Star TrekCaptains William Shatner and Anson Mount hilariously debate who really replaced Jeffrey Hunter’s Captain Christopher Pike inStar Trek: The Original Series. Hunter was the initial actor cast as the lead ofStar Trekin its original 1965 pilot, “The Cage.” However, NBC orderedStar Trekto be retooled, with every actor replaced except for Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock. WhenStar Trekpremiered in September 1966, William Shatner was the series lead as Captain James T. Kirk of the USS Enterprise.
On X,William Shatner replied to a post from Anson Mountabout Captain Pike’s replacement onStar Trek. Mount started the exchange by sharing a funny meme ofJeffrey Hunter’s Captain Pikein “The Cage” telling Spock,“Next episode I’m being replaced by a dude whose overacting could probably make even you laugh out loud.“Anson tagged Shatner, joking"Not sure who this one is aimed at.“Bill cheekily replied,“I’m sure it’s about you.“Check it out below:
Who Really Replaced Captain Pike In Star Trek?
There Are Two Ways To Look At It
Both William Shatner and Anson Mount can claim to be Jeffrey Hunter’s replacement inStar Trek.Shatner succeeded Hunter as the series lead ofStar Trek,replacing Captain Pike with his character,Captain James T. Kirk. InStar Trekcanon, Kirk took over the Starship Enterprise from Pike.Star Trek: The Original Series' two-parter, “The Menagerie,” repurposed footage of “The Cage,” and revealed that Fleet Captain Pike was seriously injured by delta-rays and confined to a wheelchair.
Technically, actor Sean Kenney also has claim to be Jeffrey Hunter’s replacement since he played Fleet Captain Pike inStar Trek’s “The Menagerie.”
Captain Pike wasn’t seen again inStar Trekcanon untilStar Trek: Discoveryseason 2, when Anson Mount began playing the originalCaptain of the Enterprise.Mount’s version of Pike was so popular, fans clamored for him to lead a spinoff,which becameStar Trek: Strange New Worldsin 2022. Anson likes to joke thatStrange New Worldsis the longest pilot-to-series pick up in TV history since it’s essentially the continuation ofStar Trek’s “The Cage,” taking place years beforeStar Trek: The Original Series.
Our Take On William Shatner & Anson Mount As Captain Pike’s Replacement
The Two Captains Have Each Other’s Backs
William Shatner’s Captain Kirk replacing Jeffrey Hunter’s Captain Pike wasone of the pivotal decisions that allowedStar Trekto flourish, and eventually become a franchise that has endured for 60 years, spanning multiple TV series, movies, and ancillary media. Shatner’s charm, wit, and occasionally bombastic performances turned Captain Kirk into a pop culture icon. Today, Anson Mount leads arguably the most popular incarnation ofStar Trek, Strange New Worlds.
Anson Mount’s Captain Pike combines authority, compassion, humor, intelligence, and culinary skills to redefine what it means to be the Captain of the Enterprise. What’s most heartening about WIlliam Shatner and Anson Mount’s X exchange, however, is their mutual respect and admiration. Only an elite few know what it means to lead aStar Trekseries as Captain of the Enterprise, and it’s great to see Bill and Anson have each other’s backs.
Star Trek: The Original Series
Cast
Star Trek follows the U.S.S. Enterprise on its five-year mission to explore the galaxy, led by Captain James T. Kirk and First Officer Mr. Spock. The crew confronts a variety of challenges, including Klingons, Romulans, and genetic supermen, as they search for new life and civilizations.
