VegasTrekCon10: Shatner Talks Star Trek ’09 & Chris Pine in ‘Captains’ Doc + Nimoy: ‘Never Say Never’ for Star Trek Sequel

One of the biggest highlight’s this weekend at the Star Trek Convention was the joint appearance of Star Trek’s original Kirk and Spock: William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. The discussions covered the new Star Trek movies, details on Shatner’s The Captains documentary, Star Trek history and more. There was also a surprise appearance by Patrick Stewart. A full report and lots of photos below.

 

Nimoy: Never say never to more Star Trek + talks TOS, TNG & more

The Nimoy and Shatner show on Saturday started out with Leonard Nimoy solo quickly going to Q&A. A highlight was a question regarding returning for one more time for the 2012 Star Trek sequel. Nimoy started his answer by again praising the new Spock, Zachary Quinto, as "a very talented and well-trained actor", saying he is "very proud that [Spock] has a new life, and is preformed by a very talented young man." Nimoy demurred on the notion of appearing in the next Star Trek film, noting that the writers used him effectively to "bridge the gap" in the first film, but he didn’t "see the need" to appear in the sequel. The audience of course did not agree, with a round of applause to show they wanted him back. Nimoy then offered this ray of hope to the fans, noting "I have learned in my Star Trek career – never to say never."

Leonard Nimoy
Nimoy not entirely ruling out a return to Star Trek but doesn’t expect it (Photo: Brian Wilkins)

The rest of the Q&A covered a lot of familiar territory like his famous "Shatner stole my bike" story, and his favorite TOS episodes (which would be "Amok Time", "Devil in the Dark", "This Side of Paradise", and "Space Seed" ). He noted that for these and other great episodes, writers like DC Fontana and Theodore Sturgeon don’t get enough credit for the quality of Star Trek. Nimoy was also asked if he thought Star Trek: The Next Generation lived up to the original Star Trek. The actor said he didn’t like to compare them, but noted how TNG "had it’s own qualities and it’s own tonality." Nimoy did admit that he was first skeptical when he learned "they were doing a show without us", but then saw that it was a good show with its own "wonderful quality that deserved to be around a long time."

A funny moment came when a young fan asked about directing the pon farr scenes in Star Trek III, and he cracked up the crowd replying "Pon farr is a delicate subject." It was interesting how many young kids were in the audience and asking questions, which was something that Nimoy noted as a good thing to see Star Trek appealing to yet another generation.

Leonard Nimoy
Nimoy answers fan questions at Star Trek convention (Photo: Brian Wilkins)

Shatner: Finally seen Star Trek 2009 + Pine to join Captains doc +STV lessons

Nimoy’s solo time transitioned for Shatner’s solo time, and the original Kirk began with going over his various projects, like Aftermath, $#!* My Dad Says, Raw Nerve, Weird or What, and his new The Captains doc (more on that below).  Things moved onto Q&A and one of the questions asked him why he doesn’t want to see the new Star Trek movie. Shatner replied with a yell "have I got a surprise…I saw it! I saw that wonderful motion picture!" Bill then recalled how after meeting JJ Abrams before the film was made he "sat by the phone but it never rang" until Leonard Nimoy called with the news of his return to Spock and Bill’s reply was "they are doing it without me?!"

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Shatner updates crowd on projects – revealing Chris Pine will join "The Captains" doc

Regarding Bill’s The Captains doc, Shatner confirmed that Chris Pine, Star Trek’s new Kirk, will be included. The film crew for The Captains were filming his appearance on stage and were also filming Bill around the con (see photo below). Regarding this, Bill said "it was so much fun, walking among you, I’ve never done that before except once before and I was wearing a mask." Recalling interviewing Avery Brooks for The Captains, Bill talked about how impressed he was with his resume as a professor, musician and actor, but noted "Avery Brooks is a magnificent guy, but he is kind of out there." But Bill was so impressed with Brooks’ ability as a jazz pianist he asked him to provide music. Shatner also revealed that he asked George Takei to participate in the documentary and Takei declined. 

William Shatner Dealer Room
Shatner and his "Captains" film crew talking to Celeste Yarnall (TOS: Yeoman Landon) in the dealer room at Star Trek con (Photo: Kayla Iacovino)

Shatner wrapped up his solo time by answering a question on which was his favorite of the original Star Trek feature films. After a pause Shatner (in a mock serious tone) said: "V, V was so good, we had such a good time on V. Everybody loved V. It was huge, it broke records, it was brilliantly received, and it is by far the best movie ever made." Bill then went on to say he learned some hard lessons directing Star Trek V especially on dealing with a budget, noting "I had $30 million and I spent $29 of them before we started shooting."

