This is how you measure progress: eight years after playing a "red-shirt" in "Galaxy Quest," Sam Rockwell told MTV News that he's ready to trade up for a green one...as the legendary Captain Kirk in J.J. Abrams' new "Star Trek."

"I would love to play Captain Kirk. That's a great part," the actor gushed, adding -- with a nod towards "Galaxy Quest" -- "Great costumes!"

But there's more to playing Kirk than the right wardrobe, Rockwell mused. There's. Also. The. (Long Pause) Halting. Voice. "I would love to be a William Shatner reincarnation," Rockwell insisted. "[But] I don't know if I could copy Bill Shatner. I mean, he's just too genius. I don't know if I could copy that cadence." (After the jump, read Rockwell's casting suggestions, and see a video of his impersonating Shatner's classic style alongside our own Tim Kash). Read more...

Don't worry, the absurdly titled "Tropic Thunder" isn't an action film playing it straight, but a new comedy from Ben Stiller. And judging from the plot, it seems to be a close descendant of films like "Three Amigos" and "Galaxy Quest." The film's basic online plot description says it's about a group of actors forced to become the heroes they are portraying.

But even a group of actors pretending to be heroes needs a heavy, and that's where Reggie Lee from "Pirates of the Caribbean" comes in. "I once again play a heavy," Lee told MTV, referring to his roles as bad guys Tai Huang in "Pirates" and Secret Service Agent Bill Kim on "Prison Break." "[But] I feel incredibly blessed. It's Ben Stiller, Robert Downey Jr., and Jack Black, who are freaking amazing, unbelievable actors."

But what's the movie really about? "It's about trying to put all three of those actors together in one film," Lee said, erupting in laughter. "Without giving it away, it's going to be amazing." Lee told MTV he begins filming the flick in Hawaii this August. "Tropic Thunder" comes to theaters next summer.