Shatner Launches New Comic Book Series + Talks More About Abrams Star Trek September 16, 2008
by TrekMovie.com Staff , Filed under: Comics, Shatner, Star Trek (2009 film) , trackback
Continuing on his goal to ensure that he is the true King of all media (sorry Howard), it was announced today that William Shatner will headline a new line of comic books. And for even more fun, while promoting his new comics, Shatner has again questioned why he isn’t in the new Star Trek movie.
Full announcement on Shatner’s new Comic Book series
Bluewater Productions proudly announces a partnership with iconic actor and bestselling author William Shatner. The Washington based comic book company has contracted to do four titles with Shatner based on his popular science fiction novels. Bluewater’s “William Shatner Presents” franchise will include Shatner’s The TekWar Chronicles, Quest for Tomorrow, Man O’ War, and an exclusive new title that Shatner will create specifically for the publisher.
The comics will showcase storylines that will be continuations of the established plots featured in the fast-paced, sci-fi action-adventure books as opposed to direct adaptations of the titles. Shatner will be the creative force in the venture and will be working directly with Bluewater’s writers and artists, along with writer/producer Craig Nevius (The Fantastic Four, Black Scorpion), to develop the concept and look of the comics.
Bluewater’s publisher Darren Davis comments on the collaboration: “Mr. Shatner is a savvy businessman and a creative mastermind. We’re honored to be partnering with him and are confident our efforts will create comic books both his fans and ours will embrace.”
Shatner said: “Working with Bluewater is a great opportunity to bring these novels to a whole new audience.”
Science fiction fans all over the world are familiar with Shatner’s TekWar novels. The books showcase a hard-boiled private eye story set in the 22nd century. The plot revolves around an expoliceman protagonist whose quest is to track down a missing scientist whose invention could win the war against the insidious computerized drug known as "Tek." The novels were initially adapted by Marvel Comics in the 1990’s, and subsequently developed into an television series which ran from 1994-1996 for The Sci-Fi Channel in which Shatner co-starred, produced and directed.
Shatner has cultivated a career that has spanned over 50 years as a actor, director, producer, screenwriter, recording artist, and author. Before his iconic portrayal of Captain Kirk in the long-running Star Trek franchise, science fiction fans embraced the actor for guest starring in two classic episodes of The Twilight Zone. Currently, Shatner stars in ABC’s critically acclaimed legal drama Boston Legal for which he has won two Emmys and a Golden Globe Award. He was also recently inducted into the Television Hall of Fame and remains one of pop culture’s most recognizable figures.
Bluewater will launch all four of the “William Shatner Presents” titles during the first quarter of 2009. The “TekWar Chronicles” will be an on going series while the three additional titles will be crafted into a mini-series.
Shatner heads back to comics
Jurassic Kirk?
In an exclusive interview with the LA Times promoting the new comics deal, things again strayed into the subject of the new Star Trek movie and Shatner again made the case for his resurrection. From the article:
“There is no need for me to know anything because I’m not a part of [the Star Trek movie]. They will have an extraordinary campaign when it comes about, and my dear friend Leonard will be part of that and I would have loved to have been there with him. I am very happy for Leonard, my good friend, though.”
But wait, didn’t Shatner’s Kirk die on screen in Star Trek Generations in 1994? He rolled his eyes. “It’s science fiction! If we’re trying to put together the DNA of a dinosaur dead for a 160 million years, why can’t scientists take a molecule that’s floating around and bring back Kirk?”
Recreated Kirk returning to Starfleet Academy in JJ Abrams Star Trek?…
no, just a scene from Jurassic Park
Shatner Project days away
Recently TrekMovie reported that William Shatner’s new web video home (The Shatner Project on YouTube) would be launched this week and now it looks like the day for that is Thursday. Day one will have three videos: a welcome video, a re-edited ‘classic’ ShatnerVision and a new vid that is said to be ‘a response to something in the news that you wont want to miss.’ Hmmm…what could it be? Find out later this week (hopefully) at the Shatner Project channel at YouTube.
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Comments»
Sorry Bill, I like you but I can’t see you in this movie.
I could have lived without Shatner and Nimoy in the new movie, but having Nimoy without the Shat makes it awkward.
Shatner’s absence is more felt that Nimoy’s addition.
Ok.The Shat wants to be in the Movie. I say. Next movie let him.
I don’t understand what all the resistence is about by letting Shatner in this movie.
He was the actor that got the series sold, less we forget?
And Here We Go Again………..
#2, I Totally Agree!!!
Kirk died. It would not have worked well with the story according to those who know. Remember, Shat did a movie without Nimoy. Seems like this will work just fine. Now let’s move on.
The new movie can probably get by without the Shat but I’m not sure it the general movie going audience will be interested in watching a TOS film that doesn’t feature Takei!! What the **** were Abrams and co thinking?!!
He’ll get in! Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but someday! Most likely in the sequel entitled “Star Trek 12: Were Finally Bringing Kirk Back.”
who said it originally about digging up your dead grandfather and going to all this effort to bring him back from the dead and then he just dies a few years later?
Because when they said that it made good sense.
Captain James T Kirk is dead.
klingon bastards!!
=h=
Shatner signed Kirk’s death warrant 14 years ago….he should let it go already. In order to bring him back you’d have to build a whole film around it, which is why he isn’t in the film. Would I have loved to see him in it with Leonard? Absolutely. But I completely understand why he’s been left out.
“It’s science fiction! If we’re trying to put together the DNA of a dinosaur dead for a 160 million years, why can’t scientists take a molecule that’s floating around and bring back Kirk?” —Shatner
Because it wouldn’t be a very good movie, Bill (not to mention it apparently would not benefit the story they wish to tell)…That’s exactly the kind of crap that makes ‘Star Trek’ the butt of so many jokes among mainstream moviegoers (many of whom Paramount and JJ Abrams will begin courting in a few months).
I happened to read this the other night, on LAT online, and I enjoyed the overall story. The sad thing is that next May the media will do these Shatner interviews all over again, and it’s going to be a big distraction.
He’s a dinosaur alright.
All this “I can’t believe I’m not in the new movie” nonsense sounds like the current ridiculous mudslinging/disinformation of some of the current politicos. We all know Shatner was offered a part in the movie but he keeps acting like and saying he was left out of the loop. Guess he thinks if he repeats this distortion enough times it will become the truth.
I just don’t get it: how can Nimoy be in this movie if he DIED in Star Trek 2? WTF?!!
(I hear ya, Shatster)
As long as we remember him….
This is one of the best viral campaigns ever. JJ is pleased.
#11
” ‘Star Trek’ the butt of so many jokes among mainstream moviegoers (many of whom Paramount and JJ Abrams will begin courting in a few months).”
Face The Facts: Trek Is Trek
No matter who directs it or who stars in it.
IT IS NERD HEAVEN
Mainstream moviegoers (teens) are “Too Cool For School”, and will stay away,FAR FAR AWAY….
…Unless Heath Ledger filmed a cameo before his unfortunate death.
Shat wanted in the movie, I do wish he were in there, I’m glad we have Nimoy.
I favor Shatner over JJ Abrams…. Why? Cause it’s SHATNER! It’s the KIRK MAN!!!!!
;)
Besides, the fact remains… if they can use Spock, they can use Shatner… moreover it’s honoring them both by having the duo reprise their roles.