William Shatner
Shatner laments his lessons learned directing "Star Trek V" (Photo: Brian Wilkins)

Nimoy & Shatner joke and get serious

The panel continued with Leonard Nimoy joining Shatner for some time together on stage, where the two joked around and showed the chemistry built up over decades. Shatner began by berating Nimoy to appear on his new sitcom, which Nimoy declined, noting that he has said yes in the past to working with Bill on Raw Nerve, TJ Hooker and even his Comedy Central Roast. Shatner claimed that Nimoy didn’t appear on his roast, and Nimoy exploded back "you forgot!" [For the record, Nimoy did appear on the show in a taped segment, but not at the actual roast]. The two continued to joke around and at one point Shatner exclaimed "I am having the best time, and they are paying me!"

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Shatner and Nimoy yucking it up at the Star Trek con in Vegas

Although Shatner and Nimoy’s convention appearances are usually full of laughs, this time there actually was a serious moment. Nimoy noted that after all their long years of friendship they "had never talked about what it was like on those sets doing those [original Star Trek] episodes." Shatner then told a story about the day his father passed away while they were in production on "The Devil in the Dark". He was informed of his father’s death at noon and had six hours to fill until the next flight out so he decided to try to work in between but it was a "struggle". "The one thing that I will never forget was your presence like I have seen since then with elephants supporting each other in grief, having a physical presence which is also an emotional presence in support of the other. You were supporting me….your presence got me though that," said Shatner.  For his part, Nimoy revealed  "I don’t know if I have said this, but I want to say how proud of an experience it
was to work with you in those very intense, often difficult and trying times…it was a great and proud experience working with you and I want you to know that and the world to know that."

Kirk & Spock
Bill and Leonard get serious (Photo: Brian Wilkins)

Nimoy, Shatner, and Stewart!

A great bonus moment for the fans came up when Nimoy returned to the stage for his joint appearance with Shatner. Shortly after Nimoy joined Shatner, Patrick Stewart came to the stage to say hi. Captain Picard didn’t stay long, but it was great to see these three Trek icons together.

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Patrick Stewart surprises Nimoy and Shatner

Shatner, Stewart, & Nimoy
Patrick Stewart surprises Nimoy and Shatner (Photo: Brian Wilkins)

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Patrick Stewart hugs William Shatner (Photo: Brian Wilkins)

Stewart & Nimoy
Patrick Stewart hugs Leonard Nimoy (Photo: Brian Wilkins)

 

More Vegas Star Con 2010

For more from the con see our full reports:

…And much more to come with coverage of Voyager, TNG and Enterprise stars

All photos by Anthony Pascale/TrekMovie.com except where otherwise noted

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OMG thats was an amazing article, thank your so much, the photos and the story are very touching :)

Please Mr Nimoy, one more time

Legends…

Sounds like a fantastic session. Loved seeing pictures of the big three up there. Shatner, Nimoy and Stewart. They really are legends.

Would have been epic to have seen the three of them on stage together. Good to hear Shatner finally saw the new movie to.

Man- can’t Shatner hire a trainer and stay away from the burgers for at least a bit? He still looks youngish in the face considering his age but dang he’s a fatso…

I don’t know, part of me would like to see a bit of Nimoy in ST XII but then again I think they should focus on this new crew. Would have been great to see those three onstage together. Think I may have to start saving now to get to next years.

Were these fellows on old show or movie something?? Im from Caspiar and are not familar with American telvision programes. Please explain..

She threw Shat over for Chekov???? Bwahahahaahaha.
OK, it’s been 42 years. It’s still funny.

William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy and Patrick Stewart. God, I wish I had been able to go!

Seems like Shatner and Nimoy’s friendship was cemented during the making of “Devil In The Dark”. Nimoy had cool things to say about TNG which was nice as well.

Cool of Shatner to reach out to George Takei for “The Captains” documentary. Too bad George turned it down. I hope he had a legitimate reason, but if not, then its his loss for which he can’t blame Shatner. Oh well.

#5 I’d settle for doing what he does at the age 79

Shatner, Stewart and Nimoy together, wow proving again what a missed opportunity Generations was…..

This clears up Chris Pine and the Captains…..though shame Takei has declined. At least he was asked.

