William Shatner has surprisingly revealed that he is in talks to reprise his role as James T. Kirk in a newStar Trekseries. Shatner is best known for playing Kirk in three seasons of the originalStar Trekseries,Star Trek: The Animated Series, and seven feature films. In the 1994 movieStar Trek: Generations,Kirk was killed fighting alongside Captain Picard(Patrick Stewart) during the climactic battle. While the movie was an attempt to pass the torch from the old cast to Picard’s crew, Kirk’s death was met with immediate backlash.
The Directwas in attendance at a panel at Fan Expo Vancouver on February 21,Execute! A Panel with William Shatner,where theStar Trekalum reveals he isin talks to reprise his role as Kirk for a new Paramount+ series. When asked if he would return, Shatner notes that he has been asked to “come back as Kirk so many times,” but has been recently approached by a writer who impressed him. Shatner emphasizes thatKirk’s return would have to be the focus of the showand is awaiting a formal pitch.
I have been asked to come back as Kirk so many times. If Kirk is going to come back, it has to mean something. It has to be the show. But I was so impressed by this writer, so I said let’s talk after I’m done in Vancouver. So I’m awaiting a pitch to make it the show, it should come on Monday or Tuesday.
What This Means For The Future Of Star Trek
Kirk’s Return Would Have To Be Handled Carefully
Since 2017, Paramount+ has been home to the majority of newStar Trekmaterial. Across multiple shows and a movie, there has been amixed reception to new projects. Returning shows likeStar Trek:Strange New Worldshave been praised, whileStar Trek: Section 31was overall maligned. However, the most prominent example of an adoredStar Trekfigure returning was Stewart inStar Trek: Picard, which received glowing reviews when it returned to itsNext Generationroots during its final season.
With over 30 years since Kirk was killed, and Shatner currently at 93 years old, it may be too late for a return.
Shatner has famouslynever been happy with Kirk’s death inGenerations. Following the release of the movie, he wrote a series of novels where Kirk is resurrected and goes on further adventures. He also returned to play a de-aged version of Kirk in an online short titled765874 - Unification. In a brief Easter Egg,Star Trek: Picardseason 3 revealed thatKirk’s remains had been moved to Daystrom Station, where Picard’s original body and a new version of Data were also being held in secret.
Our Take On Shatner’s Potential Return
It May Be Too Late
With over 30 years since Kirk was killed, and Shatner currently at 93 years old, it may be too late for a return.Star Trek: Picardreached its height when the cast ofThe Next Generationwas reunited, which is something that, unfortunately, could not happen with a Kirk show now that so many of the original series actors have passed.
De-aging Shatner for an entire show is unlikely as it would be cost-prohibited for even a single season. Despite having anunsatisfying end and an intriguing mystery set up about why his body was moved, there would have to be a compelling reason for Kirk to return. It’s positive that Shatner is protective of the character and would only do so if it seemed right, so hopefully, if he does return toStar Trek, it maintains his legacy.
Source:The Direct
Star Trek
Star Trek is one of pop culture’s biggest multimedia franchises, spanning multiple movies, TV shows, books, comics, video games, and various other media. The franchise was created by Gene Roddenberry and started with the 1960s TV series starring William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. Over the decades, several equally popular series have come out since as Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Discovery.
