William Shatner Shares Conditions for Returning as Captain
William Shatner’s Candid Take on a ‘Star Trek’ Return
Beam us up, Shatner! The legendary William Shatner dished out the scoop on what it would actually take for him to don the Starfleet uniform once more and helm the USS Enterprise as the iconic “Star Trek” captain. After stepping away from the bridge over 30 years ago, he’s open to a return—under the right conditions.
The evergreen 92-year-old actor, still closely identified as Captain James T. Kirk, recently shared his thoughts with The Hollywood Reporter. He’s intrigued by the idea of reprising his role, but not just for a quick cameo. Shatner seeks depth and meaning—something that genuinely enriches the ‘Star Trek’ universe.
“Leonard [Nimoy] had his choices with cameos,” Shatner reflects. “But if it’s a well-crafted role that shows Kirk in a new light, dealing with the reality of his age and offering more to ‘Star Trek’ lore, I’m all in.”
Since originating the role of Kirk in 1966 and witnessing the premature cancellation of the series after just three seasons, Shatner watched the ‘Star Trek’ legacy soar. It’s now a venerable franchise with a parade of movies and spin-off series such as “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” and “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”—securing its position in the pantheon of sci-fi classics.
William Shatner on #StarTrek V, his sole directorial venture: “It was a lesson in humility. I wasn’t ready for such a mammoth task emotionally. My biggest regret? Not being up to that challenge.” https://t.co/8bVjvdf0UA
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 18, 2024
Shatner didn’t shy away from critiquing contemporary ‘Star Trek’ iterations. He mused how Gene Roddenberry, the original creator, might have felt about the current takes on his vision. Roddenberry’s military background influenced the disciplined life aboard ship, but later series, according to Shatner, drifted away from that foundation.
“Gene’s military discipline was integral to the show’s drama,” Shatner states. “The newer series? They seem to have forgotten that ethos. Gene would hardly approve of all the fraternizing! He’d be spinning in his grave!”
Shatner’s Own Voyage to the Stars
In an epic twist of art imitating life, the man who captained Starfleet’s flagship rocketed into space in 2021 aboard Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, becoming the oldest person to do so. His spaceflight was more than a thrill; it was a revelation.
“That view of Earth changed me,” Shatner shared, visibly moved. “It’s a vulnerable rock swathed in a fragile atmosphere. Seeing how finite our world is, I was overwhelmed, realizing we’re at risk of destroying our only home.”
Related: Will William Shatner Embark on Another Space Adventure?
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...