Mark Wahlberg Almost Played Kirk's Dad in STAR TREK

Before Chris Hemsworth signed on to play Captain Kirk's dad in J.J. Abrams' Star Trek film, the role was officially offered to Mark Wahlberg. I think it would have been really weird to see Wahlberg in that role, because Hemsworth was great. Fortunately, Wahlberg turned down the offer because apparently he just doesn't understand sci-fi, and he felt he couldn't pull it off. Here's what he said to Total Film,

I remember him asking me to play Captain Kirk’s father in Star Trek. I tried to read the script and I didn’t understand the words of the dialogue or anything, and I said 'I couldn’t do this. I think you’re really talented but I couldn’t do this.'

I guess Planet of the Apes sowered Wahlberg's outlook on making anymore sci-fi films in Hollywood. The part ended up launching Hemsworth's acting career, so I'm sure he's eternally grateful that Wahlberg didn't understand the Star Trek dialogue. Would you have liked to see Wahlberg take the part in the film?

GeekTyrant Homepage