The Perfect ‘Star Trek: The Original Series’ Cast if It Were Made in 2026
Michael Block is a 14 time GLAM Award nominated writer, producer, and host of the podcast Block Talk. Throughout his time in the entertainment industry, he has worked on and off Broadway as a stage manager, written several produced plays, critiqued hundreds of theatrical performances, drag and cabaret shows, and has produced events randing from drag competitoons to variety concerts!
On Block Talk, he interviews nightlife personalities, covers the wide world of entertainment through features, ranking episodes, and recaps ALL of Drag Race, as well as Dragula and Survivor. He has interviewed hundreds of RuGirls that span the globe at DragCon NYC, DragCon LA, and DragCon UK.
In his free time, he makes one-of-a-kind jewelry and gift baskets with his mom. He is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community.
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The science fiction landscape, particularly on television, might not look the way it does today without the extraordinary triumph of Star Trek: The Original Series. One of pop culture's most iconic franchises, the series, created by Gene Roddenberry, ran for three seasons from 1966 to 1969. Set in the 23rd century, the series follows the five-year mission of the starship U.S.S. Enterprise as it explores deep space, encounters new civilizations, and seeks out strange new worlds.
The series launched a massive, long-running multimedia franchise of spin-offs, movies, and a dedicated fan base. While many new stories have been created, many of the characters from Star Trek: The Original Series have been used in various forms. But what would the show look like had it been made in 2026? We're here to dream cast what could be. We'll look for a mix of established names, rising stars, and performers who could slip seamlessly into the archetypes of the originally presented characters.
1 Captain James T. Kirk
Taron Egerton
Though the series was a genuine ensemble piece, Star Trek: The Original Series lives and dies with Captain James T. Kirk. The commanding officer of the U.S.S. Enterprise infamously told us, "Space: the final frontier. To boldly go where no man has gone before." Known for his bold, rugged leadership and loyalty to his crew, Captain Kirk became one of the franchise's most iconic characters. That was largely due to the brilliant performance by William Shatner. He combined a theatrical, high-energy presence with the action-driven bravado of a classic leading man. Shatner was known for his signature staccato delivery, thoughtful pauses, and expressive peaks and valleys that gave Kirk vitality.
To replicate Shatner's enigmatic performance is nearly impossible. If anyone gets the chance to lead the U.S.S. Enterprise through deep space, the actor must be a bona fide leading man. One of Hollywood's rising leading men of the era is the exceptional Taron Egerton. With the same alluring appearance and star-quality charisma, Egerton balances swagger and wit to lead the crew. Egerton brings a playful sense of humor alongside a certain degree of machismo. He would ease into the role of a galactic ladies' man. With roles including the Kingsman franchise and Carry On, he has experience in action-centric parts, but he has also shown great dramatic depth, including the psychological thriller Black Bird and the biopic Rocketman. Egerton could easily play Shatner, so why not drop him in the famous captain's chair?
2 Spock
Kodi Smit-McPhee
Captain Kirk led the crew, but the U.S.S. Enterprise is only as strong as its second-in-command, the half-human, half-Vulcan Spock. He serves as the U.S.S. Enterprise's science officer. Beyond his signature pointed ears, his greatest traits are his logical, unemotional Vulcan demeanor and his struggle between his logical heritage and human emotions. Popularizing the Vulcan salute and the phrase "live long and prosper," Spock became an instant legend thanks to Leonard Nimoy's performance. Nimoy brought a contained, introverted acting style that matched the character's need for a deep internal life. With a minimalist approach, he was the perfect foil to Shatner's curated excess. He fully immersed himself in creating a human-alien being, anchoring the story's logic and dignity. Again, finding an actor to replicate Nimoy's Spock might be quite difficult. Even Zachary Quinto established his own version in the 21st-century films.
