Paul Wesley's reveal about when he will film Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 4 has exciting implications for Star Trek's 60th anniversary. In 2026, Star Trek turns 60, when the 1966 premiere of Star Trek: The Original Series is celebrated on September 8, 2026, which is also Star Trek Day. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds returns in 2025 for season 3 on Paramount+. Strange New Worlds season 3 was filmed from December 2023 to May 2024 and is currently in post-production. Paramount+ also gave Star Trek: Strange New Worlds an early season 4 renewal.
The Hollywood Reporter spotlighted Paul Wesley and Brother's Bond, the bourbon company Paul founded with his The Vampire Diaries co-star, Ian Somerhalder. Wesley plays Lieutenant James T. Kirk (as well as alternate versions of Kirk), and Paul has been part of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' cast since season 1's finale. In THR's article, Wesley dropped a tidbit about when he will begin filming Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 4:
For example, I’m going off to shoot season four of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds in February, and they know that. So, I’ve accounted for that time, and I’m committed to that, and Ian’s gonna take over some of my duties, and I have other team members.
Here's what Paul Wesley's Strange New Worlds season 4 news means for Star Trek's 60th anniversary in 2026.
Lieutenant James T. Kirk Is In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 4
Plenty more Kirk is on the way
The fact that Paul Wesley is returning to Toronto to start filming Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 4 in February 2025 is confirmation that Lt. James T. Kirk is guaranteed to be in Strange New Worlds in season 4. Lt. Kirk is Wesley's primary role, although Paul has also played two alternate reality versions of Captain Kirk in Strange New Worlds season 1's finale and in Strange New Worlds season 2, episode 3, "Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow." In Strange New Worlds' timeline as a prequel to Star Trek: The Original Series, Kirk is the First Officer of the USS Farragut.
It might have been logical to keep Kirk away from Strange New Worlds season 4.
While it's not surprising that Paul Wesley's Kirk will be in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 4, it was also possible that Kirk would be omitted from the fourth season. After all, Kirk doesn't belong on the USS Enterprise (yet), and he has his own starship to command, although James often visits the Starship Enterprise commanded by Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount). It might have been logical to keep Kirk away from Strange New Worlds season 4. There also may have been a scenario where Paul Wesley wouldn't be available to film Strange New Worlds season 4 due to scheduling conflicts. Happily, that isn't the case, and Paul Wesley's Kirk is confirmed for Strange New Worlds season 4.
Kirk Will Be Part Of Star Trek’s 60th Anniversary
It wouldn't be a Star Trek celebration without Kirk
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 4 is expected to premiere on Paramount+ in 2026, and Paul Wesley will be in season 4. This means Lt. James T. Kirk will be part of Star Trek's 60th anniversary, which is fitting. After all, Star Trek was originally about Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) and the USS Enterprise when it began in 1966. Paul Wesley is the current actor portraying Kirk, and it wouldn't be right to mark Star Trek's 60th birthday without Kirk.
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Star Trek Projects For 60th Anniversary Celebration In 2026 |
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Star Trek: Strange New Worlds |
Season 4 expected in 2026 on Paramount+ |
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Untitled Star Trek Origin Movie |
Theatrical release expected in 2026 |
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Star Trek: Starfleet Academy |
Season 1 expected in 2026 on Paramount+ |
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 4 is one of three known Star Trek projects expected to mark 60 years of Star Trek in 2026. While Strange New Worlds is a prequel set in Star Trek's 23rd century, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, which is currently in production, will continue Star Trek in its 32nd century future. In addition, Star Trek is slated to finally return to movie theaters with the Untitled Star Trek Origin, a prequel film directed by Toby Haynes. But Strange New Worlds season 4 is the only Star Trek 60th anniversary project involving Kirk, Spock (Ethan Peck), and the Starship Enterprise.
What Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 4’s Filming Window Means
Strange New Worlds takes half a year to film
Production of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' 10-episode seasons lasts approximately six months. Paul Wesley joins Strange New Worlds season 4's filming in February 2025, but production may start even earlier without Wesley's Kirk. It's a safe bet that Strange New Worlds season 4's filming will take up the first half of 2025. Although Paramount+ has yet to announce when Strange New Worlds season 3 will be released next year, the cast would still make themselves available to promote season 3 even if they're simultaneously filming Strange New Worlds season 4.
When Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 4 could premiere on Paramount+ is another question. Strange New Worlds has traditionally been released in the spring, but there's a chance Star Trek: Starfleet Academy could take that slot. This scenario would push Strange New Worlds season 4's premiere until fall 2026, but that would also make sense, as it would coincide with Star Trek's 60th anniversary and Star Trek Day on September 8. With Paul Wesley's Lt. James T. Kirk aboard, there's no better way to mark six decades of Star Trek and look ahead to the franchise's future than Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 4.