Great article and photos, and so cool to see the three of them up there! I dont particularly have to see Nimoy in the next one, but Shatner being in it wouldnt bother me. But I have to agree with the above poster, if Shatner lost all that weight he would look 20 years younger.

Im not making fun either, its tough, but wow he does have a spread, just cant help but notice it.

#5

Another “fat Shatner” remark? Can’t we go just ONE thread involving Shatner WITHOUT making a big fuss about his weight?

In my opinion, while he certainly isn’t the ultra-fit captain we knew from TOS anymore, he certainly looks healthy enough to keep himself busy. And I’m sure that even though he is 79, he’d still be able to get himself into shape if wants to or if he gets the call from J.J Abrams.

Great synopsis!! Thanks for keeping us informed! Wish I were there!

#12 Just ignore them. Even if William Shatner created world peace there would be people on here just poking fun about his weight and rug.

I personally believe if Bill lost a ton of weight, he would look a lot older. Shatner and Nimoy are the same age, born the same year. If Shatner was Leonard’s weight, I believe he would be extremely wrinkled and look frail. Whereas being overweight isn’t exactly healthy, it is youthful to the skin.

Loved the article. It is very touching that the relationship Bill and Leonard have is just as strong as Kirk and Spock.

BRING PATRICK STEWART FOR THE TREK SEQUEL !

I really think it would be cool to see Shatner, Nimoy and Stewart do something NON-STAR TREK related sometime. I just think that would be really cool. Maybe some sort of dramatic reading…something. Anything.

It was wonderful that Sirpat popped in to be with spock and Shat. A shame that Bacula and mulgrew did not join them. It would be a “captains” prevue live! Again thanks Anthony for your wonderful coverage. Now you better come and cover Dragon Con! Will be looking for you.

Quite epic, I would say..
Sorry I missed it – this is why
I love Trek. These guys don’t
HAVE to do it. They don’t do
it for the money. They do it for
the fans. Incredible!

#16

I’d gladly listen to those three read from a phonebook. I’m sure they’d come up with hilarious anecdotes. :-)

At the risk of being blasted, I was alarmed at Bill’s appearance. A bit discouraged, really, because I want him to defy those who say he can’t/shouldn’t be in the movie. I still want him in though.

Great article!

The Bill and Leonard double-act never gets old. Unlike the ‘fat Shatner’ cracks. Personally I still want to see him kitted out in some ‘future’ uniform of some sort, in all his well-earned girth. On the other, all J.J. has to do is film him from the chesh upwards to slot him into a ‘cameo’ this time around, if not… If they can work out a possible scenario of course.

20 – Andrew –

You know, I think having Shatner in the next movie wouldn’t be that hard. Now that they’ve introduced the idea of parallel timelines, he could just play a Kirk whose experiences track with the original’s right up until Generations, which this theoretical Kirk would have skipped….

That of course should have said ‘film him from the CHEST upwards…’

Patrick is the most fit looking 70 year old I have ever seen.

I would love for Nimoy to be in the next sequel. I would also still love to see Bill Murray have a part. Yes, seriously. Occasionally, I post that request to anyone who may have interest. I am, and forever shall be a fan of Leonard Nimoy. That man has a special place in my heart. While I am also fond of Bill Murray, I have seen his talent, the man can make you laugh your socks off one minute, and your blood run cold the next. I think it’d be great, for him to have a part (not to mention, he’d clean up real well in a Starfleet uniform).

bring back tng

I might kill indiscriminately to meet any one of them.

I remember reading Vonda N McIntyres novelization of ST III The Search for Spock :
Captain Styles was transmitting “Mayday Mayday” messages just a few hundred miles from Earth Space dock, Uhura was listening in while thinking “serves you right for stealing the Excelsior from Hikaru” .

I also remember George Takei being excited at finally have command of his own ship during the publicity for STVI The Undiscovered Country.

I also recall that he and a lot of fans lobbied Paramount for a Captain Sulu series before “ENTERPRISE” was commissioned .

So Yeah!, it would have been nice for George to forget previous upsets by Shatner and the Studios and to reveal what he would have done with the character of CAPTAIN SULU!

His loss and our loss, unfortunately.

#20 Erik Parrent

Of course! Nice thinking. :)

Even if J.J. and co. didn’t want to have to come up with a storyline that *undid* the PRIME Kirk’s death just to include Bill, then we could at least have seen him onscreen again playing an older NU Kirk instead!!

Pity they didn’t come up with a slightly different ‘time travelling’ storyline in the first movie which allowed for that in some small way, so that we got to see both Leonard (playing older PRIME Spock) AND Bill (playing older NU Kirk) in the same movie at least!