Sure Kirk died in Generations… but have we forgotten that we’re talking about Star Trek here? No body really ever dies… I mean it’s Star Trek for Spock’s sake! We’ve got anomalies up the wazoo!! No body can come and tell me that if Old Spock and talk with Young Spock and alternate Kirk from a different time line couldn’t be in this movie… with all the time travel, crossover etc. that would be easily done…
But then, here are the facts… JJ Abrams, and gang likes Spock (Nimoy) better than Kirk (Shatner). The reason is quite simpler than that really… The story they made has little to do with Shatner… they probably thought about having Shatner play a tiny role but then, Shatner probably didn’t quite get the point of being in a movie that made no sense… And now Nimoy knows a bit more and Shanter wants in. And who can blame him? It’s as most people say, the man who made Star Trek the way it is.
Ah my friend Bill, I wish you and Nimoy would share the silver screen once more as the best friends… Mr. Spock and Captain Kirk. Just to say goodbye… hell I never liked seeing Kirk in Generations without Spock.
But then I’m a fan of the old movies… so Shatner for me is still Captain Kirk and Bill Shatner the man who’s got a great humor and a kind heart.
Above all else I’m a fan of Star Trek and I would have liked to see Bill as Kirk once more…
Endless debate over something that has already been confirmed. Shatner is not in the film. Whether or not he will be in a possible sequel is moot at this point. Let’s just calm down, watch a new trailer for the film and get some production shots please. No more rumors; I WANT IMAGES PRONTO. Photos, drawings, I don’t care but something to break the monotony.
ok come on, shatner. i mean i loved you in the first series/movies, but your time has ended. YOUR CHARACTER DIED. it’s time to move on!
besides, ‘resurrecting’ a character this long (14 yrs) after he died is just stupid. in my eyes, that’s just bad (and lazy) writing. let the dead be dead.
So, he’s not in the movie?
OH, GOODIE! A NEW SHATNER NEWS ITEM!!!
I wonder how well these comments are going to go! Smashing, I’d gather!
TYPICAL SHATNER COMMENT #1:
Shatner’s not in the movie? Booooo!
TYPICAL SHATNER COMMENT #2:
Shatner’s not in the movie? Yaaaaaaay!
Now rinse and repeat.
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD LET IT GO.
@19
Agreed… I want something solid too… those promo posters weren’t enough…
#16—-”Face The Facts: Trek Is Trek
No matter who directs it or who stars in it.
IT IS NERD HEAVEN
Mainstream moviegoers (teens) are “Too Cool For School”, and will stay away,FAR FAR AWAY….”
You mean like TWOK or TVH?
Good movies are good movies, and they will always draw mainstream moviegoers, whether Star Trek is in front of the title or not…
On the other hand, fanboy plots (like TSFS) or the use of weaker characters (like any TNG-era film) will never draw significant mainsteam appeal.
The promise of never before seen special effects and fantastic action sequences will put butts in seats…But only story quality (along with a return to the wondeful characters and setting of the 23rd Century) will ensure an influx of new blood into the fanbase.
IMO, Shatner’s absence is a relief, not because I do not personally love most of his work as JTK (TOS-TVH), but because I’ve long since said my goodbyes to Shatner in a Starfleet uniform, and yet another “phoned-in” performance (TFF-GEN) as Kirk will not help to create new fans (but only make Star Trek the butt of many more jokes).
But that’s just my not-so-humble opinion…
You know what I think? I think we should spend the next 538 posts debating this subject.
#29. Oopsies. Somehow, I l deleted the “Trek Nerd” from my posting there. Though I dunno, I kinda like the mononym, like “Madonna” or “Diddy” or “Sting.”
#31 Oh, good grief, now I’ve really blown it. “Treky?” What a boob I am.
Sorry for the idiotic multiple posts.
Bringing back Kirk is so simple–at the very end of the movie, I assume Spock is in the 24th century, and he sees Kirk — alive and well, and simply nods. A little changed history, a small adjustment, don’t event explain it.
Am I the only one getting sick and tired of Shatner going on about not being in the new movie. Heck, I’m just sick and tired from hearing about the guy. Get over it Bill, you’re time’s done, you’re the past and we should look to the future.
Good stuff, Treky!
I will always remember the good times of the captain JTK
in the skin of Bill Shatner. But, lets be a little logical , he’s a little too aged for the role.I think i remember an episode of the simpsons where they mock of the elderly cast of star trek XII, and Scotty couldn’t reach the console because of his gut. Its time to celebrate the good times they gave us, and let them go. Altough Kirk’s death in veridian 3 was totally crap. JTK deserved better.
Kirk was my hero when I was young, and he’s still far & away my favorite Trek captain.
But yeesh … if my kid pissed and moaned about something as much as Shatner is whining about this, I’d have banished him to his room without his Nintendo.
Get. Over. It.
Shat is the man!
There was a time I was a huge Shatner fan. Then he could not let go of not being in the movie. I’m now longer such a big fan.
Don’t get me wrong. Quite simply my opinion of him has changed DRAMATICALLY over the past year. I propose a new poll:
Are you a Shat Fan?
1. I’m his biggest fan!
2. I was once a huge fan, but now not so much.
3. I’m not a fan.
(PS #35, agreed.. Kirk deserved a much better death scene)
when will bill be asked about the role jj had written for him?
“Am I the only one getting sick and tired of Shatner going on about not being in the new movie.”
Hmm…Shatner is doing an interview promoting other things as usual and the REPORTER asks him about the movie — not really surprising given the media’s superficial knowledge of all things Trek — and he answers rather simply that he doesn’t need to know about the film, he wishes he was in it with his dear friend and it’s sci-fi so there are ways Kirk could live. You know, if he chose to refuse to answer, no doubt you’d have an issue with THAT too. Well brace yourselves, cause it will come up again and again come next Spring when the campaign for the film hits. :)
Oh God when will it end? Shat Shat Shat Shat Shat. Jeez. He WAS great as Kirk. It’s over. Done. Finished. Kaput. He’s not in the movie. Get it? He’s not going to be in it. Get it. Get over it Trek Geeks. I love, I mean LOVE Trek, but I can accept that Shatner is done. Stick a fork in him and see. DONE.
Trekkies hear this: All your pathetic whining is not going to bring Shatner back as an old feeble fat Kirk. Lest you think I’m some young know it all like TOG I’m not. I’m old school, and old – not as old as Shatner but old enough to remember TOS being broadcast on NBC when I was 6 yrs old. Nimoy IN- Shat – OUT.
DONE.
I call on the countries of the world to eliminate William Shatner or I will wreak havoc on all civilization ( watch the Pink Panther Strikes Again). My only concern is hat like Clouseau, Shatner will survive, and destroy a perfectly good Star Trek movie. Kill him, Kill him Kill him.
Please for the good of all Trekdom. Kill him.
Goodnight
P.S goofy Trekkers/Trekkies. I really do like Shatner, but enough is enough.
Closettrekker — everyone ok in your neck of the woods?
Had Shatner not been greedy he could have said no to the Generations movie just as Nimoy and Kelly did. He took the money and ran. Screw him.
#33,
Then why do you keep reading such topics? As they say, “change the channel.” You can easilty avoid any articles on shatner. Just read the heading, then pass it over. I do it everyday, a dozen or more times.
I think he was kidding this time.
#44Biff.
When speaking of your God Shatner please remember to capitalize the first letter of his name. Proper noun stuff you know.
What the hell kind of a name is Biff anyway?
Biff
Everyone say it.
Say Biff
Trek Shatner!!!
PEOPLE…& SHATNER – Get Over It!
He died in Generations – YES HE WILL ALWAYS BE JAMES T. KIRK that won’t ever change.
Yes I wish he could have been in the NEW movie but it didnt happen.
Life goes on.
Good night Y’all.
You too BIFF
Biff.
