Nimoy Coy About Part In New ‘Star Trek’ – Shatner Says He Is Not In It [UPDATED]

William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy appeared today at a Creation’s New Jersey Star Trek convention. TrekMovie.com received a con report from Ky-Malairn who reports that Nimoy was pestered for details regarding his participation in the new film, but would only repeat

As of this time I don’t have a deal to be in the new Star Trek movie.

Nimoy seems to be playing with the ‘legalsm’ of not having a final deal, but as reported earlier it looks likely he has a part in the movie (but things can always change). The original Spock promised that more would be coming from J.J. Abrams Thursday at Comic Con, including "any plans and any casting that he has at that time."  Nimoy did say that he thought the script was good. Regarding J.J. Abrams Nimoy said:

The most important thing is that I really think the Star Trek franchise is in very good hands and has a great future

Shatner not in the movie…wants to know what is going on
When Shatner appeared he told the audience not to believe Nimoy about the new movie because "he knows everything!." He repeated his story (reported earlier) about how he was not in the new film, but that Nimoy was. He joked with the crowd about not being able to understand why Paramount wanted Nimoy but not him since he was "so popular now." Shatner made it clear he is not in the movie:

I wish I were in it, but I’m not in it…what can I tell you?

When Nimoy came back on stage Shatner pulled a chair up for him so that he could be questioned about the movie. Shatner (comically) yelled at Nimoy when questioning him about the film,

What’s the plot!?  Who does what to  who!?  I want to know what happens goddamnit! and why arent I in it!?

UPDATE: Nimoy Told Abrams Shatner should be in it
Doug (aka Frontier – Admin of The Omega Sector) sends in an update. During their joint session Shatner and Nimoy had the following exchange:

Shatner: Did you tell him [Abrams] you thought I should be in it?

Nimoy: Yes, I did. I told Abrams I think it would be much better with you in it.

Shatner: Good!

see the rest of Doug’s report at TheOmegaSector

VIDEO UPDATE:
new videos have been uploaded to YouTube from the con from user unclebripa…here is a selection from the Nimoy/Shat talks

Got tips or images from the con?
If you attended the New Jersey Con and have any good photos or more info please send in a tip via the tipline so you can share.

Many thanks to Ky Malarin and Doug for the reports, and unclebripa for the videos

Image courtesy MrShutterBug (see full flickr gallery from Cherry Hill)

179 Comments
oldest
newest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

I wouldn’t be that The Shat won’t be in the new film.

I wonder if they could only just show a new poster with new art work and that is it? Will they really do a cast and plot announcement on Thursday?

I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. That said, I can picture it now. If J.J. makes cast announcements and they don’t include Shatner, the conventioners may very well riot.

i think its just some big stunt let people think the shat is not in it and then reveal he is……..

You can be sure that whatever they announce, it will be less than what you want to know.

I sure would like to understand why Mr. Pascale feels that based on what he’s heard, Nimoy is in Star Trek 2008 and Shatner is not. (And I do believe that Mr. Pascale would have better first hand knowledge based on his position and role at Trekmovie.com)

What I read here and elsewhere, which is very little on this topic, is that it’s all rumour with no hard facts. I didn’t read anything here that actually says definitively or even vaguely that so and so is in and so and so is not. I recall a quote that was posted here that Shatner was allegedly angry at Nimoy because he’s not in the film, is that true? I can’t find it. I’m sure it’s gossip. Why does he appear to be so friendly and joking with Nimoy at this convention if he is?

I think Shatner is having fun ribbing Nimoy and Nimoy is having his fun ribbing Shatner. Possibly to raise more controversy about the film. Possibly as a negotiating ploy, as others have mentioned. Or just having fun to raise attention to himself.

I do believe there is a new movie and it appears that Thursday will have some facts from the makers of the film. But all this clamoring about if or will he or won’t he is just all rumors and reading more into people comments then there is. It’s all to get fandom in a froth.

I believe in life goes on. Nothing is forever.

