Shatner: TOS Kirk Is A Stranger August 17, 2008
by TrekMovie.com Staff , Filed under: Shatner, TOS , trackback
The original James T. Kirk, William Shatner, has often said that he doesn’t like to watch his own work, and in a new interview with South Africa’s The Times he goes into a bit more detail on why, saying that his Original Series self is a stranger to him.
Shatner describes what it is like watching The Original Series:
He’s a complete stranger. Not only is he physically foreign, emotionally I don’t know where I was at that time. There’s also a certain amount of revulsion involved — how could I have looked that young? What happened? I should have taken more vitamins. It’s totally science-fictional.
This is a bit of a different take then when Shatner recently told AP that he had caught an episode of TOS on reruns and that that he thought it was "rather good" and that Kirk "was a good hero." Of course the character of Kirk can’t be a total stranger to the man who has co-authored ten novels about Kirk over the last thirteen years.
Shatner has spent much of the last year talking about how he wants to reprise his role of Kirk, so one imagines that he has a view on who the character is now. In 2006 he actually did re-find Kirk to do a commercial for DirectTV. Will it be the last performance of Shatner as Kirk on screen (Shatner voiced Kirk for the Star Trek Legacy video game, which was released a couple of months after the DirectTV commercial, making it the true last time that Shatner ‘appeared’ as Kirk).
Shat as Kirk pitching DirectTV
More from Shatner on his new autobiography at TheTimes.co.za
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Comments»
Go Shatner!
Cool to see his last Kirk performance btw, had no idea about that.
I remember that.
His last “canon” portrayal of Kirk was before much of the targeted audience of STXI was even born… I’ll always have an affinity for Shatner’s TOS Kirk (he’s no stranger to me), but I’m looking forward to a young actor bringing JTK, Spock, and Bones to the big screen for my kids and their generation.
Wait…so that DirecTV commercial isn’t canon?
i dunno. He’s gotten a little older and put on a few pounds. But he’s still a pretty damn vigorous and healthy man for a septuagenarian, if you ask me. I only pray that when I am his age that I have half the energy he does — if I even live for another thirty years or so to match his age.
You go Mr. Shatner! You will always be an inspiration to me, and for this life long Trek enthusiast thank you so much for the hours and hours of entertainment pleasure that you have given me throughout my life.
Oh, and I forgot to say, no matter how well Mr. Pine does with his performance, for me you will always be Captain/Admiral Jame T. Kirk of the starship Enterprise — the greatest captain in the history of Star Fleet!
#6 and #7
Here here!!!! Couldn’t agree more. Here’s to Bill and all the wonderful Kirk memories he has given us.
Okay, so he is a stranger to him and now he’s a “good hero”. I like Bill, but sometimes I think he’s full of BS.
#9. JOel – August 17, 2008
… I like Bill, but sometimes I think he’s full of BS.
Of COURSE he’s full of BS–Bill Shatner, that is.
#8 – Rock on! Always nice to meet another friend of Bill!
This is our controversial, gainsaying himself, tongue-in-cheek Bill live and in Technicolor. Take a deep breath, take your own vitamins, don’t forget your chill pills, and enjoy! :)
BTW, have you ever had a look at 40 year old photos of yerself and asked in bewilderment “Who on earth is that handsome, buff guy next to Aunt Millie”? :D
#6, 7
Amen.
#6 Amen to that
I totally buy the idea that watching your (much) younger self could be disorienting. It’s a thoughtful comment from someone who has what we might call an occasional tendency to mug for the camera.
Those few years of Shatner in TOS get more repeat airplay than anything he’s done since. The continuum of change from then till now fades away but that one moment of youth remains.
I think that would be the toughest part of being an actor who enjoys a long career — watching themselves age on screen. If they are beautiful, man or woman, they go from the leading lady & hero roles to character actor roles. Gotta be hard in some ways to make that transition.
I’m just glad he’s still around and so spry. When you go to cons as much as I do, you see what some of the other actors from TOS look like now and it’s really amazing that he, Leornard, George, Nichelle and Walter look so good at their ages.
#12 & #13 Amen and shalom. (I was raised Catholic, but love words for peace in any faith, tradition and language).