To take on Spock in 2026, you need someone with a combination of physical, emotional, and artistic traits that align with the Vulcan's complex nature. Look no further than Kodi Smit-McPhee. Spock needs an actor who naturally stands out as distinct and otherworldly. Standing tall in the crowd, Smit-McPhee's slender, angular frame and striking facial features would fall in line with Spock. Throughout his career, Smit-McPhee has mastered subtlety and restraint. His micro-expressions and subtle shifts in posture during his Oscar-nominated performance in The Power of the Dogwould pair perfectly with Spock. He brings an introspective stillness and power of the unspoken. Having already played an outsider as Nightcrawler in the X-Men franchise, Smit-McPhee knows a thing or two about iconic sci-fi franchise acting. Smit-McPhee would radiate a deep intellectual and philosophical approach with just enough sarcastic calm when the scenario calls for it.
3 Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy
Dev Patel
The U.S.S. Enterprise was a well-oiled machine, with every crew position playing a crucial part in its deep-space journeys. The passionate yet skeptical Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy served as the Chief Medical Officer. Nicknamed "Bones" by Captain Kirk, which came as historical slang for a surgeon, Bones brought witty banter and Southern charm. He was famous for the line, "I'm a doctor, not a..." followed by an alternate profession or task he was forced into. Played by DeForest Kelley, he blended folksy, country-doctor warmth with sharp wit that balanced Spock's cold logic and Captain Kirk's ambition. He was the crucial emotional counterweight and human heart. Having experience with Westerns, Kelley used that gritty, pragmatic persona to ensure the 23rd-century scientist was anything but sterile.
For a 2026 casting, reimagining Bones might be a unique way to go. Rather than make him the same Southern-fried doctor, a new Bones must possess high-energy passion, deeply expressive empathy, and the ability to play a fiercely protective cynic. The perfect grumpy-but-warm performer is the sensational Dev Patel. He has showcased an innate ability to play characters who are stressed, overwhelmed, and outwardly cynical, yet radiate a beating heart. Patel has brought a soulful approach to his performances, grounding many in raw human emotion, as seen in Lion and The Green Knight. He would bring deep empathy to the doctor desperately fighting to keep people alive on the dangerous final frontier. Patel has a dry wit that would keep Bones' signature quote fresh. Following his directorial and physical prowess in Monkey Man, Patel has proven he is more than capable of surviving any chaotic mission.
Collider Exclusive · Sci-Fi Personality Quiz Which Sci-Fi Hero Are You Most Like? Paul Atreides · Captain Kirk · Princess Leia · Ellen Ripley · Max Rockatansky
Five iconic heroes. Five completely different ways of facing an impossible universe. One of them shares your instincts, your values, and your particular way of refusing to back down. Eight questions will tell you which one.
🏜️Paul Atreides
🖖Capt. Kirk
✊Princess Leia
🔦Ellen Ripley
🔥Max Rockatansky
01
How do you lead when the stakes couldn't be higher? The way you lead under pressure is the most honest thing about you.
02
What is your greatest strength in a crisis? The quality that keeps you alive when everything else fails.
03
What is the thing you'd sacrifice everything else for? Your deepest motivation is your truest compass.
04
How do you relate to the people around you? Who you are to others under pressure is who you really are.
05
You're facing a threat that no one else believes is real. What do you do? How you respond when you're the only one who sees it defines everything.
06
What has your heroism cost you personally? Every hero pays. The question is what — and whether they'd pay it again.
07
How do you feel about the rules of the world you're in? Every hero has a relationship with the system. What's yours?
08
When everything is on the line, what keeps you going? The answer is the most honest thing about you.
Your Hero Has Been Identified Your Sci-Fi Hero Is…
Your answers point to the iconic sci-fi hero who shares your instincts, your values, and your particular way of facing the impossible.
Paul Atreides
You carry a weight most people would crumble under — the knowledge of what you're capable of, and the burden of what you might have to become.
- You see further ahead than others and you plan accordingly, even when the vision frightens you.
- You are driven by loyalty to your people and a sense of destiny you didn't ask for but can't escape.
- Paul Atreides is not simply a hero — he is someone who understands the cost of power and chooses to bear it anyway.
