Star Trek screenwriter and producer Ronald D. Moore applauds Chris Pine's "kickass" performance as Captain James T. Kirk in J.J. Abrams' Star Trek movies. On his interpretation of Captain Kirk, Pine explains that he watched William Shatner's performances in Star Trek: The Original Series to learn the show’s aesthetic, character relationships, and previously established facets, ultimately focusing on developing his portrayal of Kirk in the script. Set in an alternate Kelvin timeline, Pine’s Kirk embodies a rawer, less predictable embodiment of Shatner’s later, more recognized Captain Kirk.
https://screenrant.com/star-trek-chris-pine-kirk-ronald-moore-praise/