Shatner and Nimoy are both at this convention………….Does anyone else think that something big is in the works and we are all being led on? My guess is that Shatner will be in the film by the end of next week.

Hey guys,

I was the one who sent in the info from the convention. That’s my blurry camera pic of Shat in the article. Shatner did mention that the net picked up the story that he was somehow angry about not being asked to participate in the new film. He laughed it off and said he was sad, not bitter.

The way Shatner was hamming it up and ribbing his buddy kind of leads me to believe that these guys are indeed going to have a little spot in the new film and are just having fun with the fans. Every time they mentioned the film there was a whole wink-wink aspect to it.

I don’t know. Just my opinion, possibly clouded by my desire to see these guys back in the uniform.

Ky

Rumors, gossip, inuendo and no confirmation and no confirmation. It’s the same people saying the same thing… again.
I wait until Thursday, but there will be people under my post that will rant, rave, offer solutions (script-wise) and possibly threaten.

Watch and read.

I feel really sorry for Bill. But more than that I feel more sorry for myself as a fan that I won’t see him in the new film…..

Ah well, Farscape’s coming back and Doctor Who is better than ever!!!

The reason Shatner is in such a good mood, even though he is (probably) not in a new movie is that he got another Emmy nomination. Hope he wins his third one.

9.
Xai is right.

And I still don’t believe anything that noteworthy will happen on Thursday either.

Shatner not being in this films stinks.

11. Agent 69:

I’d bet he would win if this last season of Boston Legal had been better. I thought it was lousy, and we’re talking about my favorite show. And the emmy submission episode was not the superior episode. I don’t know who watches but Shatner’s best work of his career was in the 15th epsiode of season 3 (or so I thought) — “Son of the Defender,” which flashbacked to the roll of an attorney he played in 1957. That would have won him an emmy…

Anyway on topic. It looks like Nimoy is in it, and it looks like it’s taking place post Generations. That will please a lot of upset fans. I wonder if that was the reason behind it.

I wonder if they can still keep the Kirk character alive somehow by bringing the younger version of Kirk into Spock’s era?

Just a thought.

Thanks to the people who submitted the videos from the convention and the people who made it available here. Great to hear them talk and joke about it. They haven’t changed since the last time I saw them.

I too agree with post #9

We still don’t have any firm idea what specific time period in which this movie will take place. Frankly, I personally have had enough of time travel in Star Trek.
I subscribe to the theory that Shatner and Nimoy are up to something; either to get the fans talking (in which case, they have succeeded) or as a negotiation ploy.

several things could be happening – prepare to be confused

(A) Shatner isnt in it because of Boston Legal
(B) Shatner’s saying no, partially lying because hes trying to get time off BL
(C) Nimoy’s in it’ Shat’s not
(D) They’re both actually in it but are lying under orders, as JJ doesnt want the press hounding anyone for details
(E) Shatner’s in it, Nimoy’s not
(F) They’re both in it through archive – which would frankly be the biggest cheat
(G) Nimoy turned it down, as hes enjoying retirement too much.
(H) At the end there’s a birthday party and Shatner, Nimoy, Armin Shimerman, Marina Sirtis and Spot The Cat jump out of a huge CGI cake.

Either way i hope at least one of them’s in it!!! I’d like D to be true, as Spock would say it’s logical, as it would mirror Russell T Davies’ Dr Who strategy of letting as little out as possible, though giving bits out for publicity. It would be nice to have the 2 back in character to go with Nichols, Koenig, lee Whitney and Takei doing fanfilms, meaning all the surviving original cast have returned to their roles this century, no disrespect to James Doohan and DeForest Kelley who were wonderful actors. Even Majel Barrett voices New Voyages next ep!!

im a big nostalgia freak i know, and im sorry.
and im 19

Danny

#7 & 8-
The more I see on this subject, PLUS the ribbing THE SHAT gave to Lenny, I truly think he IS going to be in it. I think it’s all about publicity. I would not be shocked at all if they announce Lenny’s part on Thursday but NOT a part for THE SHAT.