- That gravity, that willingness to carry what others won't, is exactly you.
Captain Kirk
You lead with instinct, warmth, and an absolute refusal to accept a no-win scenario — because you've always believed there's a third option nobody else has thought of yet.
- You take the mission seriously without ever taking yourself too seriously.
- Your crew would follow you anywhere, not because you demand it, but because you've earned it.
- Kirk's genius isn't tactical — it's human. He reads people, bends rules with purpose, and wills outcomes into existence through sheer conviction.
- That combination of warmth, audacity, and relentless optimism is unmistakably yours.
Princess Leia
You are the kind of person who holds the line when everyone else is losing faith — not because you're fearless, but because giving up simply isn't something you're capable of.
- You lead through conviction. Your voice carries because your belief is unshakeable.
- You gave up everything ordinary the moment you chose the cause, and you've never looked back.
- Leia is not a supporting character in her own story — she is the moral centre of the entire rebellion.
- That same fierce, principled, unbreakable core is what defines you.
Ellen Ripley
You are not reckless, not grandiose, and not particularly interested in being anyone's hero — you just refuse to stop when it matters.
- You see threats clearly, you document the truth even when no one listens, and when the time comes you handle it yourself.
- Ripley's heroism is earned, not performed. She doesn't have a speech — she has a flamethrower and a plan.
- You share her composure under the worst possible pressure, and her refusal to pretend the monster isn't there.
- When it counts, you don't flinch. That's everything.
Max Rockatansky
You have been through fire that would break most people — and what came out the other side is something the world underestimates at its peril.
- You don't ask for help, don't need validation, and don't wait for anyone to tell you the rules no longer apply.
- Your loyalty, when it finally arrives, is absolute — but it's earned in silence and tested in action, not in words.
- Max is not a nihilist. He is someone who lost everything and found, against his will, that he still has something worth protecting.
- That bruised, stubborn, ultimately human core is exactly yours.
4 Montgomery "Scotty" Scott
Lorn Macdonald
While "beam me up, Scotty" has been misquoted for generations, the Mandela effect is thanks to the character it relates to: Montgomery "Scotty" Scott. He holds the rank of Lieutenant Commander and serves as the ship's chief engineer. The ship's miracle worker, Scotty is famous for pulling off seemingly impossible technical fixes under extreme pressure. Deeply attached to the U.S.S. Enterprise, he was known for his distinct Scottish brogue, wearing ceremonial kilts with his uniform, and often enjoying a good drink. Played by James Doohan, Scotty may have inspired many real-world viewers to pursue a path in science and engineering. Doohan, a decorated Canadian Army veteran, brought the same grit and resourcefulness to Scotty that made him an inspirational character.
Since Doohan established the Scottish accent for the character, we'll keep with tradition and pick a Scottish actor with the same energy that Doohan brought: Lorn Macdonald. With a striking balance of dramatic and comedic range and authentic Scottish grit, Macdonald would bring the lived-in cadence needed to make the fast-talking engineering jargon believable. His resume thus far has shown that Macdonald has an ability to switch on a blend of high-energy panic and intense dedication. His BAFTA-winning performance in Beats has shown he can channel raw, sweat-inducing pressure. As for his comedic prowess, audiences may best know him for his earnest, eccentric role as Albion Finch in Bridgerton. Instead of playing Scotty as a rigid, old-school military officer, he could play him as a cosmic grease monkey, giving Scotty a modern touch.
5 Nyota Uhura
Yara Shahidi
In the final frontier, there was one brilliant one, and she went by the name of Nyota Uhura. The chief communications officer, Uhura served as the lieutenant and bridge officer responsible for languages and signals. A skilled linguist, cryptographer, and philologist, Uhura translated alien transmissions and managed interspecies communication. Uhura held a groundbreaking role as one of the first major Black female characters on U.S. television to hold a position of authority rather than a menial role. Brought to life by Nichelle Nichols, she brought natural dignity, poise, and authority to shatter 1960s racial and gender barriers. That included sharing an interracial kiss with Shatner's Kirk.
