Sebastian Stan Reveals Major Franchise Role He Almost Landed Before Bucky Barnes Debut, And I Would Like to See It Happen

Although Sebastian StanHis rise to fame began when he played Carter Bazen in the TV series Gossipit was presented as Bucky Barnes, future Winter SoldierV Captain America: The First Avenger this brought him worldwide recognition. However, if the story had gone differently, there is a world in which we could have seen Stan as James T. Kirk in Star Trek franchise. While I’m happy with how things have turned out for the actor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I’d still like to see him play this iconic sci-fi character.

In addition to discussion lose a game with Green Lantern and confirming that it upcoming Marvel movie Thunderbolts* went through several major rewritesSebastian Stan spent some time talking with Josh Horowitz on Happy Sad Confused talks about how close he came to landing the role of Kirk in 2009 Star Trekreboot that took place in the alternate Kelvin timeline, followed by a reboot in 2013. Star Trek Into Darkness and 2016 Star Trek Beyond. Regarding the major roles he missed out on during his career, Stan had this to say:

There were a few things I didn’t understand that I really wanted. But Captain Kirk for JJ Abrams was one of the first ones I got very close to. I remember being very, very close, and I remember I had a screen test with (Abrams) at Paramount, and my manager asked me to do a separate photo shoot where I was trying to replicate all these photos of William Shatner, just to send to him. You see how much I was like him, but I didn’t understand it.

Before I go any further, let me say that I have absolutely no problem with Chris PineKirk’s speech. He did a good job of channeling the same energy as William Shatner emitted when he played the character in Star Trek: The Original Series and later films, but he never gave the impression that he was simply imitating Shatner. If Star Trek 4 ever gets off the ground, I’ll be happy to welcome Pine to hit the captain again USS Enterprise.

However, I think Sebastian Stan could play the great James T. Kirk. He also has the right looks and performance talent that would serve him well as the brash rule breaker who becomes one of the most iconic figures in Starfleet history. My only concern with this alternate version of history is whether Stan had time to play both Kirk and Bucky, especially since the latter is becoming increasingly important in the MCU. If not, then I’m glad everything turned out the way it did.

As stated, there have been no recent updates on if Star Trek 4 will move forward. Instead Star Trek “Origin” movie next on the franchise’s theatrical list and is expected to be released someday 2025 Movie Schedule. However, if you want to see someone else play young James T. Kirk, watch Paul Wesleyperformance in Star Trek: Strange New Worldswhich can be streamed using Paramount+ subscription. As for Sebastian Stan, you can see him in action again as Bucky Barnes when Thunderbolts* will arrive on May 2, 2025.