No offense to Anthony, but his “soucres” may even be using him as a decoy (telling us NO SHAT). Anthony always tries to give us accurate info, and I love this site for that reason. However, I would not be a bit surprised if a week or two before the movie releases, some kind of “leak” suddenly happens and the rumor is that THE SHAT will be in it.

Frankly, they could pull it off in a Bob Newhart/Bobby Ewing sort of way, even with the filming location. Am I holding out hope because I like THE SHAT? Sure!!! But, either way, I WILL see this movie. I just think this is to lure in the people that are riding the fence about seeing the movie. Once they hear THE SHAT is in it, they’ll come out in droves just to see HOW???!!!!! Other people who already planned to see the movie aren’t going to suddenly change their mind and NOT come to it, just because of Bill.

Then again, I could be totally wrong. I do think this is all to generate interest and turn things around. Let’s hope it works. Live long and prosper, Star Trek.

JimJ,
Kudos. That is the most well-thought-out explanation I have seen thus far to explain Shatner’s supposed absence from this movie.
And I agree with Danny that it is possible that Shatner may have prior committments to Boston Legal that he may be able to get out of.

Thank you # 8, for posting these.

I especially liked the last vid, one where Nimoy says to Shatner [re Generations] if I had been there… you wouldn’t have died”

I’m only just over the bridge from that con. Now I wish I had gone.

Thanks again for the videos. I hope creation lets you keep em up on you tube for a while longer.

Shatner is the only person who is ever honest about what’s happening with Star Trek — see the previous Enterprise appearance debacle for evidence (all along he kept saying, it’s about money and he hadnt heard back from them) whilst everyone else was stringing us along with disinformation.

I don’t get the feeling Shatner is teasing at all. Of course he’s downplaying it with humour — I hardly think the man’s gonna come out crying to an audience of people who have paid to be entertained lol

I suspect Paramount is just dotting the t’s and crossing the i’s. Whatever decision is made, Shatner’s on board. Whether he’s on film or a cheerleader, he’s on board.
Anyway… as has been said, we’re gonna be the last to know. Good. Who wants to know everything BEFORE seeing a movie?

23.

You’re right. He is always honest about it … that’s probably why they don’t want him in it. He’ll blow everything they’re trying to keep secret.

There’s nothing new here. Just the same lousy news as before. Maybe Abrams will get the disappointment and do something about it. It’s annoying because Shatner wants in. He’ll make fun of Nimoy, joke about it and even act as if he doesn’t care, but it’s so obvious he wants in and is disappointed.

Shame on Abrams. And again, the worst part is Orci and Kurtzman lying about it when they said they wanted Shatner in.

Leonard Nimoy kept saying two things about the movie at the con (I just got back from it).

1. “As I stand here today on this stage, there is no agreement in place for me to appear in the movie.”

2. “Any information about the movie will be announced on Thursday at ComicCon.”

Everything after that was played for laughs. Though you sure got the feeling that Mr. Nimoy was only one lawyers’ meeting away from signing something and that William Shatner was truly not going to be in the movie.

That being said, what an incredibly entertaining afternoon t was, with these two legends.

William Shatner was running on 3 hours sleep — having just come in from The Montreal Comedy Festival — and had sat through about 150 photos in 20 minutes. But you wouldnt’ve have known it.

At 76, these two guys were irrepressible and hysterical. And when a young woman asked the most fundamentally embrassing question, at least as Mr. Shartner disembled it, “How has Star Trek changed your life?”, the two of them steered away from the sarcastic tone they had been using, and endearingly talked about the blessing the Star Trek experience had been — ultimately allowing them to find true friendship in one another.

The funniest line for my group was when one attendee said he loved Star Trek but his father didn’t really enjoy watching it. Leonard Nimoy asked, “Well, what does your father watch?” The attendee said, with hesitation, “Sports.” Leonard Nimoy took a moment and said, “Tell him to get a life.”

It brought the house down.

Anthony-

I hope you didn’t take offense at my post. As I said, you are fantastic about getting us good and true information. I just know that movie companies have “played with” the internet sites before. I’m just wondering here, is all.

