These five actresses would be perfect to play Lt. James T. Kirk’s girlfriend, Carol Marcus, on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

In Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 2, Lt. James T. Kirk (Paul Wesley) mentioned his pregnant girlfriend, Carol Marcus, but who should play Kirk’s on-again-off-again girlfriend if she appears in Strange New Worlds season 3? The character of Dr. Carol Marcus (Bibi Besch) was first introduced in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Carol and James had met and began a relationship sometime in the late 2250s, during which time Carol became pregnant with Kirk’s son, David Marcus (Merritt Butrick). Although Kirk knew of his son’s existence, Carol decided to raise David alone, knowing that Kirk would always be off traveling the stars.

James Kirk may not be a main character (yet) on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, but Paul Wesley has already put his stamp on this iconic character. In the Strange New Worlds musical episode, “Subspace Rhapsody,” Kirk talks to Lt. La’an Noonien-Singh (Christina Chong) about his pregnant girlfriend Carol who is currently stationed at Starbase 1, hinting that the character may appear in future episodes. In its two seasons so far, Strange New Worlds has done a phenomenal job of recasting previously established Star Trek characters, and Carol Marcus will likely get the same treatment. Still, if those behind the casting process need any advice, here are five actors we think would be perfect for the part.

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5 Sarah Jones

For All Mankind, Alcatraz

Sarah Jones played astronaut Tracy Stevens in Apple TV+’s For All Mankind, channeling many qualities that could also apply to Carol Marcus. Not only is Jones’ character an intelligent and skilled pilot, but she becomes one of the first women to pass NASA’s Women Astronauts Program. Tracy Stevens is also a wife and mother, who nonetheless continues to devote much of her life to her career. Carol Marcus, too, eventually chose her career over following James Kirk gallivanting around the galaxy pursuing his dream. Sarah Jones could bring the same charismatic energy she brings to Tracy to portray Carol as the brilliant scientist and loving mother she becomes.

4 Claire Holt

The Vampire Diaries, The Originals

Australian actress Claire Holt starred in The Vampire Diaries as one of the original vampires, Rebekah Mikaelson, alongside Paul Wesley. Holt reprised the role in The Originals, The Vampire Diaries spin-off. Although Rebekah may seem to have little in common with Carol Marcus, both characters have a strong-willed personality and a deep desire for a family. Holt often stole the show as Rebekah, who would go to the ends of the Earth for her siblings and her friends. Claire Holt also portrayed police officer Charmain Tully in the David Duchovney-led crime drama Aquarius. Officer Tully had to fight to be taken seriously in the male-dominated police force of the 1960s, and Holt played the character with a determined and brave energy that could translate to Carol Marcus.

3 Candice King

The Vampire Diaries

Candice King (née Accola) also starred alongside Paul Wesley on The Vampire Diaries on the CW in all 171 of the show’s episodes, and the two even briefly played love interests. As the human-turned-vampire Caroline Forbes, King showed her range as an actress as the character grew and changed throughout The Vampire Diaries’ eight seasons. Although Caroline had an optimistic and cheery personality, she was also fiercely protective of her friends and family. Caroline had a nurturing quality about her, while still remaining strong, capable, and incredibly resilient. Based on her performance as Caroline, King could undoubtedly portray the intelligent, no-nonsense, and compassionate Carol Marcus.

2 Caity Lotz

No stranger to big science fiction franchises, Caity Lotz starred as Sara Lance (aka White Canary) in Arrow before taking on a starring role in DC’s Legends of Tomorrow. Sara Lance also made brief appearances in several of DC’s other CW shows, including Supergirl, Batwoman, and The Flash. Lotz did most of her own stunts as Sara Lance and is trained in various types of martial arts. While this particular skill may not be necessary for playing Carol Marcus, Lotz could still channel the energy she brought to Sara Lance. Lotz clearly has the chops to portray a strong-willed and highly capable woman who knows what she wants, and Carol Marcus fits that description well.

1 Eliza Taylor

The 100

Australian actress Eliza Taylor starred as Clarke Griffin in The CW’s post-apocalyptic drama The 100. As the unofficial leader of a group of teens fighting to survive on a barely habitable Earth, Clarke was strong-willed, intelligent, compassionate, and deeply loyal to the people she cared about. Eliza Taylor captured all of these qualities, which could carry over to her portrayal of Carol Marcus. Taylor can certainly command a scene and has a quality that makes her difficult to ignore whenever she stands up to talk. Eliza Taylor recently joined NBC’s Quantum Leap reboot, another classic science fiction franchise. Dr. Carol Marcus becomes one of the most important figures in James T. Kirk’s life, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds would be lucky to nab any of these talented actors for the part.