Shatner Talks More About Possible Star Trek Role & How Chris Pine Makes Him Face His ‘Mortality’

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William Shatner is talking more about the upcoming Star Trek movie and also what it is like seeing Chris Pine playing Kirk. Details below.

Shatner on Star Trek 2016 and Chris Pine

Promoting his appearance at Destination Star Trek 3 this weekend, William Shatner has a "60 Seconds" interview with the UK Metro. Addressing the recent talk about him possibly being in the upcoming Star Trek movie, Shatner had this to say (via Digital Spy):

It depends how it would be written and how they’d do it. But I’m open to the idea."

Bill also offered up this praise for the previous two Abrams films:

I’ve seen the two films JJ Abrams directed and I enjoyed them very much

When asked what it was like watching Chris Pine playing Kirk, Shatner said:

It was like seeing your mortality. Here comes a young, handsome and talented guy playing what I was playing years ago. It makes you realize time is passing – if I needed reminding, which I don’t.

By the way, here is the spread with Shatner in the Metro, with a rather interesting juxtaposition of an add for from Boots.

IMG_52600567175779
Shatner is clinically proven and steroid-free too (scan via Neil Carpenter
 

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No new information here, either.

I would imagine it would be tough for Shatner, seeing Pine, young and in great shape, playing the same character he himself played 50 years before when he was young and in great shape.

At 48, I know how different I feel and look from only 25 years ago. It kind of sucks, and is humbling.

Sounds like Mr. Shatner has mastered the art of aging gracefully. More power to him. And steroid-free, too, nice….:)

I thought I’d previously remembered reading that Mr Shatner’s opinion of the first movie was that “It did not have the heart” of his Star Trek?

Might be a good motivator for him to get in better shape… if he does, I will!

I think Shat said that his Star Trek had more “soul.” He was right. Read Nic Meyers interview on star trek.com. He know’s what his Trek movies were “about” and he’s having trouble figuring out what the new movies are trying to say. He’s right, too, but I’m just an old frak so YMMV.

At some point he needs to be given the benefit of the doubt about ‘his shape’ now. Recall that he showed up at Comic-Con in July in a wheelchair and crutches after falling off a horse. He’s up and about now, but if there are lingering effects from the injury just saying he needs to get into shape may be easier said then done.

I’ve always been a big fan of TOS but can we please move on. The great new cast can more than hold their own. No more Shatner and Nimoy!! They had their time.

I love Star Trek Continues. I like it more than the new movies

More Shatner and Nimoy! Have them in as big as roles as possible and in as many movies as possible!

I am supporting the idea of having William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy doing some scenes for the next Star Trek movie. Kirk died in the movie Star Trek Generations. In the book Star Trek: Return. Spock goes to the rocky grave of Kirk only to find out Kirk’s body is not there. In short, Kirk was resurrected when the Borg got him. (I have not read the entire story).
The movies do not acknowledge the books. As far as the movies are concerned, Kirk is dead.
Now we have the time alteration in the recent two movies. Why else would the older Spock be in this time travel. Maybe he is trying to find his buddy, Captain Kirk.
In my own imagination, of bringing older Spock and older Kirk together again (and maybe the rest of the surviving cast members) at the end of the next movie, would be a wonderful end and perhaps closure to the original Star Trek era. The 50th Anniversary movie should really be special.
I never could accept ST: The Undiscovered Country (1991) and ST: Generations (1994) as the final end for our beloved cast.

Well Shat could be playing JJVerse Kirk and Nimoy, Prime Spock, or JJVerse Spock in a scene in their own future. Reminiscing about their five year journey or whatever this movie focuses on.
I always thought Shat could play Tiberius Kirk, Jim’s grandfather…
Why can’t all the surviving players have a part then?
I can’t see Shat doing some bit cameo just for the 50th anniversary????

I always thought The Undiscovered Country was a fitting tribute to this crew and provided some nice closure. The score and signatures rolling during the closing credits was a nice touch, too.

I do admit to liking Generations, despite its (many) flaws. It’s like every time I pass by “Roadhouse” or The Shawshank Redemption” on cable. I can’t NOT watch.

