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When J.J. Abrams took on the challenge of revitalizing the “Star Trek” franchise, he prioritized gathering an exceptional cast, eyeing prominent stars for his cinematic vision. Among those considered were Adrien Brody and Joshua Jackson. However, a significant name in Hollywood, Mark Wahlberg, was actually offered a role in the 2009 reboot. Wahlberg, known for his work in “The Italian Job” and his music career, declined the offer because he found the script perplexing.
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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.
Wahlberg’s decision to pass on the role might seem less surprising when considering similar past decisions by other stars. Sean Connery, for instance, turned down a leading part in “The Lord of the Rings” due to the script’s complexity. Reflecting on his choice, Wahlberg later expressed some regret, admitting, “I saw the movie and I was like, ‘Holy s***, he did a great job.’”
Although J.J. Abrams explored numerous actors for the leading roles in the “Star Trek” reboot, it might have been casting the minor role of Kirk’s father, George, that posed the greatest challenge. This role ultimately went to Chris Hemsworth, who was then a budding actor on the brink of stardom with his future portrayal of Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Before Hemsworth took on the part, Matt Damon had declined the opportunity.
When rumors circulated about Matt Damon potentially joining Abrams’ “Star Trek,” fans speculated he was being considered for Captain Kirk. However, Abrams later clarified that Damon was approached for the role of Kirk’s father. “I actually approached Matt and we had some discussions, but everything happens for a reason,” Abrams shared with Life Magazine (via Digital Spy). “Working with Matt would have been fantastic, but ultimately, casting unknowns was the wiser move.”
Abrams had trouble finding a star to play Kirk’s father
Paramount
As Abrams noted, casting Hemsworth proved beneficial, as his brief appearance in “Star Trek” helped him gain significant attention in Hollywood. This growing fame allowed Hemsworth to confidently decline the opportunity to reprise his role as George Kirk in the yet-to-be-realized fourth installment of the Kelvinverse “Star Trek” series.
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.