His performance in “City on the Edge of Forever” — especially in the climactic scene and in the denouement — is one of the finest in TV history. People under-rate the man. He was and is a truly talented actor.
The Shat can never be “replaced”….only succeeded…
I love the Shat but Nimoy would never use his character to push a product.
…the adventure continues…
CanuckLou:
So was I just hallucinating this then? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZashVU5aE4
Oh, and I don’t see a big disconnect between Shatner’s two statements. it seems obvious to me that in the first, he was talking about Captain Kirk the character and in this one, he’s talking about William Shatner the man of 40+ years ago.
Shatner in the new Price Line commercial he is driving a car, is that Chris Pine’s father in the back seat of the car?
I believe this article should end with a question mark.
I think Shatner forgot to take his meds
I saw him on an appearance on Oprah where he was sporting a cain due to hip replacement surgery. He may have the body of a senior citizen but his mind is as sharp as a tack. Henry Rollins claims he has the heart of a 15 year old.
I wish Bill could come to terms with the aging process, but he clearly hates it. Maybe I will too. I’m not that far from beginning to crumble. But he seems to have an extra hard time accepting it.
I don’t know why Shatner says he doesn’t remember Kirk. I mean, he was Kirk. He talks about Star Trek a lot and even writes novels about it. How does he not know who Kirk is?
#28 – I think he was saying that he looks at himself now and looks at himself then and doesn’t recognize himself.
#22 I agree completely, although the way it’s presented here on this site is a bit confusing. It becomes much clearer when you read both articles in their entirety that in one, he is talking about Kirk, and in this most recent article he is talking about watching himself and how he feels about that young man (not the chartacter), some forty years later. I think his comments both times were quite insightful. But then again, I am… Another Shatner Fan:)
#11 nice to meet you too my fellow Shanter Fan
Surely we must by now have learnt not to take *any* of his comments too seriously…. I really enjoy his toungue in cheek comments, makes me grin every time. :)
I am not sure that I can keep coming up with comments like he does if I was asked the same questions time after time for over 40 years.
In that sense, I love the CNN interview that he did with Leonard for the 40th anniversary. John Wayne…. :D
20. CanuckLou
Leonard Nimoy did an Aleve commercial just two years ago where he plays himself at a convention and gives the Vulcan hand sign…so he’s not above doing product endorsement for a quick quatloo!! Plus, he did that Western Airlines commercial with The Shat where they played themselves and traded on their image. Then, there were the Oldsmobile commercials circa 1988…
Shatner should have watched these episodes earlier. I don’t mean that in an insulting way, I just mean if he saw how good in shape he really was maybe he would have tried harder to keep it that way.
I. Don’t Know. Kirk!
20. CanuckLou
Some might remember a spot the entire TOS cast (and Jonathan Frakes) did for MCI’s “Friends And Family” calling plan, where Nimoy suggested there must be some sort of “error” with Frakes being in their calling circle.
Ease up on the Brador and embrace reality, CL.
“Of course the character of Kirk can’t be a total stranger to the man who has co-authored ten novels about Kirk over the last thirteen years.”
I’m glad I’m not the only one who noticed this. I spent a lot of money for Shatner’s “Starfleet Academy” in hardcover for reading on an airplane. If Shatner does not know the character of Kirk, then he should rewatch the series and get to know him better before writing any more novels. I want to read about the characters I see in TOS not novels about some generic spacemen.
I’m one of those who don’t think the ”TOS Kirk” even made the transition to the big screen. To me, beginning with the ”motion picture”, Kirk was ”different” — not better — not worse — just different. Different sensibilities, different weaknesses. I for one think that Shatner himself deserves some credit for not letting anyone tell him who he was/is throughout his long life and long career. He is himself and if you don’t like it, oh well. Gotta love it. I do begin to see some of the ‘’softening” in his personality as of late. More introspective and open. I have maintained one thing for years and it is this: There is a character and story out there just waiting for him to take to Oscar level. I’m willing to go out on a limb and say this and 100-percent willing to have it thrown back in my face with an ”I told you so” chaser. I think Shatner’s biggest and best surprise still awaits us and it will be astounding.
Thanks, Bill for the memories past and future.