Though Uhura was underutilized in retrospect, a 2026 version with a strong actress would let the character get the justice she deserved. An exceptional option would be rising star Yara Shahidi. When you can bring personal experience into a role, it makes the performance even more authentic. Having graduated from Harvard, Shahidi can bring real-world intellectual depth that aligns with Uhura's skill set. Shahidi has a strong command of the screen, bringing an articulate, composed presence that makes it believable she could manage communications during a high-stakes crisis. If she needs to bring warmth and humanity, her time on shows like Black-ish and Grown-ish has proven she can. As a generational activist beyond entertainment, Shahidi would be a brilliant choice to carry on the legacy that Nichols established.
6 Hikaru Sulu
Dallas Liu
Perhaps one of the show's slow-burning iconic characters, thanks to the man who played him, Hikaru Sulu was the U.S.S. Enterprise's chief helmsman. Born in San Francisco, Sulu was a skilled pilot with diverse hobbies, including botany, fencing, and antique weapons. Roddenberry named him after the Sulu Sea to represent Pan-Asian diversity, making Sulu a landmark representation of Asian-American characters on television during the era. A defining fit for George Takei, he brought a multi-dimensional, dignified aura to the breakthrough character. He instilled intelligence and a sharp, level-headed authority into Sulu. His quiet strength and Takei's memorable flair made Sulu a beloved character.
A rising star of the moment is required to take on a newfound Sulu. Look no further than Dallas Liu. In the original series, Sulu was established as the Enterprise's resident physical powerhouse and swordsman. Liu is a real-life martial arts prodigy, having trained extensively in Shotokan karate. In modern action-based entertainment, there's no need for a stunt double, as Liu could do it all! Liu's mastery of weapons and forms would fit seamlessly with Sulu. Thanks to his breakout role as Prince Zuko in Avatar: The Last Airbender, Liu has a history of portraying characters defined by duty, focus, and passion. He would use his calm, commanding presence to balance out his adventurous spirit. Liu's ability to play a charismatic Renaissance man would make him a great asset to the crew.
7 Pavel Chekov
Mark Eydelshteyn
Beginning his tenure at the start of Season 2, Pavel Chekov was the ensign and primary navigator aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise. A human born in Russia, Chekov is fiercely proud of his heritage and famously claims that various human innovations and historical figures originated in Russia. Of course, it was part of the character's humor. Brought onto the series in hopes of appealing to a younger demographic, Pavel was played by Walter Koenig. As Chekov, Koenig, wearing a Monkees-inspired moptop, brought a youthful energy, earnest charm, and distinctive comedic timing that counterbalanced much of the more established gravitas of Season 1.
Chekov was crucial to rounding out the ensemble, adding a touch of Cold War-era aesthetic with a fresh-faced perspective. A 2026 iteration needs that same presence when casting Chekov today. If Roddenberry created Chekov to match the exuberance of Davy Jones of The Monkees, then the modern equivalent is to invite the "Russian Timothee Chalamet" to play Chekov today. A rising name in Hollywood thanks to his star turn in Anora, the high-spirited Mark Eydelshteyn would pair perfectly for the part. Born and raised in Russia, Eydelshteyn would instill a genuine cultural background to a modern Chekov. He could channel Chekov's infamous linguistic quirks with a charming, modern realistic flair instead of a dated caricature. Eydelshteyn masters a mix of comedy and intensity, bringing the goofiness, physical comedy, and frenetic energy required. Eydelshteyn's boyish charm and green, eager-to-please energy would be perfect for the bridge.