Or maybe they just never thought of how that kind of scenario could have worked… Some may still have bitched about it being a cop-out to actually coming up with something that ‘revived’ the older PRIME Kirk properly though…but I’d have been satisfied with your notion, personally.

Er, I meant # 22 Erik Parrent in my last post.

Damn typos.

mentioned this before but maybe the nexus isnt such a stoopid idea anymore now everyone is loving Inception

theres yor Shatner (and Stewart) cameo – nexus for Trek XII!!

Regarding George Takei not wanting to be a part of the Captains reunion film being made by William Shatner, I am confused by this since there had been rumours of Sulu getting a Captaincy just after ST II The Wrath of Khan those rumours were formented by other references in various forms.
Check out STII Sulu is piloting the shuttle with Admiral Kirk and crew towards NCC 1701 in dry dock and he says, “Any chance to get aboard the Enterprise !!AND CUT!!, it looks like he was about to say more, what was it ?
I remember reading Vonda N McIntyres novelization of ST III The Search for Spock :
Captain Styles was transmitting “Mayday Mayday” messages just a few hundred miles from Earth Space dock, Uhura was listening in while thinking “serves you right for stealing the Excelsior from Hikaru” .

Later, after it was confirmed that Sulu was going to the Captain of the USS Excelsior, I remember George Takei being excited at finally have command of his own ship during the publicity for STVI The Undiscovered Country.

I also recall that he and a lot of fans lobbied Paramount for a Captain Sulu series before “ENTERPRISE” was commissioned .

So Yeah!, it would have been nice for George to forget previous upsets by Shatner and the Studios and to reveal what he would have done with the character of CAPTAIN SULU!

His loss and our loss, unfortunately.

A note to moderators, why was this post deleted before?

^^^ delete this post, silly me, i missed my original, sorry :S

5

What the hell have you ever done?

Will this be the final public convention/event appearance of Nimoy and Shatner together? :(

Anthony, Thanks for including some of my photos in your post. If anyone is interested, I’ve put together a Flickr set over at: http://bit.ly/bYd3KC

Great coverage. I’m sad to have missed it, but thanks to this site and it’s diligent coverage, I almost feel like I was there.

I have seen Shatner in person (many times, in fact), and I’ve met Nimoy once (last year at Comic Con), but it’d be a gas to see them together on stage live.

And the added benefit of Patrick Stewart as well (whom I’ve recently seen in the BBC production of Hamlet with David Tennant in the lead, in which Stewart was utterly magnificent in dual roles as the late King’s ghost and his evil, scheming brother Claudius. IMO, the best since Branagh’s version in 1996).

Again, much thanks for the vicarious ‘tele-presence’ at the con!

‘Never say never”

IShatner and Nimoy in the next ST movie if even for a single scene would bring the house down. If anybody is listening please make it happen.

Amazing. I wish I could be there.

@ 36. Brian Wilkins

Hey!
A Huge THANK YOU for the beautiful pictures :)

Shatner and Nimoy together, one scene, one last time.

Do it. Do it do it do it.

Mr. Shatner saw Star Trek, FINALLY!!!…..CP will be in The Captains!!!!…. I don’t believe…OK it’s awesome!!!!

Thank you for such a wonderful article. I would’ve loved to be there. America is too far away…
Good to hear that Shatner finally watched the new film and that he will be interviewing Pine for the documentary…. but Takei declined……..? Oh well.

I think I’ll just stare at Sir Patrick’s shiny shins now.

Takei declined cause he wasn’t a Captain of the Enterprise.

I was there…one thing I want to add is that Nimoy told Shatner he considers him an “emotional brother,” and Shatner said he felt the same way. Very touching. Also Stewart and Shatner said they loved each other. It was all very sweet.

@ OLLEY: My pleasure.

Absolutely fantastic.

Thank you for a great article.

I love the fact, that even after all these years, the alumni still turn up and give the fans their moneys worth.

Just one of the many things that make Star Trek so very special.

We should all be as fit and healthy as Shatner when we are 79 years old. So he’s put on some weight. It happens to most people. Who cares? He’s probably still more svelte than a lot of the uniformed convention attendees.

@48 LOL! Good one.

Cool. Shatner is the man. The original. The one. THE Captain. Love the man. Has always meant a lot to me. I’ve always said the franchise wouldn’t be what it is without his performance. Celeste Yarnall looks great. Are those coolats Patrick Stewart is wearing?