Comments on: Shatner Hopes Abrams’ Trek Movie Will Save His Trek Novels

By: desi-lu-cifer's hammer

desi-lu-cifer's hammer — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:26:38 +0000

so is the enterprise going to be a cannon balls to the wall warship, the way that all of its predecessors were in the united states’ naval armada?

the one in the teaser reel looks real u.s. space command badass; will the navy be the driving force behind the new star trek, or will it be the u.s. airforce again, the way that it has been for stargate sg-1…

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stargate_SG-1

Stargate and the military
The USAF cooperates closely with the producers of the program. Two successive Chiefs of Staff of the USAF, Generals Michael E. Ryan and John P. Jumper, have appeared in the show, playing themselves. Ryan appeared in the episode “Prodigy” because of his fascination with science fiction, especially space exploration. Jumper made a cameo appearance in “Lost City”, the episode that was originally slated to be the show’s last. The Air Force Association recognized Richard Dean Anderson at its 57th annual dinner on September 14, 2004 for his work as actor and executive producer of the show, and “for the show’s continuous positive depiction of the Air Force”.[27] Many of the extras portraying US Air Force personnel are in fact real US Air Force personnel.[27]

By: Ivory

Ivory — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 17:05:16 +0000

At this point I would be shocked if Shatner shows up in a cameo. BUT….if they did want to keep it a secret his constant denials would be a great smoke screen.

It would be upsetting if they didn’t ask him back on any level. Especially when you consider they are handing out cameos like candy and all the other TOS actors have been brought in on some level or another.

By: Garovorkin

Garovorkin — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 11:52:58 +0000

#105 I would be very surprised if he had a Cameo in the film. Then again you could be right on this one.

By: I Am Morg Not Eymorg

I Am Morg Not Eymorg — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 08:32:35 +0000

104. Mr. Poopey face(formerly known as Closettrekker): Fair enough I suppose and thanks for the lowdown. I do have to disagree as I have the utmost confidence in Shatner and his talents. I guess it remains to be seen if he will be in the movie or not and if he is how well he will do.

But as for the cameo thing. I have stated before I don’t think Mr. Shatner is being entirely up front about everything, I smell smoke screen.:)

By: Mr. Poopey face(formerly known as Closettrekker)

Mr. Poopey face(formerly known as Closettrekker) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 21:01:36 +0000

#102—It’s really not personal at all. I loved William Shatner as Captain Kirk from 1966-1986. That is how I prefer to remember his portrayal, however. You have probably seen me post this before, but I’ll do it again. Of course, this is my own opinion, and nothing else.

TOS–TVY= William Shatner as James Kirk=great

TFF–GEN=James Kirk as William Shatner=not so great

That is the best way I can describe my feelings about Shatner playing James Kirk in the first 20 years vs his portrayal of that character in later years. I think he began to pander to the satirists a bit and tried to much to be comedic. Part of this is knowing how his influence on the development of the character grew out of the hands of the writers and directors and more into his own hands in later years. I didn’t care for where he took the character. It just was not the same.

I also agree that it “couldn’t hurt”, if his character were as alive and well in the 24th Century as Nimoy’s is. However, given the circumstances, I do not see the benefit of devoting story/plot time to explaining his reappearance and then having to fit it in with the story they have in mind.

I would not mind at all seeing Shatner as Kirk in a GFII-like flashback scene, set sometime before Kirk’s disappearance and death. But then we are back to “cameos” vs. “major roles”. I think that if JJ ever thought they could find a place for him in this film, it would have been something along those lines. It is quite possible that upon hearing of Shatner’s aversion to a much lesser role, such a possibility became a moot point. That is, of course, just speculation on my part.

And yes, I have noticed your posts and that we share many opinions about Star Trek. I also wish you to know that my opinions of Shatner are not born out of a personal dislike. As Captain Kirk, he is still one of my childhood heroes. I still find him entertaining. However, thoughts of him once again donning the Starfleet uniform do give me unpleasant pause. I cannot help it.

By: star trackie

star trackie — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 20:45:00 +0000

102 Speaks the truth…we hear his words! There are many MANY new fans of Shatner who have never laid eyes on Star Trek…and you know what, in May 2009, some movie goers just might end up choosing Star Trek over Cabin Fever 5 if they know Shatner is in it just because they like him.

One thing is certain. Despite his detractors, (who really are far and few between), the man IS immensly likable and popular with mainstream America and Trek fans alike. His inclusion wouldn’t hurt a thing.

By: I Am Morg Not Eymorg

I Am Morg Not Eymorg — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 19:38:01 +0000

96. Mr. Poopey face(formerly known as Closettrekker):

“And really, who is Shatner going to attract that isn’t already in line to see this thing?”

How about all of those who have become Shatner fans because of his successful career the last few years and thereby may become Star Trek fans? Or non disillusioned older fans?

But I guess the final statement would be, It couldn’t hurt.

You and I agree on a Lion’s share of topics, not the least of which is TNG. But your Shatner thing speaks to something personal with you I suspect. I can’t help but be curious about it.

By: I Am Morg Not Eymorg

I Am Morg Not Eymorg — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 19:33:37 +0000

91. Bill Peters: Indeed, there was a poll that former VP Quayle quouted on the 25th Anniversary Star Trek TV special in 1991. It stated that just about half of the population of the USA consider themselves Star Trek fans. Not Trekkers, or Trekkies. Not fanzine writers or con goers, or model makers or collectors or fan film makers or anything like that, although all of the above fit under that umbrella as well. But just Star Trek fans. Meaning they just like the show and the characters. Just like I Love Lucy. Thats a LOT of people. Its these people who helped Kirk kick Picards but in that TV poll. Its these people who when Trek reaches a mainstream level help make it succeed. Like TMP and TVH , syndication and certain merchandising. THAT is the silent majority that JJ hopes to reach with this movie as well as the hardcore fans like us.

By: Ivory

Ivory — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 19:11:15 +0000

Shatner keeps saying that he does not do cameos.

My question is was Shatner asked to do a cameo and turned it down because he wanted a bigger role?

By: Mr. Poopey face(formerly known as Closettrekker)

Mr. Poopey face(formerly known as Closettrekker) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:37:27 +0000

#98—Interesting that you brought that last bit up. I believe that everything you said is true. The difference is, that at the time of Nimoy’s Spock death scene, the Star Trek film franchise WAS at its greatest height, so Paramount had every reason to want Nimoy’s return. I think that if the circumstances were similar, they would be more receptive to Shatner’s return. But the circumstances are not similar in any way except that each character died at some point. The similarity really ends right there.

The franchise is where it is, and Paramount understandably wants to go in an entirely different direction with casting. It just so happens that Spock is alive and well in the 24th Century (where the story begins, post-NEM), has a significant role in the story that lured the director and was approved by the studio, and Leonard Nimoy is willing to come out of retirement for one final bow as our beloved Spock. To me, this is a perfect convergence of circumstances. 23rd Century Star Trek has a pulse…

Can I buy my ticket now????