There was also a commercial just a few years ago for Priceline where Bill meets the new spokesperson for the company. He’s dumbfounded as to who can replace him. Guess who it was: forty-plus-years friend Leonard. It was a pretty funny ad.
I sure hope he gets a chance to read all the nice things people are saying about him. He’s earned and deserves the warm wishes and comments from his fans.
…Actually, there’s a reason that Shatner sees Kirk as a stranger: aliens kidnapped the real Shat and replaced him with the one we’ve had since just before the 3rd season. The clue is that the fake one has quite a bit of a gut :-)
Hey, same thing happened to Elvis after the “Comeback Special”, only they took the fake one back when he malfunctioned in the bathroom in 1977…
I SAID that Directv commercial was new footage of Shatner as Kirk, and I got hooted at on this board about it being CGI’ed from STVI.
Trifle with ME, will you?
I’m infallible, evidently. So there.
Now I really don’t want to get DirectTV, The Shat already has too much of my $.
Shat’s infallibility is unquestioned
I hadn’t seen the British (?) thing in the after clips. Hilarious! Kirk’s head on a busty body… HA!
There is still a chance we will see Shatner as Kirk.
Bill even sang to George Lucas.
#44
You got it, bro. Denials all the way into the big premiere, and then he appears towards the end. Bank on it.
The Shat will be in the new film. JJ and co wouldn’t make that bad of a call to keep him out.
As to not recognizing yourself from years and years ago, believe me that it possible. Many people change and mature as they grow older. I know I have-thankfully!!
I wish I could un-see that DirecTV commercial… this kind of cheap commercial pandering makes me gag.
#36 – Of course, Shatner himself said his writing those novels with the Reeves-Stevens consisted of sitting in their house while they typed! >;>}
So NOT the last appearance of Kirk, and We know it. ;)
uh…by the Shatner of course.
BRING BACK BILL!
and J.J.s TOS-era Movie will be the poorer without this particular ‘Kirk unit’….
Last appearance of Shatner as Kirk?
…maybe.
…sigh.
he’s starting to remind me of johnny rotten/john lydon…
and not in a good way.
I read that they’re re-making “The Rocky Horror picture Show.” Wouldn’t Shatner make an absolutely perfect Criminologist?!?
“It’s just a jump to the left…”
I’ve heard Shatner was offered a cameo and turned it down near the start of the production.
I guess that is the reason he kept saying “I don’t do cameos” and “I’m worth the salary”
Multiple sources have stated this in private. I think it’s kind of common knowledge at this point.
Shats the man!
Sorry to get off topic,
but has anyone noticed
how much the official site sucks.
startrek.com TV listings still have tng on Spike.
Maybe he’s looking at it the way my ex-girlfriend’s 7 and 12 year olds did; They could not relate to TOS Kirk and the Kirk in the movies or on Priceline because he looks so different, when a Priceline commercial would come on, I would say “There’s Captain Kirk!”, and they would say “Him?, from Star Trek? No, he’s another Kirk, the one that’s in the movies.” They really believed that The Shat in TOS and The Shat in the Star Trek Movies were two different people playing Kirk.
The Shat.
#56—-It has never been officially confirmed or denied that Shatner was offered a cameo. However, Mr. Orci did say that they wanted to find a role for him, and that it was discussed, but that Mr. Shatner “required a larger part than the movie could sustain”.
He went on to clarify that he was referring to Bill’s “I don’t do cameos” statement when he made that comment, and nothing else (and we can thank Mr. Orci for his willingness to read our comments and even participate in our discussions on a semi-regular basis for that).
That, IMO, hints that he was not offered a cameo because they believed that statement to be true. Why would they offer something like that to Bill, when he has already implied that he is too good for what they have to offer him?
As for the continued assertions by some that he will, nevertheless, be in this movie, I will concede that anything is possible within reason. However, the evidence in Mr. Orci’s comments, as well as Mr. Shatner’s own latest auto-biography would suggest otherwise. It is unlikely that he would lie outright, stating that he is not in the film. If he were, and had consented to Abrams in keeping it a secret, he would likely have danced around the subject instead of confirming that he was not.
With that said, he did later express regret in his interview on “The View” that he was not given at least a minor role (which seems a blatant contradiction), so maybe there was a voiceover or something like that which could have been applied after principle photography had been wrapped. I would love the nostalgic feeling of Shatner once again saying, “Space….the final frontier….”, but there’s no reason to believe that will happen.
