“The Cage” director wanted an older, more timeworn version of the Enterprise
In 1966, when Star Trek: The Original Series aired its second pilot, both the sets and uniforms appeared fresh and new, giving the impression that it was an entirely new show. However, contrary to this appearance, Robert Butler, the director of the original pilot “The Cage,” had a distinct vision for Captain Kirk and his crew. According to Captains’ Logs—The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages by Edward Gross and Mark A. Altman, Butler shared insights about the ship and the series’ overall tone that differed from the eventual direction taken.