BIff Biff Biff Biff Biff.
Biff.
It’s just funny.
Biff.
I guess the name Krik Semaj is funny too. So is Harry Ballz. Maybe? maybe not.
I know this though.
It’s not as fiunny as Biff.
Biff
Goodnight Biff, Goodnight moon. Goodnight cow jumping over the moon.
Drew speaks the truth. Do ye people hear him? Do ye?
Nope.
Ye don’t
Biff does not speak the truth.
Do ye understand?
Here we go again.
Shatner killed Kirk. Writers write, but the actor has to do the scene. It wasn’t like this was a surprise for him during the filming of “Generations”. He did it. Was it a “good” death?… No, but dead is dead..
…unless it’s Trek. Where death and ressurection are convenient and now overused dramatic devices. Where’s the drama in the story if the hero tempts fate, saves the world(s), makes the ultimate sacrifice… and is back next time. It’s cheap and a cheat.
It IS NOT the task of JJ Abrams or the writers to revive Shatner’s Kirk. They have a story written, filmed and nearly finalized that we hope tells a great Trek story. If you think that’s impossible without William Shatner’s presence, I disagree, but vote with your dollars and stay home in May. That’s your right.
…Shatner’s stirring the fires. He knows a part was written for him and chose not to go with it. This “I’m in the dark” stuff doesn’t play anymore.
Mr. Shatner, own up. You have fans and they deserve to hear it from you that you turned it down and why. When you are asked in interviews, give a straight up answer instead of the “It’s great, they’re great, but why not me?” bit.
William Shatner takes advantage of every opportunity that comes by. Good for him. But this world does not revolve around him as much as he seems to think. This time it’s someone else’s baby. Wish them luck and leave it at that.
Star Shatner Trek.
Star Shatner.
Shatner Trek.
Shatner Star.
Biff and Biff. What is Biff?
Shatner DONE
Is it me, or are the same 6 “anti-Shatner in the movie” people posting over and over and over?
Xai also speaks the truth.
Two truths. ( 3 if you count mine at #41)
Biff speaks, but not the truth. His name is Biff after all. How much of what he says can be true?
#59
It’s you.
#55 Xai
“Wish them luck and leave it at that.”
They will need it.
P.S. Good luck JJ.
Krik Semaj
stop spamming this topic, move on
I’m gonna predict it now:
Next May the new film will be huge. The franchise will be invigorated. Longtime Trek fans will be pleased. New fans will join us. All will be harmonious on earth.
Fastforward a few weeks after the release. We’ll get news that Shatner has agreed to — nay, requested — a cameo in the sequel.
I’m sayin’ it now. Mark your calendar, you have been warned.
Shatner will be in the webisodes leading up to the movie.
Also coming up on the 11 o’clock news . . . . It’s still dark outside tonight. We will continue to follow this story as it develops. Keep it tuned here for all the latest.
62. Robert April – September 16, 2008
#55 Xai
“Wish them luck and leave it at that.”
“They will need it.”
Nothing is a given. I think we all agree we want good Trek.
#63
Sorry Anthony.
I will behave.
Kirk may be dead, but THE SISKO lives with the Prophets. All hail the return of THE SISKO!
I get why Shatner is bugged and I get why he makes a big deal about it, but I understand where JJ was coming from. Kirk died, and bringing him back somehow would have seemed very fanboy-ish.
To be frank, I’m totally fine with not having Shatner in the film. I like the guy, but I don’t think that Star Trek will suffer as a film without his presence.
I hear Janeway has a fifteen minute scene where she talks about coffee.
I still say its time to move on from the original trek and try something new, then shatner wont have anything to complain about.
Points well taken, however, it may behoove Leonard Nimoy, lest he forget that he was lured into STII:TWOK with the assurance that Spock would get 86′d, so he would not be approached about future projects. Only after enjoying the experience, (not to mention work beyond narrating In Search Of…) that he flip-flopped, and had the writers contrive the enjoyable but inane STIII:TSFS, just to get him back into the fold again.
William Shatner is owed the same consideration!!!
…What? No TJ Hooker or Barbary Coast comics? For shame, Shat! For shame!
#55
Yep, here we go again.
Unless you were somehow privvy to any and all discussions Mr. Shatner had with Mr. Abrams – you actually don’t know if Mr. Shatner knew that a part was written for him.
Some people who never met the actor, talked to him, etc. sometime post as if they know what the actor thinks and feels. Not true.
I think we need a Bob Orci response to this Shatner article? What do you say, Orci.
Hope you guys pick up the Shatner comics!
-Jason
Those comics look decent.
Always remember Tekwars.
#71–did you see the Janeway/coffee music vid clip at the Vegas con?
“Unless you were somehow privvy to any and all discussions Mr. Shatner had with Mr. Abrams – you actually don’t know if Mr. Shatner knew that a part was written for him.”
Yeah, it sounded like that scene Orci mentioned never went past JJ since JJ stated he didn’t think it worked. You don’t normally offer a role if you’re not gonna use it.
Ah but Bill Shatner seems to fill a void in Trek fandom much like Bill Clinton does in some political circles…..
Liz#71- That sounds like fun – did someone photoshop Starbucks on her mug?
Liz#71- That sounds like fun – did someone photoshop Starbucks on her mug?”
It was a hoot. I knew the character liked coffee but it wasn’t until that clever person put ALL the clips together that you realize just how many scenes there actually were in the series. I’m a major coffee addict myself so I can relate.
JJ and Shatner are masters of deception.
Growing up in the 60’s and 70’s and watching Star Trek on NBC and in early re-runs, I can honestly say that William Shatner’s James T. Kirk was a favorite character of mine and made a huge impression on me when it came to standing up for what was right and taking charge. I was so enthralled by Shatner/Kirk that I used to seek out television shows and made-for-tv movies featuring him.
But over the years, as Shatner moved on through his guest shots on Westerns and shows like Barbary Coast and TJ Hooker, the actor started to part ways with the 23rd Century Captain. As an actor, this is a good thing. You need the separation – you could certainly make the case that plenty of other TOS cast members’ careers suffered from too close an association with the Star Trek franchise.
When the Star Trek movies finally started their production run, Shatner came back to the character of Kirk a bit changed. And, depending on the movie’s script, the director in charge and a number of other factors, his performance as Kirk varied from inspired to cartoonish. By all accounts, however, Shatner’s lead position in the movies helped reinforce his ego – making him all the more demanding with regard to storylines and characterizations.
As a result, the movies drifted away from compelling story-telling to a bi-annual, boorish “goodbye” tour for the original cast (complete with ludicrous situations and gags played for laughs that went completely against character). It seemed like every movie was “the last time we’ll probably see the crew of the Enterprise on screen.” (The TNG movies started to feel this way, too – especially the last two.)
So when it came time for J.J. Abrams and Co. to make some decisions on how to deal with original cast members, I can completely understand why they decided to limit their exposure. The franchise, especially the movies, had become caricatures of what we all loved so much. If the two remaining members of TOS’s “big three” were to be included in a new Star Trek story set in the 23rd century, there couldn’t be any of the corny, fan-boy stuff so many of us might like to see.
I’m certain William Shatner would have a hard time with that. He had grown accustomed to insisting the Star Trek Movies dedicate time to irrelevant scenes featuring crew interactions that didn’t move the story forward. Frankly, in my opinion, this made the later ST movies seem to be more about Shatner AS Kirk, not about a larger, more interesting story. Add to that the silly Priceline Negotiator spots, Denny Crane, Miss Congeniality, etc. and William Shatner has evolved over the past forty years from dramatic leading man to self-made cartoon character. That’s not necessarily a bad thing (I find him to be delightfully humorous) – but that’s not James T. Kirk.
