CHRIS PINE - CHRIS PINE: I DIDN'T USED TO BE A STAR TREK FAN

CHRIS PINE: I DIDN'T USED TO BE A STAR TREK FAN

Actor Chris Pine has revealed he was not a Star Trek fan until landing the role of Captain Kirk in the new science-fiction film.

The 28-year-old plays the captain of the Enterprise as a young man in JJ Abrams' reboot of the classic franchise and has been praised for his performance in early reviews.

Asked if it was essential for viewers to be avid followers of Kirk, Spock and Scotty before seeing the Paramount film, Pine replied: "I don't think you have to be a Star Trek fan to enjoy the movie.

"What appealed to me in the beginning when I spoke to JJ was that we came from a similar place was that they we weren't initially fans of the series," he told a London press conference ahead of the film's release.

"JJ knows how to combine big spectacular effects and wonderful imagery with something a bit smaller which I think is the great character drama in this film.

"Whether you're a fan of small movies or big movies, I think you'll find something in this that is appealing."

In playing the younger version of Captain Kirk, Pine steps into the shoes of William Shatner but explained he was dedicated to "pay homage" to Shatner's portrayal of the character without merely performing an impression of the veteran actor.

Star Trek is released on May 8th.