In all probability, THE SHAT is being honest and he’s not in it. Guess we’ll know FOR sure on Christmas Day 2008! Can’t blame me for wanting a Star Trek Christmas present (one last appearance, even if just a cameo) of THE SHAT as Captain James T. Kirk. Screw Berman’s “Valentine”, I’d rather have a X-mas gift from J.J.

Thanks again for your great site. i can’t believe how often I visit your site. it borders on ridiculous. LOL

Originally I was under the impression that Shatner is out of the movie. Now, I’m not so sure. I think these two (Shat and Lenny) are just playing the audience. My belief is growing in regard to the fact that we’ll see them both in the film.

#26 StillKirok
Shame on who?
You have no information. Shatner could well have priced himself out of being cast or is still in negotiations and is playing the part of the hurt, but humorous actor that “got left behind”.
There is no blame game yet because we don’t know who is to blame, and if you don’t like the statement, show me some proof.

Again, we’ll know more Thursday and THEN you can play the I told ya so… if your theory holds up.

Well, I am just delighted to see Shatner and Nimoy together on stage yet again. They have such a great rapport and these videos were a lot of fun. Many many thanks to whoever posted them. I got to get to one of these conventions soon, to see them first hand again. You have to admire Shatner’s humor in all of this, as well as Nimoy’s. Loved their dual jab at Berman the Vermin. This is why I want them in the movie, because they play off each other so well. The audience would get a kick out of them, and it would really give the movie Heart.

They would make the funniest reality TV show ever made. Better than the Osbornes. I know Bill would do it, but Leonard would never.

“If I had been there I wouldn’t have let you die.”

When Nimoy said that to Shatner it gave me such a warm feeling. These two have a true friendship that really shines through on the stage.

#26:”And again, the worst part is Orci and Kurtzman lying about it when they said they wanted Shatner in.”

You ought to stop calling people liars when you have no evidence that they are. It’s vanishingly unlikely that whether Shatner is in the film or not is up to Orci and Kurtzman.

Captain Dunzel, man Nimoy’s “Tell him to get a life” is hillarious! I’ll tell you, probably my most prized Star Trek DVD is the Mind Meld chat between Shatner and Nimoy. It’s a blast to watch these guys.

Xai, I don’t think Shatner priced himself out. Normally you write someone into the script and then offer them the role, and begin to negotiate. Then maybe you get priced out. From what has been said by Shatner, if true, that never happened. I do agree, let’s all wait for J.J. to have his forum at Comic Con. He deserves that.

What truly came through (and I was thrilled to have been capturing the moment where Bill kissed Leonard on the forehead) was the true affection these guys have for each other. Shatner even joked about George Takei’s inexplicable dislike for him.

My hunch is like others: I think Shatner WILL be in the movie and a lot of this is playful buildup.

#34: ” From what has been said by Shatner, if true, that never happened. I do agree, let’s all wait for J.J. to have his forum at Comic Con. He deserves that.”

Except that we know that the story Shatner’s telling now isn’t true.

You can go back through the news reports on this for the last year – Shatner and Nimoy were both talking to the Trek people well before there was even a script to look at. Shatner said so. Now, in the last month or so he’s telling this story that goes like this:

Shatner: “There is a Star Trek movie and I called Leonard. I said ‘have you heard’ and he said “yes I have,” I said ‘what do you mean?’ and he said “I have read the script.” I said “Is it a good script?” and he said ‘ya.’ ”

He tells this funny little story as if the first he heard of the movie was recently and that he called Nimoy to tell him about it and Nimoy already had the script.

We know that’s not true. We know it from Shatner’s own previous statements.

So, we don’t know whether there was a part for Shatner in this movie, or whether there’s a part that *could* be for Shatner, or if there never was a part for Shatner. We don’t know, because instead of actually telling people what happened, Shatner is telling a little fable that plays well on the radio and Internet and to crowds.

Shatner and Nimoy are like master politicians..they can say so much…and yes say absolutely nothing!