Leonard Nimoy, on the other hand, has shown with his directing and other endeavors, an ability to yield to the larger story and play his part. I’m sure he’s done a fine job here – but I suspect he’ll play a small (albeit critical) role in moving the story forward. I’m also sure that William Shatner would have passed on a similarly-sized role. It just doesn’t seem to be his style, anymore.
And that’s fine. Star Trek, and more specifically, Star Trek XI, will do fine without him.
As it’s been said before, this is sci-fi and anything can happen. I’d take that one step further and remind people that this is supposed to be drama. And drama works because it causes people to engage in the story and suspend their belief for a while. This doesn’t need to be a re-boot, a new timeline or anything else. This is just another part of the Star Trek story.
Sure, we’ll have new actors playing characters we all love, respect and admire. They’ll be using props made in the 21st century, not in the 1960’s. They’ll be flying computer-generated ships, not models made of wood and glue. But as long as the motion picture technology of the 21st Century doesn’t get in the way of the dramatic story told in the 23rd, I don’t see where any of us should have a problem with that.
#73—No, he does not, and I’ll tell you why…
TMP’s box office figures did not meet the studio’s expectations. That relegated future Star Trek films to mediocre budgets. TSFS was a fanboy film…nothing more.
The landscape is very different now. Star Trek is in a virtual coma. Paramount and JJ Abrams have not set out to make a fanboy film (which is exactly what bringing back Shatner’s Kirk would make STXI). They are endeavoring to infuse new blood into the fanbase. They have chosen to utilize its most iconic characters in their youth and a massive budget to do so. Nimoy can be included because his character does not carry with him the baggage of being dead! In fact, his character is alive and well. He can be easily made crucial to the story without any gimmicks (beyond time travel of course, which has been a ST staple since 1967).TSFS was very low budget, and could depend solely upon the existing fanbase to make a profit. TSFS wasn’t made for my neighbor, it was made for me. STXI, if the franchise is to be revived at all, will have to appeal to my neighbor, my kids, my neighbor’s kids, etc.
Star Trek cannot get away with what it did in 1984. STXI would tank so bad that Trek would be forever relegated to novels, comics, and fanmade episodic film/animation. Trek fans will just grow old, and the franchise will die with them.
Is Shatner’s appearance in STXI worth all of that?
Hell no.
I have been waiting two decades for Star Trek to move beyond Shatner and co. and recast my favorite characters. Nimoy’s Spock was always my favorite, and is the perfect choice to tie it all together. That’s enough nostalgia for this movie. Any degree of Shatner (beyond maybe a voiceover for the opening monologue) would, IMO, be too much.
My kids and their peers will decide how successful this movie will be. You and I are going to show up anyway.
My kids could not care less that William Shatner isn’t in it. They (and their peers) weren’t even alive the last time Shatner portrayed JTK. It doesn’t matter to those who matter. As much as we might be saddened by this fact, we (meaning older fans like me) are not as relevant to the future of Star Trek as we think we are.
Bill Shatner killed his character…poorly, and its no longer 1984.
#85–Extremely well put.
Ahhhh…. the Shat thread.
Shatner should do a spoof movie called “Space Movie”, make fun of his self & former character, and hog the face time all he wants. He can get his “Kirk urges” out there.
If Shatner was in “Star Trek”, I think that is what it would turn into.
The Shat Show.
Chris Pine as “The Shat”
Sweet.
85 is a genius. Go Hawks.
I will not be partaking in this discussion, thank you.
Shatner ISN’T in it!? Holy crap, when did that news leak out?
;)
Been there, said that.
kg
Those Actors Defined Those Characters. You Want a Younger cast for Trek?
it’s Been done:Next Generation, and their movies sucked. Oh, but hey let’s all sacrifice our Favorite Sci fi series for What The Kids are all about these Days, what they think Is cool, or Who. you wanna Know What They’re all about? I believe Bill Hicks Said it best: “Demons Set loose upon the Earth to lower the standard!!” Personally I don’t give a damn What Anyone’s Kids Think. Trek Had Ballz Back Then. That’s What I want to see in Trek again.
“Cowboy diplomacy” from the Man who Brought to life The Character Who Invented it. There, now Censor Me or Ban Me Or Whatever.
88. MDSHiPMN –
“Shatner should do a spoof movie called “Space Movie”, make fun of his self & former character, and hog the face time all he wants. He can get his “Kirk urges” out there.”
Oh you are right. This movie will be made. Shatner’s already answering the phone. I can see it all so clearly.
Will the Shatner comics be written in Esperanto?
Wow…I post funny things when I drink, No apologies here, it’s just I don’t really think I care that much about this whole deal. Yes I know I post legibly, but that’s because I’m also a perfectionist. Hee Hee
Trek budgets were always modest and yet up until the last 2 films, managed to turn a nice profit for Paramount:
http://www.the-numbers.com/movies/series/StarTrek.php
I’m uneasy with the notion that BIGGER is necessarily better. And that BO is the holy grail. Trek perked along quite nicely for a long time with its formula of character and plot over huge effects, etc.
It’s done. Why does he have to bring it up again? He shot the horse already. No reason to keep shooting the poor thing.
Since the new movie is done filming, there’s not much the Shat can do. He can wind all he wants. Since he’s a director, maybe he can be a director for the next Trek movie and cast himself in it and figure a way to bring Kirk back to life. Maybe we’ll get to see the old Mac monitor in the turbolift and the plush carpeting on the bridge again.
Well, I consider no part of Trek tainted by Berman Braga as canon, just as part of a low quality mirror universe. So for me, Kirk actually never died.
This sucks.
Shatner agreed to dieing onscreen as Berman told him in no uncertain terms that there would be no more TOS Trek so he figured he may as well do it.
He obviously should have passed just like Nimoy & Kelley did but took the money for an extended cameo even though Nimoy & Kelley had both advised him against it due to story issues.
The original ST7 story was to feature both crews TOS in the first part then handed over to the TNG one to solve the mystery but Berman nixed that idea to focus on the TNG crew as that was obviously his baby and future.
Everyone makes mistakes in life and Shatner has admitted this was one of his so not fair to hold it against him forever is it.
ST11 is most definately the last chance for Shatner to appear as future movies are unlikely to feature time travel.
He is so obviously not going to be in it and for me and many other TOS fans that is why I will not bother seeing the movie as Nimoy has never ever functioned as Spock without Kirk (or his other TOS co-stars) and it worked onscreen so cannot see that changing now.
To have a time travel story and an elderly Spock who will be aware of his great friends death and do nothing about changing this is poor storytelling and ignores the canon events of ST3+4 where Kirk risked everything to save his friend.
#99
Well, ignoring the unwatchable Generations, Kirk has probably died of old age at the time of Picard and co. I know McCoy is still alive, but he is a doctor… ;)
This discussion is tiresome. Actually I wanted to never again give a comment on it.
But I still think that it was the worst decission not to include Shatner as old Kirk into the movie. He and Nimoy together one last time would have been awesome.
As for the story: Kirk risked everything, his ship, even his own son to bring Spock back from the dead. What does Spock? Nothing. He has a time-ship in the movie, dammit! He could just go back in time and save his friend! Spock WOULD have done that.
Maybe the return of Kirk is not what JJ and friends want this story to be about, but it should be about it. Kirks death is a stain on Star Trek. Even more so when they are now doing prequels, because we all know that the great hero Kirk will one day fall off a bridge. Duh. Great! Just great!
