William Shatnerhas publicly admitted he was upset by a franchise decision made in 2009, butStar Trek 4can finally put the actor’s concerns to rest. Although not officially confirmed,Star Trek 4is largely believed to be happening, although it is still stuck in production hell. Theending of 2016’sStar Trek Beyondwas never intended to be the conclusion of the Kelvin Timeline series, but the huge delay since the third installment makes it seem as though the series is done. Hopefully,Chris Pine’s Captain Kirkand the alternate version of the Enterprise crew return soon.
The Kelvin Timelines movies are a reboot with a twist. Although the series never technically needed to acknowledge the franchise’s primaryStar Trektimeline,JJ Abrams' found a way to fold his story into the main canonin a way that was far more immersive than it just happening in another reality. The Kelvin Timeline’s clash with the Prime Universe helped kickstart Abrams’Star Trekmovies in 2009 when Leonard Nimoy’s Spock appeared alongside the new actors, which was apparently a source of contention for another member of theStar Trek: The Original Seriescast.
Star Trek 4 Can Finally Make Up For Shatner’s Disappointment At Not Being the 2009 Movie
Leonard Nimoy was the only pre-established franchise star in the first Kelvin Timeline installment
Because of when 2009’sStar Trekwas set, it wouldn’t have made any sense for William Shatner to reprise his role as James T. Kirk. So, Chris Pine stepped into the role to help guide the franchise into its new era. However,the presence of Leonard Nimoy among the cast clearly ruffled a few feathers- namely, William Shatner’s. When fielding questions at aStar Trekconvention in 2017 (ViaTrek Movie), Shatner was told by a fan that they found it disappointing that his version of Kirk never showed up in 2009’sStar Trek. The actor replied, “I do too!”
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Years later,Shatner is finally in talks to come back as Kirk, but it remains unclear in what form the reprisal might take. One possibility would be for him to show up inStar Trek4, if it ever happens. The Kelvin Timeline has already set a precedent in its willingness to bring back establishedStar Trekactors rather than sticking exclusively to the recastings. So,Shatner’s surprise return to the role may not be in the Prime Timeline, but in Abrams' parallel reality.
Shatner’s Proposed Star Trek Comeback As Kirk Would Make Sense In Star Trek 4
The actor playing a future version of Kelvin Kirk is my favorite idea
Although William Shatner’s character died in 1994’sStar Trek Generations,there are a few ways in which Kirk could return. Most would require retcons or clever sci-fi writing, but bringing Shatner into the Kelvin Timeline would require far less of that.Shatner is already far older than Kirk was when he died inGenerations, so it would break canon quite a bit if he were to return as Prime Kirk now, but the eventual fate of Chris Pine’s version of the character has yet to be revealed.
2009
94%
2013
84%
2016
86%
It’s unlikely that the Kelvin Kirk will experience anything like the events ofGenerations, so he could live far longer than his Prime counterpart. Therefore, Shatner could play Kelvin Kirk from Pine’s future inStar Trek 4, who has traveled back in time to speak with his younger self. 2009’sStar Trekdoing something similar with Spock proves thatPine’s Kirk will eventually grow to look like William Shatner’s, as Zachary Quinto’s Spock will eventually transform to resemble Nimoy’s version. I’ve always found this a little strange, but I guess it’s a necessary casting quirk.
Star Trek 4 Doesn’t NEED William Shatner, But I’d Still Love To See Him In It
The potential Star Trek Beyond sequel has plenty of promise without Shatner’s involvement
It’s been almost a decade sinceStar Trek Beyond, so there will be plenty to catch up on and potential storylines if and whenStar Trek 4ever materializes. Other than Nimoy’s role in the first movie, the Kelvin Timeline series has been pretty content to stay in its lane without constantly referencing the larger franchise. William Shatner’s presence could derail that formula, as hisStar Trekcharacter has never been central to the reboot movies' plot. Instead,it has been Chris Pine’s iteration of Kirk that has led the charge.
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All that being said, I still think it would be fantastic to see Shatner appear inStar Trek 4. It wouldn’t just make up forhis cut scene in 2009’sStar Trek, butit would also be one of the most high-profile and logical ways for him to play Kirk again. I know there are various sci-fi tropes and mind-bending story techniques that could resurrect Prime Kirk, but I’m convinced his story is best left where it ended inStar Trek Generations. RecallingWilliam ShatnerforStar Trek 4, this time as Kelvin Kirk, is a thrilling prospect.
Source:Trek Movie
William Shatner
Discover the latest news and filmography for William Shatner, known for Star Trek and Boston Legal.
Star Trek 4
Cast
Intended to be the fourth film in the Star Trek reboot series begun by J.J. Abrams' Star Trek (2009), Star Trek 4 is currently in development after several attempts at production have fallen through. The film will be a sequel to Star Trek: Beyond (2016), although plot details are still unclear due to the project changing hands several times. It is also unclear whether the cast of the reboot films will return.