Every time they are interviewed about the upcoming Trek movie, they both are so coy and give little to any meaningful information. It’s obvious they are both having a fun time teasing all the “trek fanatics” who eagerly dissect and analyze every word they say, and every gesture they make.

For myself, I can’t wait for an official announcement from the studio regarding casting. That will (hopefully) end all speculation about Shatner and Nimoy regarding ST XI. But more importantly, the many contrived and overly emotional BBK posts will finally come to an end.

Mike :o

#35 and #38

Amen

38 – Oh I agree completely. Both of them can weave a story until your head starts spinning. As for the teasing, that is what they do anyway at conventions. Shatner especially, is a showman. He’s the quintessential entertainer. I think’s it’s great, and that there is real value in some kind of comedy act from those two, should they ever decide to do so. Well I guess they already have an act on tour, at the cons! As for Shatner, boy, if he’s pulling one over on us (he did dupe an entire town in Iowa for a tv show recently), I sure hope that J.J. is in on this joke. Otherwise, I’d be pulling my hair out if I were him.

Shatner in March of 2007:
“Leonard, I believe met with him, I met with them. A producer and director and presumably one of the writers….JJ Abrams. And nothing really occurred…as far as I was concerned, and I am sure for Leonard as well. It was an exploratory talk. I have no idea what the script is. I have no idea what they are doing. I have no idea whether they want me to be in it in some small way or not.”

Shatner in June of 2007:

“There is a Star Trek movie and I called Leonard. I said ‘have you heard’ and he said ‘yes I have,’ I said ‘what do you mean?’ and he said ‘I have read the script.’ I said ‘Is it a good script?’ and he said ‘ya.’ I said ‘am I in it?’ and then there was a pause, he said ‘no’ and then he began to laugh.

Those two statements can only be reconciled by first deciding that they *must* both be true (not the case) and then constructing an outlandish rationale based on some ridiculous interpretation of words.

Shatner’s known to gild the lily when he tells stories. If you believe that what he’s saying now is the literal truth, you’re being taken in. That’s not an opinion – it’s demonstrated above.

Thank you Mr. Pascale for post #20, clearing up that your belief is based on the news you’ve had access to and reported as rumor and not fact. With all the posters here sometimes information gets convoluted and distorted.

I forgot about this, darn! I could have been there! : (

The BEST convention I have ever attended! The rapport between the two as stated above is quite extraordinary. Nimoy and Shatner were both extremely gracious not only on stage but also in photo op/autograph lines. Shatner even had his wife join him and Leonard on stage towards the end of their comedy act. I hope others who were fortunate to witness the posted clips live, share their thoughts as well. At any rate, I have seen Shatner at three previous cons and he was not as animated and energized as he was today. Leonard, even commented that Shatner was functioning on only 3 hours of sleep. Perhaps, Shatner was so euphoric because he just learned he will be in the next film and is simply misguiding everyone into believing that Nimoy is the only one informed about the movie info. Nevertheless, I do suspect that Nimoy is definitely in the film, based on his evasivness.

The mere fact that Leonard is aware that the San Diego Comicon is on Thursday should tip you off to the fact that he and probably several other people will be announced then.

Let me say I also thought Shatner and Nimoy were at their very best today. I thought the rest of the convention was “eh”. The vendor room was pitiful compared to the years they used to do Valley Forge convention Center.

The lack of a “snack bar” to service thousands of guests was not appreciated either.

Creation used to do conventions every six months in Valley Forge like clockwork and pack the place. Tumbleweeds filled the place until yesterday evening when Sulu took the stage.

But the Shatner-Nimoy appearances made up for all that. Very well done. Even the paid photos were efficient and pleasant.

I have a bunch of pics, including of Shatner’s wife.

XI better have Bill Shatner or it won’t be a legitimate flashback to the past.

Maybe Shatner and Nimoy are doing a parody of Star Trek continuity.

Shatner is in this film I bet and he is teasing us all till the big announcement.

Is it just me or this whole thing just feels like another take on the priceline ads with Shatner and Nimoy? Shatner out, Nimoy in….

This all seems rather tongue in cheek…