Maybe this movie will be fantastic, but I cannot care about it any longer as it will be unbearable for me to watch it when I know that old Kirk could have been a part of it.
As for the hatred agaist Mr. Shatner on this board. You should all be ashamed of yourself.
#99 This is why I do not understand why JJ and Co. are always telling that the only thing preventing them from including William Shatner into the movie as old Kirk was because he died in Generations. He would have been dead anyway… so this CAN’T be the reason! So I cannot imagine JJ wanting Shatner to be a part of Star Trek 12 either. I am really anxious to hear his reasons for not including him then…
Err the last sentence is meant as answer to #102 not #99 ;) Sorry :)
#2
- Shatner’s absence is more felt that Nimoy’s addition. -
Well put.
#86
- TSFS was a fanboy film…nothing more. -
- Nimoy can be included because his character does not carry with him the baggage of being dead! In fact, his character is alive and well. -
If it hadn’t been for that “fanboy” film, Nimoy’s character wouldn’t be alive and well. But now, due to this “nothing more-fanboy” film from way back when, he’ll be time travelling back and forth, probably in order to save young Kirk and they will exchange their long and prospers or whatever is en vogue at the time, and then he will tell young Kirk that he somewhere along the way will risk his career, sacrifice his son, lose his ship to save him, Spock, and that some years later he, Spock, won’t risk saving Kirk because it might alter some timelines although time travel will be part of their lives by then and will probably be the reason why Spock is able to talk to and save young Kirk in the first place. Hell, he even wouldn’t be able to recognize Little Jim if Big Jim hadn’t retrieved his Katra, ya know. And who knows, maybe only Big Jim’s resurrection will make Spock’s talk to Little Jim possible – I’m sure Spock would be able to compute the chances for that scenario. Thank Heavens, he’s alive. :)
- Star Trek cannot get away with what it did in 1984. STXI would tank so bad that Trek would be forever relegated to novels, comics, and fanmade episodic film/animation. Trek fans will just grow old, and the franchise will die with them.
Is Shatner’s appearance in STXI worth all of that?
Hell no. -
Your prophetic skills never fail to amaze me. I wonder why we keep discussing this topic at all if you know the outcome already…;)
BTW Closettrekker, glad you’re okay! I hope Shatner Fan’s alright, too!
#103
100% agreement.
I have much respect for William Shatner. He has managed to have a succesfull career well into his Autumn Years. I am glad, however, that he is not in this movie. He is not really a good actor. His style has been, is now and always shall be : Over the Top!! Not larger than life or grandiose…just over the top.
It was fun when I was a young feller, but I have grown up and his style did not. His over the top impersonation of himself really stopped working after STIV.
So I think that while JJ and Co are very respectful of Mr. Shatner with their excused for his not being in the movie, I think that they wanted Star Trek to be a little more serious. More in line with todays sensibilities and what people are used to seeing on screen today. Take a look at movies from the 50’s and 60’s. People don’t speak like that anymore. If they ever did.
Looking forward to seeing Chris Pine as the new Captain Kirk – a character defined and invented by Roddenberry. Roddenberry’s Kirk was young, feisty, dynamic, foolhardy, lively, strong, lusty, and physical. I don’t particularly want to see the character of Kirk as defined by Roddenberry as a Depends wearing, overweight, gray haired, forgetful, worn out, arthritic old man. This recasting is way overdue.
Nimoy is quite happy to be passing on the torch to a young actor who he feels is good enough to do the role of Spock justice. Lets hope Shatner feels the same.
#107
Talking about age and physical fitness may sound unfair. Just to be clear, I love Shatner and Shatner’s Kirk, but in my opinion age is an important factor. The older Indy in Crystal Skulls left me sort of detached. Ford is in a stunning shape to be a 66 yo man, but *that* Indiana Jones was not the one I knew and loved. The same for Kirk, in my opinion.
#98
To even THINK of Shatner , Star Trek and director in the same sentence is a cardinal sin. It brings such ramifications as STV and the total destruction of Trek. Your penance is to watch STV 5 times in a row without closing your eyes or cringing at the embarrassing parts.
I have to have a chuckle at Bill’s eye rolling about it being ’science fiction’ and bringing him back Jurassic Park style. I know that Kirk is a legend and all, but why would somebody want to bring back a 70 year old Star Fleet captain. In that sense it defies logic and credibility.
#110
Totally agreed. “Science fiction” is not the same as “we can do everything and have it credible”. Even Spock’s resurrection, in my humble opinion, was kind of fanboyish and hard to believe. All the Generations mess was fanboyish in wanting to have both Captains on screen. It’s time for something new, more serious.
ok… spock has a time machine and he isnt gonna try and save the life of his long dead best friend???
cue shatners cameo at the end after spock(s) change the timeline and prevent kirks death in the progress…the end
Wasn’t the article about the “Shatner Presents” comic book series? Which I think is a pretty good concept.
My last thoughts on the Shatner issue. I am saddened that he is not in the new film. There should be a way to include him and I still hold out the faintest of hopes that since the film does not come out until May of 2009 that it could still happen. Will I still see the film? Of course! Wil I enjoy it? Most likely. But as I am someone who has watched Trek from the beginning, i feel cheated to the fact that Shatner and Nimoy could not appear one last time as Kirk and Spock. Call it fanboy, wishful thinking, whatever! That is the way I feel and I will always support the franchise, but I think Paramount and J.J. missed the boat on this one.
… I mean: most of the article.
Sure, I really hoped they could fix it at first but now I’m just sick of this whole discussion. What I’m most sick of is Shatner himself, who had the chance but didn’t take it and yet he’s pouting now.
“The Shat” has one thing very much in common with “The Hoff”. Both of them has an ego which by far exceeds their acting talent.
“But wait, didn’t Shatner’s Kirk die on screen in Star Trek Generations in 1994? He rolled his eyes. “It’s science fiction! If we’re trying to put together the DNA of a dinosaur dead for a 160 million years, why can’t scientists take a molecule that’s floating around and bring back Kirk?”
Or we can do like I’ve always thought that that movie never happened.
The Shat is everywhere…TV, the web, now comics….even in JJ’s movie?? Maybe…..
shatner could have easily played a kirk family member, the drunk, abusive uncle?
perfect.
or, he could have appeared in a future scene that occurred before the 1701B incident…
easily.
no shat = movie not as good as it could be, though it still might be a great trek installment…
of course, they sold nemesis with much the same hype, didnt they?
non trek director, totally new direction and feel…
and we ended up with data and picard kicking up rooster tails in a starfleet issue ‘mad max’ mobile and worf sing the most frilliest of show tunes…
wtf?
119. # “no shat = movie not as good as it could be”
I think we should be grateful the dignity of Kirk is being maintained.
97- It doesn’t seem to me that Shatner is the one who keeps bringing it up. He just has to keep answering the same questions because there are no shortages of unimaginative reporters who ask him the same questions for forty years now.
Could people stop for a minute and ask how they themselves would be handling all this if they were in his shoes? I don’t know if I would do much better myself. The man sounds genuinely saddened more than angry, and I for one can understand why he is. And I don’t blame him. Take the speck out of your eye before to try to remove a log from someone else’s.
#103- “As for the hatred agaist Mr. Shatner on this board. You should all be ashamed of yourself. ”
Very true! Without his contributions, “Trek” could be “Lost in Space,” like many other long-shelved-and-forgotten 60’s sci-fi shows (”Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea,” “Time Tunnel,” “Land of the Giants,” etc.)
113. Holger – September 17, 2008
Wasn’t the article about the “Shatner Presents” comic book series? Which I think is a pretty good concept.