#60 i dunno, everyone seems to have danced around the whole shat debate, we’ve heard “definite answers” but it could all be a PR move – i mean there have been contrasting reports in the media, some saying he isn’t in, others saying he has a cameo, also, look at us all now debating whether or not he’s in it, debate creates interest.
I personally don’t mind if he is or isn’t in this movie, but i will say this, look at Clifton Collins Jr’s comments about whether any other TOS actors are in STXI – he grinned and said “Maybe” this has got to be an area for debate, as to me this sounds like one of the big secrets…
#61—Contrasting reports in the media amount to nothing without some sort of hint from the principle players (I wouldn’t consider Collins to be one of those), IMO. On the other hand, we do have definitive confirmation in Shatner’s latest autobiography that he isn’t, and Orci’s statement (after principle photography had concluded) seems to support that.
I think that very early on, it was still genuinely “up in the air”, which would explain the earlier “dancing around the subject” you speak of. However, that hasn’t really been the case for quite some time.
“… we’ve heard “definite answers” but it could all be a PR move…”
Although Abrams and co. are rather notorious for secrecy surrounding their projects, I do not recall them ever outright lying as part of maintaining that secrecy. Am I wrong? And given the backlash in some of the fanbase over his absence in the film, it wouldn’t seem to be much of a “PR move” to feed that flame. Again, I think that if they were simply trying to mask Shatner’s involvement in the project, we would not have seen such definitive statements from Shatner himself or received such a firm implication from Orci that the subject was put to rest among the members of “the Supreme Court” after Shatner’s “I don’t do cameo’s” assertion to the press.
What he says here does not contradict what he said previously about Kirk being a good hero. It only adds to it. He is poking fun at the fact his body has changed through the years.
The bigger story is that the Shat is even looking at old footage. Hmmmmmm.
#33. Good grief, Alicia, give the fellow a break. He’s 77!
Can you imagine how hard it must be to age in public, especially for someone who started out that good-looking? People look at him and remember the young space hottie he once was.
No one’s 35 forever. Most us don’t have to live in a world papered with reminders of our youth.
#62
You may be right, but it may just as well turn out that Shatner’s “latest” autobiography” may not be his final say; and the “evidence” in Bob The Oracle of Delphi Orci’s statements gave me more the impression of a script doctor looking intensely into his crystal ball, shaking his head solicitously, and murmuring “Who knows?”…:)
#63
Good points.
#64 to #33 Yes, excellent point. How great a shape will any of us be in at that age?
The man, as I said in a post yesterday, is amazingly robust, vibrant and full of life for someone that has had a career that spans well over half a century. He remains an inspiration.
On some talk show, James Spader said a scene was cut from “Boston Legal”: a push-up contest between Shatner and the character named Brad (can’t remember his last name), who is a former Marine. Spader said the scene was cut because this younger man couldn’t keep up with Shatner. Don’t let people’s physical appearance lead you into deciding what they are capable of; more often than not, you’ll be surprised.
Again, as I said in a post yesterday, the man is and always will be an inspiration to me.
#66
…amazingly robust, vibrant and full of life…
Yeah, that’s why I can perfectly imagine him as Kirk one the big screen once more!
PS: I like that push-up story. ;)
I watched I, Mudd last night on my remasterdset. I hadn’t seen that one in a long time.
If Shatner saw that one Ican understand how he didn’I recognize himself. A truly bizarre performance in a bizarre episode.
67 – “that’s why I can perfectly imagine him as Kirk one the big screen once more!”
If only … If only …. :(
#65—-”…the “evidence” in Bob The Oracle of Delphi Orci’s statements gave me more the impression of a script doctor looking intensely into his crystal ball, shaking his head solicitously, and murmuring “Who knows?”…:)”
The “who knows?” comment was from way back, months before that trekmovie article and long before principle photography was over. Bob’s clarification of the “…..larger part than the movie could sustain” comment was after the trekmovie article was first posted.
I will concede that it is possible that an agreement was reached between the “who knows?” and the end of PP, but I don’t think that “who knows?” is significant due to when it was actually said (compared to when he clarified the other comment) and what is in The Shat’s book.
