No they're not. It was made clear that they experienced different life events, owing to Nero arrival, resulting in different people.But...they are representing the old characters.
Name just once "old" Kirk open fire on a defenseless enemy ship, because the Captain refused to surrender. Oh, and trying to drag Kirk over the side of a cliff doesn't qualify as "defenseless."[Chris Pine] doesn't disrespect the character of Jim Kirk with his new interpretation of him.