You are absolutely right. It is a great concept and I will certainly check it out.
103. Admiral_Bumblebee – September 17, 2008
As for the hatred agaist Mr. Shatner on this board. You should all be ashamed of yourself.
I don’t think that people here hate Mr. Shatner. There are just strong opinions about weather or not he should be included in the reboot. Although, if you are refering to the talk of his age and appearance, you are right. Those things should have no bearing on the discussion.
Getting Shatner in the movie in a satisfying way would not have to hijack the entire plot. In fact, it could be done in one final scene – assuming that Shatner would agree to this cameo.
I’ll repost the following from another forum. I first typed this 4 months ago:
_____
We’ve heard that the plot involves Spock traveling back in time to the original series to try to fix the time-line. I’m assuming the the big baddie, Nero, has messed it up to destroy the Federation and/or Kirk/Spock. Obviously Spock will succeed in stopping him. Also it is obvious that his repaired time-line will be similar, but not necessarily identical to, the one we know from Next Gen, DS9, Voyager, etc. This will allow them to deviate from established continuity in future films. It also means that the surprise could be that Kirk is still alive after the events of Generations.
I’m assuming that Spock returns to his own time at the end of the movie and could quite reasonably run into Kirk in this now modified time-line.
____________________
Spock, raising an eyebrow: “Aren’t you supposed to be dead?”
Kirk, smiling: “Aren’t you?”
Spock: “I seem to have failed in restoring the time-line. – Fascinating.”
Kirk: “Spock, I’d say you did just fine. Shall we call this one close enough, or would you rather try going back in time until I’m dead?”
Spock, hiding a slight smile: “Your assessment is logical. As you put it, we will have to call this time-line “close enough”.”
Roll Credits
__________________
See? Neat and simple. Plus, since Kirk is now alive in the late 24th century, it establishs in 4 lines that the time line is similar enough to include all the established Trek series as still valid, but different enough to allow Abrams to do anything he wants in future movies.
William Shatner today is barely even physically recognizable as the character of Captain Kirk. Nimoy, on the other hand, can probably grow into the role of an elderly Spock much more gracefully, I think, because Spock was never a physically dynamic character (although in TOS he did have that undercurrent of power held barely in check). Kirk, on the other hand, has ALWAYS been, and MUST be a physically dramatic character. Even in Undiscovered Country and Generations, he kicked a bit of ass and it pretty convincing, considering the guy was already in his 60’s. But generally, It doesn’t matter if he’s lounging in the Captains chair or whatnot, Kirk has to look like he could jump up and give you a 1-2 punch or shoulder roll at any given moment. I don’t honestly think Shatner can remotely convey that now, as he’s approaching 80.
Jurrasic Kirk would be kind of useless without his Katra, but it’s nice to know that the “echo” of JTK is enjoying his retirement jumping horses as well as Antonia in the Nexus… OMG it really is time to get back to basics and give this canon an enema! I look forward to a story that isn’t crushing under the weight of everything that has gone on before!
BTW Closettrekker, thanks for taking the bait!!!
#126, well put. I love TOS and the original cast, but it’s time to move on. Perhaps someday we’ll have a TNG reboot as well.
Kirk is dead.
Okay, and THAT’S a road block?!?!?!
Spock was dead. Hell, McCoy was dead, Chekov was Dead, etc etc.
In a reality where spaceships run on crystals and we can make coffee and shirts and weapons from thin air, death is a story stumbling point?
Don’t buy it at all.
However, I understand wanting the reason he is alive to make sense, and that could be hard to portray in a film relaunching a franchise. And it also is quite understandable that the actor doesn’t want to go through the motions for a 2 minute cameo.
But to say he’s dead and that’s the reason nothing further can be done is stupid in a franchise that has made a point of saying death is not the end.
The problem isn’t resurrecting Kirk, Im sure some writers could find a neat way of doing it, the problem is that it would take up a large part of a film to do it. And Thats not the goal at this point in the franchises history. The goal is to bring the fans back to Star Trek so it can make money again and prosper for years to come. So we need a film that will do that. Im not sure a film about undoing the death of an aging hero is what the franchise needs right now. If the fans unhappy with Generations want to do something about it, make a fan film and ask Shatner to participate.
But I don’t think there is a way to bring him back in a major motion picture and have it all tied up in a few minutes, something like that would need a a large part of the movie dedicated to undoing a man’s death.
I can’t wait for the new Priceline ad where Chris Pine is going over his lines and Shatner comes in and wonders why he is not in the commercial!
“I don’t think that people here hate Mr. Shatner. ”
Oh I don’t know about that. lol It’s pretty obvious, either from his unshakable success, his personal life, his supposed “ego” or his SNL skit or the fact that he is just so popular, a lot of people don’t like him. But, by the same token, a lot more do.
He would be great in the new movie, I hope they sneak him in.
#2: I agree. Stick Shat in the next movie.
Would be cool if they had planted an easter egg to allude to him showing up in ST2
I think that the ST XI will be everything we’ve all wanted in a Star Trek movie. A fresh and modern take on the established universe, a welcome “re-imagining” of the entire franchise. And that’s what it is, a “re-imagining” not a reboot like Batman Begins.
Apparently, Shatner refused a cameo part in the film. If that’s true, then it’s his own fault that he is not a part of the movie because a cameo is the only way it would have worked.
I know that the Shatner debate has been ongoing on these boards forever but up until now I have not participated. I have to chime in here. I don’t care that the Shat is old, or that he’s a bit pudgy, or that Kirk died onscreen. I think that he should have a cameo on the new movie, and I think that in the hands of JJ and co. it could have been handled in a plausible way.
He could have done a voiceover for the opening credits and appeared at the end, alive and well, when Spock returns to the 24th century. This would please the rabid fanboys who need to see Shatner as Kirk one last time as well as not interfere with the story that JJ and co. are going for.
Also, in term of respecting previously established canon and characters, I have to agree with some of the other posters on the board. If Spock has the ability to travel through time, whether it be future or alien technology, or just a good old fashioned slingshot maneuver, I think he would make every effort to save his best friend. And maybe if Shatner had agreed to the cameo, we would have seen him at the end.
Since he didn’t agree to the cameo, I think that circumstances in the story may force old Spock to chose to save the Federation instead of risking everyone’s future to save Kirk.
Who know? Maybe Shatner and JJ will come to their senses and do the voiceover and fillm the cameo for the end of the movie. Maybe it’s already done and they are keeping it secret!
There is still lots of time left…
Come on Mr Orci, make it happen!
William Shatner is one heart beat away from going where he has never gone before. Until that day comes, people will always think of ways to bring him back.
I think if you asked anyone under 40 today who Clayton Moore is, they would have no idea. Someday, the name William Shatner will suffer the same fate. As will most celebrities from days gone by.
After all, I drive by Lillian Gish Blvd. all the time near where I live. She was a lot more famous in her day than William Shatner. If you are wondering who Lillian Gish is, then I rest my case.
3 words for your consideration….
TEKWAR: THE MOVIE ;)
LOL, I don’t want a ‘re-constituted’ William Shatner ‘Kirk’ ala the ridiculous ‘re-constituted Sigourney Weaver ‘Ripley’ in Alien 4….but there are a few good alternative ways that a ‘future’, post -’Generations’ Kirk could have been integrated by good writers that CHOSE to really go down that route.
Ah well, there’s always the sequel perhaps. All I know for sure is that I will miss an appearance by him in this Movie by Leonard’s side….
What a great idea! A molecular based rebuilt CAPTAIN JAMES T KIRK!
maybe he will have extra strength like the $6 million man!!