But, then again, who knows? lol.
#70
The “Who knows” comment was taken from an interview given *after* Abrams said they couldn’t put Shatner in, which was in January.
And who knows when The Shat’s autobiography was actually finished? Probably months before it was published and its content is according to the state of knowledge at that time…
Oh well, we have 9 months left – who knows what the outcome of this laborious pregnancy will be. :)
#71—”Oh well, we have 9 months left – who knows what the outcome of this laborious pregnancy will be. :)”
I don’t know, but I am willing to bet that–along the way, there will be ample room for more back-and-forth discussions between the two of us.
As long as I do not have to buy any more maternity clothes (I’ve spent a fortune already!)…
#72
No more maternity clothes, I promise – just one more uniform, who knows? ;) But I’m willing to admit that you’re right: there’s no cure for our back-and-forth discussions…:)
Speaking of Mommys, I’m taking mine to see JJ Trek next May. I hope we’ll both enjoy it, but as she is Shatner_Fan_1000, it’s a fact that we’d both be gripping the sides of our seats, popcorn in our throats, if THE Captain appeared!!
Come on, JJ!! You can do it!!
:-)
Shatner also has an interview in the Star Trek magazine. Nothing earth-shattering, however, he does mention that he vaguely remembers that he and Berman talked about him playing his Father in that guest appeareance that never happened on Enterprise. Interesting.
He says he doesn’t really understand what happened in the meeting with JJ and that Leonard won’t tell him anything about the movie (which amused me). I will say one more thing….why the snarkiness about Shatner not wanting to do a cameo? Nimoy did the very same thing with Generations. (And he declined the director’s chair too.) Both have earned the right to a righteous storyline IMO.
Yeah Nimoy has certainly done his fair share of commercials. And HE was the one who ultimately sued Paramount for his share of the pie — a lawsuit settled because of ST:TMP. Given how much Paramount made from the Trek cast at a time when actors only made money on ONE repeat, I don’t blame them a bit.
When I wuz twenty-one
It wuz a very good year
Ran from gas clouds in Farragut
Lived ta’ later kick it’s vapour butt
Drank wit’ Finny many, many a beer
When I wuz thirty-one
It wuz a very good year
Captained me own ship
Sucked on many a lass’ lips
Kicked some smooth Klingins in tha’ rear
When wuz forty-one
It wuz a very bad year
Wuz seen in endless re-runs
Spiders attackin’ weren’t any fun
But then Parry-mount once more drew near
When I wuz fifty-one
It wuz a very strange year
Lost me good pal Vulcan
Killed a crazed Mexican
A beloved fan highlight in this career
When I wuz sixty-one
There’d been odder years
None though were ever borin’
Though I wuz killed by wimpy Soren
I had kickin’ God’s arse in tha’ Final Frontier
When I wuz seventy-one
It wuz a very good year
I sang a lot, so ta’ speak
Got me movie bits every week
Wrote book after book with no jeers
When I wuz eighty-one
It wuz a very good year
I’m back on tha’ fame top
Playin’ lawyer, not lame cop
I do more in a day than most in a year
Arrrrr…
76 – Took me a minute to get your Mexican reference. Montalban, of course. And his fine Corinthian-leather countenance. Although Khan hailed from India, if you recall …
Let’s hope Shatner is still going strong when he becomes 81. The last line of your ditty is very true.
77… arrr… well, it needs some work…
I should really take tha’ time ta’ edit this crap that comes outta me instead o’ just typin’ in every random thought I have inta’ a post… ya’ know I bet cheese is better fur ye’ than doctors say…
If rats are riddled wit’ parasites and make us sick, yet they continue ta’ be healthy and multiply, can eatin’ rubbish be that harmful? If we called tha’ color blue “green” instead, would know when ta’ stop mowin’ tha’ lawn?….
#75—-”He says he doesn’t really understand what happened in the meeting with JJ…”
I don’t know when he made that statement, but it seems easy enough to understand to me (at least now). Abrams and Orci have both, at some point, made clear that they would love to find a role for Shatner in the film. They did have an initial meeting. However, Shatner– shortly thereafter, expressed to the media an aversion to a potential cameo, and that is apparently all that the “Supreme Court” felt the story could support from Bill. It seems reasonable to conclude that his “I don’t do cameos” remark was the reason that discussions never resumed. Mr. Orci claims that Shatner “required a larger role than (they) felt the movie could sustain.”
