William Shatner Reveals One Condition To Reprise Role in Star Trek

21.03.2024 - 13:41 / gamerant.com / Catherine Armecin Martin

William Shatner admits that he will consider a potential return to theStar Trek franchise 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 in Star Trek: The Original Series in 1966. He made his final appearance in the seventh Star Trek feature film,Star Trek Generations, released in 1994, where Kirk met his demise while saving the Enterprise-B. He recently admitted that he regretted 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 with The 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 like Patrick Stewart in Star Trek: Picard. In response, Shatner mentioned Leonard Nimoy's appearance in J.J. Abram's 2009 science fiction action film Star Trek and 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 of Star Trek, I would definitely consider it.

In the same interview, Shatner shared his biggest regret in the 1989 movie Star 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 to Star Trek is something that most fans have been waiting for. He is among the few surviving members of the original show, and his appearance in a new Star Trek movie 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