the interview.

He also said that he’s heard that “there’s scripts circulating [and] directors attached” for Star Trek 4 without any firm plans made.

“We just need to lock it down. And clear our schedules,” said the actor in the TODAY interview.