8 Christine Chapel
Olivia Holt
Bedside manner matters even in space. Serving as the head nurse aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise, Christine Chapel took care of the crew's physical and mental health in Sickbay alongside McCoy. She boarded Starfleet initially to search for her missing fiancé, the renowned archaeologist Dr. Roger Korby (Michael Strong). Romantically, she held a long-standing, unrequited love for Spock. Majel Barrett played Chapel with warmth and earnestness, giving the narrative the emotional vulnerability it needed. Barrett originally served as the assertive first officer in the original pilot, but network expectations of femininity forced the show to change her role into the famous blonde-haired nurse. Nevertheless, she remained the heart of Sickbay, grounding the medical environment in great contrast to the alien-of-the-week anomalies outside the hull.
For a new approach to the series, Nurse Chapel should capture the soul of the original Chapel while giving her back the assertiveness she was initially stripped of. Olivia Holt would perfectly balance the understated vulnerability of Chapel while bringing a sharp, professional competence and quiet strength. As Tandy Bowen in Marvel's Cloak & Dagger, Holt proved she could portray a young woman with emotional trauma, longing, and complex relationship dynamics without letting it overtake her character's agency. With a background in action-heavy series, Holt could handle the more physically active iteration. Holt can showcase a fiery side, but she would easily balance Spock's cold logic and Dr. McCoy's passion.
9 Janice Rand
Isabela Merced
Not every character on Star Trek: The Original Series lasted throughout the duration of the series. Such was the case for Janice Rand. She served as a Starfleet Yeoman and Captain Kirk's personal assistant during the first season. Known for her compassionate nature, efficiency, and subtle, unrequited mutual attraction to her superior, Rand provided a distinct emotional chemistry unseen by any other character on the bridge. Grace Lee Whitney portrayed Rand, who was initially a high-level billing but was cut due to budget cuts. Nevertheless, what Whitney brought during her time cemented her as a crucial character in the foundational family and larger Star Trek mythology. Whitney made Rand known for her iconic look with her signature towering beehive hair. She personified a mix of high-efficiency military aide, executive secretary, and grounded confidante.
If we're going to retcon Star Trek: The Original Series, it would be a perfect opportunity to not write off Rand after eight episodes and allow her to grow and flourish. She needs to be an indispensable anchor, so having an actress like Isabela Merced would be phenomenal. With this casting, much of the original concept might be altered to create a more layered, formidable Starfleet officer rather than a simple administrative romantic foil. Merced wouldn't be a damsel in distress. As seen during her run as Dina in The Last of Us and Kay in Alien: Romulus, Merced can effectively play terror and survival instinct in high-stress sci-fi environments. She wouldn't make Rand a passive bystander, giving the Yeoman more complexity and depth. With high-profile franchises under her belt, including Hawkgirl in Superman and Peacemaker, she knows how to handle the pressure of fan expectations and would exceed them.
- Release Date
- 1966 - 1969-00-00
- Network
- NBC
- Showrunner
- Gene Roddenberry
- Directors
- Marc Daniels, Joseph Pevney, Ralph Senensky, Vincent McEveety, Herb Wallerstein, Jud Taylor, Marvin J. Chomsky, David Alexander, Gerd Oswald, Herschel Daugherty, James Goldstone, Robert Butler, Anton Leader, Gene Nelson, Harvey Hart, Herbert Kenwith, James Komack, John Erman, John Newland, Joseph Sargent, Lawrence Dobkin, Leo Penn, Michael O'Herlihy, Murray Golden
- Writers
- D.C. Fontana, Jerome Bixby, Arthur Heinemann, David Gerrold, Jerry Sohl, Oliver Crawford, Robert Bloch, David P. Harmon, Don Ingalls, Paul Schneider, Shimon Wincelberg, Steven W. Carabatsos, Theodore Sturgeon, Jean Lisette Aroeste, Art Wallace, Adrian Spies, Barry Trivers, Don Mankiewicz, Edward J. Lakso, Fredric Brown, George Clayton Johnson, George F. Slavin, Gilbert Ralston, Harlan Ellison
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James T. Kirk
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Spock
In the 23rd Century, Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise explore the galaxy and defend the United Federation of Planets.
KioskNews shows a cleaned-up reading view extracted from the publisher’s page — the original always lives on their site, not ours.