Summary
William Shatner admits that he will consider a potential return to theStar Trekfranchise if the role of his character is “genuinely added to the lore.”
Shatner portrayed Captain James T. Kirk in the franchise and made his debut inStar Trek: The Original Seriesin 1966. He made his final appearance in the seventhStar Trekfeature film,Star Trek Generations, released in 1994, where Kirk met his demise while saving the Enterprise-B. He recently admitted that heregretted his final words “Oh my"because he didn’t hit it. Throughout his tenure, Shatner’s portrayal of Kirk became iconic, embodying the adventurous spirit and leadership of the Starfleet captain.
In a recent interview withThe Hollywood Reporter, the 92-year-old actor was asked if he was open about reprising his character, as there were rumors that Paramount+ was tossing around the idea of bringing him back likePatrick Stewart inStar Trek: Picard. In response, Shatner mentioned Leonard Nimoy’s appearance in J.J. Abram’s 2009 science fiction action filmStar Trekand noted that it was Nimoy’s decision to make a brief appearance and his cameo was more of a “stunt” where his character, Mr. Spock, “appears in a future.“Shatner clarified that he would not close his doors to a potential return as long as the script was not a stunt, well-written and appropriate for his age.He said:
If they wrote something that wasn’t a stunt that involved Kirk, who’s 50 years older now, and it was something that was genuinely added to the lore ofStar Trek, I would definitely consider it.
In the same interview, Shatner shared his biggest regret in the 1989 movieStar Trek V, which he directed. The film was not a total flop, but it was a disappointment because it didn’t make much. Many also felt that it was poorly directed, poorly written and badly executed, with a crap budget. Several even considered it among the worst films in the franchise. Shatner admitted that it was a failure, but his biggest regret was not being emotionally ready to take on a large motion picture. He felt that he was overpowered by people who made decisions he would never have made. Nevertheless, he blamed himself because he was the one who made the final decision.
Shatner’s possible return toStar Trekis something that most fans have been waiting for. He is among the few surviving members of the original show, and his appearance in a newStar Trekmovie or series will be a great tribute to the veteran. However, it will also do no good for his character if he is brought back only due to nostalgia. Shatner is right to demand a good script if they want Kirk back in the franchise. His next appearance should top his previous exit from the franchise.
Also, Shatner’s character already had a decent ending. Many were disappointed that Kirk did not appear inAbrams’s2009Star Trek. At the time, there were rumors that Shatner would make a cameo. During a Star Trek convention in 2017, one fan said it was a shame that Shatner did not make a cameo in the film and he agreed. However, Shatner said the rumored scene featuring Kirk wasn’t pitched to him. Abrams, who helmed the movie, later explained that bringing back Kirk after he was killed off inStar Trek: Generationsbrought too many complications, so they decided not to push through with it. Kirk’s return should appear natural and not forced. If it makes no sense to bring back the character, then it should be left as is.
Star Trekseries and movies stream on Paramount Plus.