# 86 … “Any degree of Shatner (beyond maybe a voiceover for the opening monologue) would, IMO, be too much.”
I want 451 degrees of Shatner!!! Enough to set the silver screen on fire!!
#105 … Hello, my friend. I live to endorse The Shat another day!! :-)
#135. Joe Schmoe
Who was that masked man?…
kg
Ifsomeone was going to clone James T. Kirk, why would they make him a chubby 77 year old instead of one in his prime?
Old and Busted Kirk is dead!!!
Long live New Hotness JTK!!!
#130…
LOL I’d love to see that too!
Who is this “Shatner” you all keep talking about? ;-)
135
Hi-o. I remember Clayton Moore. I remember he wanted to keep wearing the mask (and did) in public even after the studio said he couldn’t. They even hit him with an injunction from what I remember. After all they did own the rights to the character but they sure did seem to beat up on an old man who just loved being the character. As I recall it got real ugly and looked real petty on the studio’s part. IMO.
I wasn’t around in the silent era of course but I remember Gish. I’m a TCM fan.
Maybe this story didn’t afford a spotlight on bringing old Kirk back but Shatner is always Kirk to me. And Jay Silver Heels is still Tonto.
“He just has to keep answering the same questions because there are no shortages of unimaginative reporters who ask him the same questions for forty years now.”
Honestly, I don’t know how the cast hasn’t gone mad after having been asked the same questions for 40 years.
“Oh I don’t know about that. lol It’s pretty obvious, either from his unshakable success, his personal life, his supposed “ego” or his SNL skit or the fact that he is just so popular, a lot of people don’t like him. But, by the same token, a lot more do.”
So true. I know from personal experience just as a fan on the sidelines on several occasions that he was nothing but gracious and polite.
143
Ha. I love a comedian.
I cant believe people hate shatner this much, I bet you if it wasnt for Shatner’s kirk this franchise would have died years ago…..Many people associate Star Trek with Shatner not Nimoy hate to tell you this, but many people see Kirk as Star Trek not nimoy, stewart, data or anyone else.
How can you call yourself a star trek fan when you cant support the one man who most people not fanboys or girls call there favorite part of star trek.
#147 – absolutely.
Oh great… hee we go again with the wild blanket statements again…
“Nimoy without Shatner will seem awkward….”
WHAT?
I don’t recall seeing anyone complaining when Nimoy appeared in ST:TNG when he was an Ambassador working on Romulus… that didn’t seem awkward at all.
Everytime it seems that someone wants to do something with Shatner as it relates to Star Trek, he either makes outragous demands for cash, demands the story be restructured around his character or refuses to appear in a cameo (aka Johanthan Harris from Lost in Space).
A guest spot pays what it pays. No demand for more cash should ever been considered because the actor personally beliees that’s the way it should be.
The story should always serve the main cast and their characters… not the guest star.
And if he thinks he’s too good to do a cameo because he’s a “legitimate” actor… then he shouldn’t be in the film anyway.
EGO thy name is William Shatner.
Can’t get the man to appear on ENTERPRISE… role was too small and he wanted too much money to do it.
Cameo in the new movie? Nope… Shatner doesn’t do cameos.
Rumored at one point that they were trying to get him into a TNG episode… again… re-write and give me more money… its all about Kirk and no one else.
I’ve always enjoyed Shatner as Kirk… but there comes a time when the man over estimates his importance to anything Trek after all these years.
It boils down to this…
If Shatner wants to have a hope in hell of doing any move appearene in Trek in any incarnation… he’s gonna have to be a little more humble and drop the ego. That’s the bottom line.
Just in….William Shatner is responsible for global warming. I know a lot of you are tired of those of us who wish he was in the film but the flip side is becoming pretty amusing too.
#149 “I don’t recall seeing anyone complaining when Nimoy appeared in ST:TNG when he was an Ambassador working on Romulus… that didn’t seem awkward at all.”
It was a tad dry if you ask me. Likewise, Shatner sans Nimoy in Generations felt lacking. Shatner and Nimoy as a team were always greater than the sum of their parts.
FYI for thought, shatner not being in this movie has been reported on.
usatoday
CNN
foxnews
cnbc
msnbc
et
e news
cbsnews
today show
abc news
msn news
not to mention numerous movie websites
Nimoy on the other hand has been reported on by maybe a few.
I have seen news on him and the movie on websites like
cnn
fox
and usatoday.
Just look at that Shatner is out selling Nimoy in publicity on these sites at least 10 to 1. Can you imagine what is going to happen next winter and spring? Everything will be about Shatner this and shatner that. Not trying to beat a dead horse or anything just seems like facts to me.
Yawnnnnn…
wake me when the movie comes out.
(Or when they release a photo of the Enterprise)
Bill- haven’t you got enough to do?
#101 – “To have a time travel story and an elderly Spock who will be aware of his great friends death and do nothing about changing this is poor storytelling and ignores the canon events of ST3+4 where Kirk risked everything to save his friend.”
Valid point you make… one problem…. Spock’s katra had been implanted into McCoy’s mnd making the recovery somewhat easier. In Kirk’s case, we can go back and reanimate the decomposed corpse into a lively zombie like existence. How much fun would that be?
@149 Biodredd – Great post!!
@152 Jee, I don’t know but could that possible be due to the fact the he is already talking to them about his book or about Boston Legal??
I don’t hate William Shatner, I just think he needs to be put back on the ground. Have Pat Stewart ever behaved in this matter? Pouting and whining although the whole thing is his own fault. The answer is a big NO. Yet he is about 1 000,000 times better actor than “The Shat”.
#106
“So I think that while JJ and Co are very respectful of Mr. Shatner with their excused for his not being in the movie, I think that they wanted Star Trek to be a little more serious.”
Then how come so many participants in the film have talked about “the humor” of the film? Why cast Pegg as Scotty? And so on.
Mr. Shatner is more than capable of a wide range of acting. It’s determined by the material and the direction.
#110
“I know that Kirk is a legend and all, but why would somebody want to bring back a 70 year old Star Fleet captain. In that sense it defies logic and credibility”
Why not bring back a 70 year old retired Star Fleet hero? Or a 70 year old friend?
Besides, by the 23rd century, wouldn’t the 70’s be like middle age, considering advances in human medicine?
In today’s military, high ranking officers can serve until age 62. In the future, it would not seem far fetched for service to extend beyond age 100 for senior officers.
Regards.
Okay I do have a question
Does this film take place before TOS mission or does it take place after TOS mission and Star Trek The Motion Picture.
Lets be real about this, Shatner wants MONEY. If he truly loved his character or the franchise he would agree to do “Trek” things regardless of the amount he is being paid. Does anyone know how much Nimoy is getting paid? Probably not, and the reason is because he doesn’t make a gigantic deal about it. For Shatner is about exposing and expanding his “brand” so to speak and not the actual Star Trek universe. If you bring back Kirk then you why not bring back Archer and Sisko and have a Super Captain Friends team up?
“Why not bring back a 70 year old retired Star Fleet hero? Or a 70 year old friend?”
Exactly. These people who think Kirk has to come back with fists swinging and kicks flying can’t seem to grasp the idea of these characters and how they have aged…which is, in itself a very interesting and unexplored part of the TOS universe.
Kirk never got to be 70 years old because he died in Generations. Was it a unworthy death? Maybe yes, but guess what? That happens in real life too. Not everyone gets to grow old but dies prematurely. That happened to James T. Kirk, as unfortunate that might be. May he rest in peace below those rocks on the Veridian III mountain top.
F*ck that!
