James McAvoy Says He Turned Down Captain Kirk Role in Star Trek
McAvoy told J.J. Abrams he wasn't right for the part and praised Chris Pine's performance in the 2009 film.
James McAvoy said he turned down the chance to play Captain Kirk in J.J. Abrams' Star Trek, recalling on the Happy Sad Confused podcast that he met Abrams for lunch in Los Angeles to talk about the film, according to comingsoon.net.
McAvoy said he suggested during the meeting that he play Kirk. He also told Abrams he would not test for the role, saying he felt he was not right for it.
The actor praised Chris Pine, who went on to play Kirk, for his performance in the 2009 film.
Star Trek was released in 2009 and reintroduced the franchise's central characters, with Pine as Kirk and Zachary Quinto as Spock. Karl Urban also starred as Dr. Leonard McCoy, and the film explored the characters' earlier years and the events that brought them together aboard the USS Enterprise.
Quick answers
Who did James McAvoy turn down in Star Trek?
McAvoy said he turned down the chance to play Captain Kirk in J.J. Abrams' Star Trek.
Where did James McAvoy discuss turning down the role?
He made the comments on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, hosted by Josh Horowitz.
Who played Captain Kirk in the 2009 Star Trek film?
Chris Pine played Kirk in the 2009 film, and McAvoy praised his performance.