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When J.J. Abrams embarked on the ambitious task of revitalizing the “Star Trek” franchise in 2009, he knew assembling a stellar cast was crucial. His search for talent stretched wide, with prominent actors like Adrien Brody and Joshua Jackson almost landing roles. However, one of the more surprising names linked to the project was Mark Wahlberg, known for “The Italian Job” and his music career. Wahlberg revealed that he declined the opportunity because he couldn’t make sense of the script’s sci-fi elements.
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When J.J. Abrams was tasked with rebooting the “Star Trek” franchise, he made it a priority to assemble a top-notch cast, looking for big names to fill out his film. Abrams cast a wide net, with actors like Adrien Brody and Joshua Jackson almost starring. But another major Hollywood heavyweight was actually offered a role in the 2009 reboot: The “Italian Job” star and former rapper Mark Wahlberg. According to the star himself, he turned down the role because he didn’t understand the script.Â
Wahlberg’s bewilderment isn’t unprecedented in Hollywood. Sean Connery famously turned down a major role in “The Lord of the Rings” for similar reasons. Reflecting on his decision, Wahlberg later acknowledged his mistake, admitting, “I saw the movie and I was like, ‘Holy s***, he did a great job.'”
While the spotlight often falls on iconic characters like Kirk, Spock, and Uhura, played by Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, and Zoe Saldana respectively, it was the role of George Kirk, Captain Kirk’s father, that proved unexpectedly challenging to cast. Before Chris Hemsworth, who was then on the brink of stardom, embodied the character, the role was offered to another Hollywood A-lister: Matt Damon.
Speculation about Damon’s involvement in Abrams’ “Star Trek” stirred excitement, with many fans assuming he was in line to portray Captain Kirk himself. However, Abrams later clarified that the offer was for the senior Kirk. In an interview with Life Magazine, accessed through Digital Spy, Abrams explained, “I actually approached Matt and we had some discussions, but everything happens for a reason. On the one hand, it would have been great to work with Matt — but at the end of the day, it was such a better move to cast the movie with unknowns.”
Abrams had trouble finding a star to play Kirk’s father
Paramount
In hindsight, Abrams’ decision paid off, as the role served as a springboard for Hemsworth’s career, propelling him into the spotlight before his iconic turn as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Hemsworth’s rising star has since given him the clout to turn down a reprisal of George Kirk in the anticipated yet unproduced fourth film in the Kelvin timeline of “Star Trek”.
When word got out that Damon was being considered for a part in Abrams’ “Star Trek,” most fans assumed Damon was up for the role of Captain Kirk. Years later, the director set the record straight — the offer had been for the Kirk patriarch. “I actually approached Matt and we had some discussions, but everything happens for a reason,” Abrams told Life Magazine (via Digital Spy). “On the one hand, it would have been great to work with Matt — but at the end of the day, it was such a better move to cast the movie with unknowns.”
As Abrams said, it was all for the best, as the part helped Hemsworth get noticed in Hollywood. His star power only grew in the years since his brief role as Kirk’s dad, giving Hemsworth the influence to say no to returning as George Kirk for the still-unmade fourth Kelvinverse “Star Trek” film.