Kirk lives…
If we can have a holo-Doctor, we can have a holo-Kirk!
SHATNER THREAD INSTRUCTIONS:
Locate dead horse
Find stick or other striking device
Arrange stick or other implement in hand it fits most comfortably
Beat dead horse
Repeat til May 2009
All Hail Zombie Kirk!
#161 “Kirk never got to be 70 years old because he died in Generations. ”
Two words: Alternate Timeline. The events of Generations are every bit as much a ghost as Kirk is…in that OTHER timeline :).
spot on post number 2.
its awkward alright. id have preferred niether were in it rather than one without the other. Shatner is 100% correct, it is science fiction however i guess its not abrams job to put right what has gone wrong in the past. he is saddled with the whole franchise relaunch,
still i am excited though, but very sad that shatner isnt in it.
Greg UK
THX#164- LOL! See 69 Forward for current assignment.
Well, they say there’s no such thing as bad publicity. Shatner is in the public eye a lot, and at least he’s MENTIONING the film.
Ultimately… I don’t mind that Kirk is absent, er, dead, from the new movie… but how about this scenario.
Spock, while readying to go back in time to save the universe or whatever, tracks down the Nexus and removes whatever is left of Kirk in there. Remember, Guinan said a part pf you remains in the Nexus, or something to that effect. Then Spock and Kirk go back in time, hand in hand, and kick some Nero butt!!!! That should make Kirk lovers happy, huh?
All references above to Kirk should read “Old Kirk”.
I’ve no interest in seeing Shatner in the new movie. This film isn’t about the old Kirk, but the young Kirk that we’ve never met. I’ll be interested in seeing how Abrams worked Nimoy into the plot, because to me that feels more like propaganda to boost the popularity of the new movie with old school fans. I really don’t need either of them in it to want to see. I also wouldn’t be offended by their presence either.
Always amazes me when some people think Bill Shatner might be in the next movie. I mean isn’t the point of this movie to recast the roles and then move forward with the story…or uhm I mean backward and THEN forward with this reboot, oh wait they said not a reboot, Ok then prequel uhm but no not exactly a preqel, well then remake but no not a remake, true to canon but made for a “new”audience movie?
Seems to me it was a case of now or never for Bill to appear as Kirk again, and sadly it appears that opportunity may be lost forever.
#156 – Then how come so many participants in the film have talked about “the humor” of the film? Why cast Pegg as Scotty? And so on.
OK. You know as well as I do that serious movies require comic relief or else they will be difficult to swallow. Maybe I could have explained myself more betterer. It was my intention to convey that maybe the director and producers want the movie to be a little less buffoonish than it would be with the wonderful Mr. Shatner. Humour does not always equal silly. Although silly can be humourous, it would diminish the reverence with which many of us hold Star Trek.
#173 “It was my intention to convey that maybe the director and producers want the movie to be a little less buffoonish than it would be with the wonderful Mr. Shatner. ”
It only qualifies as “bufoonish” if it is written and performed that way. I think the producers and writers are much smarter than that.
ASF33 post #172
i dont think any of us would be having this debate if NONE of the old cast were appearing in this movie. I think it might have been better all round. a clean sweep featuring the new crew only….as much as i love mr nimoy.
theres a glaring hole with the shat not included that cant be ignored. sure im excited about this film but i might feel that a fantastic opportunity is being missed here to get the two of them together again as kirk and spock on the silver screen. probably might even be the last time it could be done. thats a terrible shame.
greg
UK
As Roberto Orci pointed out in another thread: if the story is what we all think it’s about, surely the outcome will give Kirk a fighting chance to live.
Frankly all Spock has to say is: ‘Don’t go to the launch of the Enterprise-B’ and the problem is solved. Kirk would most likely be dead in the TNG era anyway, but maybe he had a better death.
Of course, surviving Generations, could just condemn him to a slow death from cancer, Alzheimer’s or their 23rd century equivalent.
I’d rather there was a tantalising possibility of something there for Chris Pine’s Kirk to feature in in many years’ time when he’s the Shatner’s age in Generations!
if he was in the movie you guys would be screaming bloody murder over canon since he died in generations
you just can’t win with this crowd
accept it KIRK IS DEAD
Three words, with apologies to our friend Bones:
“You’re dead, Jim.”
Shatner is too old and too fat for Jim Kirk. Had Shatner had self control and lost about 80 lbs, yes he could do Kirk. But he would be a laughing stock if he tried now. Besides he’s DEAD. The greedy bastard took the money and screwed the fans. Now he want’s to cry about being left out. SCREW HIM!
#75 Lostrod…
from someone who DID speak with him…
“The bigger thing was that he was very vocal that he didn’t want to do a cameo. We tried desperately to put him in the movie, but he was making it very clear that he wanted the movie to focus on him significantly…” JJ Abrams
I think that pictures pretty clear and if he didn’t know then, he has to know now… and yet continues with what I described in #55.
And what of the rest…? Another rescue from death’s (now very deep) embrace?
I don’t care if it is science fiction, or “Nimoy did it, so Shat’s due a return!”
No he’s not. And it’s not because he’s Shatner, it’s because this resurrection thing is overdone.
I want a good Trek story, not a story to give back a part to an actor who gave it up.
#179 Barf,
I think your first three sentences are out of line. Have an opinion, but I don’t think you should insult.
#32 – that idea gets m,y fote!
All Hail to the Shatner!
I still wonder how an OLD spock is going to “save the day”
““The bigger thing was that he was very vocal that he didn’t want to do a cameo. We tried desperately to put him in the movie, but he was making it very clear that he wanted the movie to focus on him significantly…” JJ Abrams ”
As yes, but WHEN did this occur? Back in the original pitches in 2006? Shatner has repeatedly said he never heard from JJ again after them.
182. That person in the background of star trek V
I have just 3 words : logically
i’ll miss Kirk, the original and genuine, in ST XI… who knows? Perhaps in ST XII they bring back Kirk…. or even in Star Trek: New Voyages…. i believe ST XI shall ended up with all his racket organized around his Majesty the King Cawley:-P
#172 – how is it not a prequel?
I can’t help but wonder if there are actors in this film that won’t be acknowledged by anyone associated with the project until it is officially released. It would not be the first time moviegoers were treated to a top secret twist or surprise character making an appearance in a blockbuster film. If such a plan was in the works than those actors would have to deny their involvement or risk ruining the surprise.
I would love Bill to watch his own appearance on The Late Late Show where he scoffed at the concept of ‘but it’s SciFi!’ as a way to resurrect his character. Of course, that was before he knew he wasn’t in it! ;)
147.
Exactly.
149.
That Next Gen episode (like most) was very boring.
I vaguely remember that interview — the one with Craig Ferguson (is that his name?). Wasn’t that in late (Nov/Dec) of 2006? They were talking about his meetings with the writers and the problem of Kirk being dead but it was interesting that Shatner clearly expected to hear further from JJ & Crew. I think he said something along the lines of waiting to see what they come up with. Seemed like Ferguson had a clue about Trek which was nice.
147. That person in the background of star trek V – September 17, 2008
“How can you call yourself a star trek fan when you cant support the one man who most people not fanboys or girls call there favorite part of star trek.”
I don’t think it’s up to you to detemine what the definition of a Trek fan is or what they should do or what they are to think.
JJ Abrams is a master of viral marketing….and a master of surprises storyline twists.
That’s all I’m going to say, other than once again state I won’t be surprised at all if Shatner really is in the film, and this is all an ELABORATE and (now thanks to the changed release date) DRAWN OUT HOAX by JJ and Mr. Shatner et al.