That is unfortunate for him and for those fans who wanted to see Bill in this movie, because Shatner (much later) indicated that he did not understand why he did not at least have what amounted to a cameo (when doing an interview on The View) role in STXI. Obviously, that “I don’t do cameos” remark did not represent such a firm position after all. Anyway, as I said, I don’t know when he made that statement you described above, but I refuse to believe that Shatner isn’t intelligent enough to realize what happened and why.
“…and that Leonard won’t tell him anything about the movie (which amused me).”
That is amusing…I can almost picture how that conversation goes!
“…why the snarkiness about Shatner not wanting to do a cameo? Nimoy did the very same thing with Generations. (And he declined the director’s chair too.) Both have earned the right to a righteous storyline IMO.”
I cannot speak for others— but for my part, “snarkiness” is not and has never been my objective. You are absolutely correct. They have earned the right to pick and choose the projects they work on. It is just that if someone were unaware of Shatner’s public statement about a potential cameo in STXI, he/she might be tempted to unfairly place blame for his total absence in the film solely upon the shoulders of Abrams and company, when his own words clearly played a substantial role in that decision. By dismissing the thought of a cameo, Shatner was restricting the filmmakers’ ability to fit him properly into the story they wished to tell, but his more recent comments about the situation would lead one to believe that he would have welcomed almost any role in the film.
So when I continue to bring up “I don’t do cameos”, it is intended as an irreverent or sarcastic jab at Mr. Shatner, but as a reminder of an important piece of information in any discussion of why he is probably not in the movie.
78 -BND
” arrr… well, it needs some work…
I should really take tha’ time ta’ edit this crap that comes outta me instead o’ just typin’ in every random thought I have inta’ a post”
Well, you gotta run with it when the muse strikes. Even if she does so very hard in the cranium with a coal shovel. It’s that ringing in the head that helps me with some of my own rhymes. Plus the right meds…
79 – I take it we should read your last sentence with the inclusion of the word “not” before “intended” and that you accidentally ommitted while typing.? This seems to be the case with your use of the conjunction “but” that follows, rather than “and.” Is that a correct assumption?
#81—Absolutely. The sentence should read:
“So when I continue to bring up ‘I don’t do cameos’, it is not intended as an irreverent or sarcastic jab at Mr. Shatner, but as a reminder of an important piece of information in any discussion of why he is probably not in the movie.”
Thank you for pointing out that typing error.
82 – No problem. Didn’t want folks jumping on your case for an easy-to-make mistake, but one that states the opposite of your intentions.
66. Brett Campbell – August 18, 2008
#64 to #33 Yes, excellent point. How great a shape will any of us be in at that age?
The man, as I said in a post yesterday, is amazingly robust, vibrant and full of life for someone that has had a career that spans well over half a century. He remains an inspiration.
On some talk show, James Spader said a scene was cut from “Boston Legal”: a push-up contest between Shatner and the character named Brad (can’t remember his last name), who is a former Marine. Spader said the scene was cut because this younger man couldn’t keep up with Shatner. Don’t let people’s physical appearance lead you into deciding what they are capable of; more often than not, you’ll be surprised.
Again, as I said in a post yesterday, the man is and always will be an inspiration to me.”
Solid points.
#84—-As a combat veteran former Marine myself, I’ll have to try to avoid taking Spader’s comment personally. However, it seems to me that it would be rather implausible that the scene was cut bcause of that. Since they are acting, why wouldn’t the director have Shatner act as though his character tired out sooner? Since Bill is such a good actor, it should have been no problem for him, right?
Closet, drop and give us 200!
#86—No Problem, as long as I have a couple of days to complete them all!
Sequin-studded sweaty jumpsuit Kirk is fun, but the real Elvis wears black pants and gold velour. Or words to that effect :)
#85
They weren’t acting! Got it? :D
#89—
That is not what was reportedly the case in the post to which I replied. He (#84) claims that Spader was talking about “a scene” from Boston Legal that was “cut”. That means they (Shatner and the other guy) were acting… Got it? :)
If it was just something they did fooling around on the set and #84 is misinformed, just say so.
