Damon turned down 'Trek's George Kirk role

J.J. Abrams has revealed that Matt Damon turned down the role of George Kirk in his Star Trek movie.

The Bourne Ultimatum actor had been linked to the role of James T. Kirk in the franchise revival, however Abrams informed MTV that he had in fact spoken to Damon about playing Kirk's father George, who appeared in Trek's opening sequence.

Abrams said: "I did [approach Damon], but not for the role of James Kirk. I went to Damon for the role of Kirk's father, and he declined in the most gracious and understandable and logical of reasons. We lucked out with Chris Hemsworth, and he did a great job."

The director reasoned that a well-known actor in small but pivotal role may have been distracting for audiences.

"The decision was made very early on to have actors who were not necessarily the most famous but the most right for the role," he added.