Otherwise, it sounds like Shatner “tanked the scene”. LOL!
#89 … Sorry, I thought commanding him to do all those push ups might keep his fingers away from the keyboard. :-)
#92—You mean I can’t just say, “Hello, Computer…”?
“Aye, the keyboard….how quaint.”
#90
What I actually meant was that it started off as acting, but then it got out of hand, and they wanted to find out who had more….pull. :)
#92
No need to apologize. Seems he‘s push-up resistant. Next time, we‘ve got to risk implosion…;)
#94—-Given Anthony’s recent rebuke of me over my fan-fiction posting on one of his threads, I’m apparently quite capable of “imploding” on my own…
#95
Your assistance is much appreciated. ;)
Good night guys – read ya tomorrow! :)
#96—-It’s a good thing you don’t work for one of those suicide prevention hotlines…You don’t, do you? :)
Good night, Iowagirl…
#97 … I am sure there are times when she feels like she’s listening to souls in crisis here. Not that you’d have anything to do with that.
#98—-You’re not damning me to Voyager re-run Hell, are you Shatner Fan?
Hey, Closet. Got your back. I’m in for push-ups! Semper Fi, Mac.
As for Shatner, assuming his continued good health, there is plenty of time to still shoot his “scene” and insert it,even if the original release date was in place. All could then honestly say that he was “not in the movie”, because he hasn’t even shot his scene yet.
Also, I think J is shrewd enough to recognize the buzz he’ll get from having Shat show up as a surprise. Opening weekend is the whole enchilada for tent pole films,like ST. Including the Shat, with Nimoy already aboard, gives the film some extra legs in the nostalgia/cultural curiosity/word of mouth/crossover world.
Conversely, (and unfairly) if JJ’s film opens, and Shat is definitely NOT in it, there will be some inevitable negative cultural buzz. Again, unfairly, but it will be mentioned as a disappointing facet of the film. So, I think JJ is smart enough to realize this, Paramount knows it, and given the amount of money they are in for this flick, will make it happen.
It’s not personal, Sonny. It’s strictly business.
“it is not intended as an irreverent or sarcastic jab at Mr. Shatner, but as a reminder of an important piece of information in any discussion of why he is probably not in the movie”
I guess I feel that this puts the onus on Shatner — more than he deserves. I feel that there was little hope of Shatner as Kirk being in the film to begin with. I had the privilege of being in person at many of the events where Shat’s and others comments were made — Creation and Comic Con last year for example. I think the death in Generations was pretty insurmountable — as much as it grieves me (then as now!!!!) — given the direction JJ & Co apparently decided to take plotwise. I also think that the Writers Strike ended what little chance there was for a creative solution.
I have no reason to think that Shat is lying when he says that he didn’t really understand what happened in that meeting and that JJ never called him back. (Simply out of courtesy for having had a meeting in the first place, a call should have been made.) I remember Shatner at last year’s Creation convention and he seemed genuinely puzzled and hurt about not being in the movie.
As for the “no cameos” comments he made in the press I agree with it –as much as I love Shat as Kirk, even I tend to think that would have been a distraction and a mistake perhaps (even if the old Trekker in me would have been unable to stop herself from cheering for old time’s sake).
>.Also, I think J is shrewd enough to recognize the buzz he’ll get from having Shat show up as a surprise.
I think only JJ could pull a surprise of this magnitude off. Mr. Secrecy!
#100
I agree completely!
#100-103. I fully expect to see the man in an easter egg after closing credits.
84- Thank you, sir. You are indeed a compassionate god.
#101—”I have no reason to think that Shat is lying when he says that he didn’t really understand what happened in that meeting and that JJ never called him back.”
Nor do I. There was a significant amount of time between last year’s Creation Con and Orci’s public implication that discussions about the prospect of Shatner in the film ending after it was determined that the film could not sustain a role as large as what Shatner required. He probably did not understand the magnitude of his public declaration about not doing cameos, but I would hope he does now.
It’s not about lying, rather— being inconsistent. He said “I don’t do cameos” while the idea was still very much in the air. However, he later (on The View–after principle photography was wrapped) implied that he would have liked to have a role that pretty much amounts to exactly that. Maybe he pulled a Brett Farve and changed his mind. While he has every right to do that, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the prospect would be still on the table when he does.
“Simply out of courtesy for having had a meeting in the first place, a call should have been made.”
I can’t argue with that. As much as I think Shatner was mistaken to declare an aversion to a cameo in STXI if it was not actually true ( I think it is quite possible that this was a negotiating tactic meant to spur JJ and co. into developing a larger role for him which eventually backfired), I also believe that it usually takes two to have such a communication problem. They should have called him and said, “Thanks, but no thanks.” At least then, there would have been no such confusion. But still, it is difficult to put one’s self in either man’s shoes without knowing what was actually said in that intial meeting.
Closet, get over to the “Update On Life-Sized TOS Captain’s Chair” thread. And bring your hammer and nails! Iowagirl and I have a job for you…
Shatner Fan’s right, Closettrekker – you’re the right man in the wrong thread. Sigh; you may write elaborate fan fiction, but you’ll never make a good Captain in the Furniture Business with that inability to hit the nail on the head…
#107, #108—-Very well, my Shat-washed friends…
In my lifetime I’ve been called just about every name under the Sun. But I gotta admit, “Shat-washed” is a new one!
Yeah…I’m not exactly sure where that one came from (Shatner + brainwashed=Shat-washed?). There was a guy in here this morning spraying polyurethane on a live-edged tamarin wood dining table….The fumes! The fumes, I tell you!!!
“He said “I don’t do cameos” while the idea was still very much in the air. ”
I honestly don’t think so. The con was in early August and it was pretty much “I’m not in it.” Even Nimoy said as much — I still love his “moldering” comment!!! He was so sweet to Bill and soothed him.
Of course once the movie IS out, we’ll hear what all happened I’m sure.
#110
Makes you somehow feel…blessed…
#112—”I honestly don’t think so.The con was in early August and it was pretty much ‘I’m not in it.’ ”
It was obviously still up in the air if the determination that “Shatner required a larger role than (they) felt the movie could sustain” was made based solely upon that statement (”I don’t do cameos”)—-which is what Bob told us in an article here a few months back. Since there is nothing to contradict Mr. Orci’s claim, and I have no reason to believe he would mislead us, that leaves only one answer….it was still being considered.
As for Bill saying “I’m not in it” at the Con, how would he know that decision was final if he had no further contact with Abrams after that meeting (which is what he claims)?
“Of course once the movie IS out, we’ll hear what all happened I’m sure”
I’m sure we’ll get some sort of account (in someone’s “The Making Of….” book) of what actually was said in the meetings—both the one that included Mr. Shatner and the discussions amongst the members of the self-proclaimed “Supreme Court”.
>>As for Bill saying “I’m not in it” at the Con, how would he know that decision was final if he had no further contact with Abrams after that meeting (which is what he claims)?
Well for the simple reason that deals must be negotiated with the actors and that takes a while. Leonard at that August con was already telling us the dates he planned to be filming so things were pretty set. And it follows that if no one had contacted Shat further, then he’s not in it. Now perhaps Orci & Co were stlll harboring some hope, but that’s all it was. Nimoy was pretty clear at the con that Shatner wasn’t in it and why. He approached it with humor and clear affection towards Shatner of course.
All I can relay is what I heard and saw myself and Shatner seemed pretty sad and puzzled. Personally I know I didn’t want to hear it at the time. It really bummed me out.
#115—”Now perhaps Orci & Co were stlll harboring some hope…”
…which is all I was suggesting by saying that it was “still up in the air”.
While I have no doubt that, to Nimoy’s knowledge (or for that matter, Shatner’s), he was being accurate in saying that Bill was not in it, it wasn’t his decision to make. Nimoy has been more privy to information on STXI than perhaps the normal actor would be, but he is not one of its decision-makers at that level. According to Mr. Orci, who “is” one of the 5 “Supreme Court” members, the determination that “Shatner required a larger part than the movie could sustain” was made according to Bill’s own comment. So for the “actual decision-makers”, it obviously was still up in the air, regardless of what Mr. Nimoy or Mr. Shatner believed in August.