#4–Charlie

William Shatner is 83. What sort of “better shape” should he be in? He appears, by all accounts, to be mobile with an active mind. To expect some sort of “Kirk-Fu” performance if he does happen to make it into the next movie would seem to be unrealistically optimistic. I plan on seeing him here in my hometown when he makes an appearance and I’ll see for myself if he is is infirm and in need of constant medical aid.

He should be ripped ofcourse. Because thats what the mouth-breathing numbskulls think an 83 year old man should look like.

You can see the desire in every word now. Shatner is in full promotion mode. Good for him.

14. TUP – October 2, 2014

Agreed, I’m getting weary of the same old “he needs to get in shape” talk here as well.

At 83, “Breathing” is pretty good shape for most folks. I have an uncle that age. He’s mobile, has his wits about him and in reasonably “good shape.” What more can you ask?

Shatner is running laps around most people his age, in nearly every way.

He’s gona be in it. Star Wars has its old hands so why would we not have ours? It would be mad not to. Its up to Bob to make it worthy and original though- and that’s the hard bit.
I sense the desire is there though.

I pray that if they put Shat and Len in the show, we won’t be forced to watch “hilarious” antics of them doing physical stunts (a la Dick Van Dyke & Mickey Rooney in Night at the Museum.)

They just have to be two old pals talking… or recording a message for NuKirk… or something that makes sense.

As I’ve said, a voice-over would be wonderful.

i still don’t see the point having the shat in it,i personally love to see something done for TV set in the prime time line,and no the new films are action and heartless,yes they are a good action film but its not star trek or should i say not the star trek i want,for me neither was star trek:voyager, i have nothing bad to say about the cast,so no to the shat for me

#18 “i still don’t see the point having the shat in it..”

It’s the 50th anniversary of Shatner’s Trek…not TNG, or it’s spin-offs. That’s all you need to know!!

If they pull it off, and manage to include Nimoy and Shatner, in a meaningful way… it will be epic.

#10 – “Now we have the time alteration in the recent two movies. Why else would the older Spock be in this time travel.”

You need to go back and watch the BR Star Trek movie. What you say in your post is NOT what that film was about – far from it. Prime Spock was not looking for anyone – he was trying to save a planet from the ravages of a supernova…

#11 – “I always thought Shat could play Tiberius Kirk, Jim’s grandfather…”

Yes, I too have proposed such a possibility, as in Shatner play an older Kirk relative like Jim’s grandfather, great uncle, second cousin. Perhaps you even had the idea before me, way back…:)

Kapt Crunch – beware – there are posters like TUP who will likely patronize/ sneer at you for making such a “heinous” suggestion. Just saying…

I treated myself to a Learnng Annex class featuring Mr. Shatner in 2002 when he was promoting “I’m Working on That”. The event was sorely underatteded… of an expected 200 enrollees, there were 75 of use. Splendid experience, and be was generous with sharing his thoughts and feelings.
One thing he expressed clearly: he has always been very much aware of his mortality, and had done and at 71, he was most aware that in all likelihood he would not be alive in ten years (this was not long after his wife had drowned), so he was determined to take good care of himself and continue to live as well as be could, and squeeze all out of life he cold. It was a very good thing to hear at that time, and I will always love him for that.

He has outlived his ten year estimate by two years now, and done so, not in infirmity, but with style and gusto.

Live longer and continue to prosper, Mr. Shatner. You have earned it.

If anyone can pull it off successfully as a writer, director, and producer, it’s going to be Bob Orci. We might even have to nickname him Bob “The Oracle” Orci if he’s allowed to put his heart and Seoul into it the way I know he wants to….
.
The scene he wrote for the draft that included the Kirk birthday greeting to Spock recording that Prime Spock handed to alt Spock was perfect. The voiceover that followed from it that would have been Shatner over the end of ST:2009 was pitch perfect… but alas, JJ didn’t have the same level of desire to have it in the film. As it turns out, something similar at the end of Star Trek Five-O expanded in spots leading up to it could work really well for the anniversary, and even make sense.
.
Since the Nero incursion was in 2233, and we’ve had movies set in 2258 and 2259 (with a coda a year later… 2260?), we’ve been told that Star Trek Five-O will be well into the 5YM. Might I suggest 2263? That’s five years after the 2258 defeat of Nero, Kirk turns 30….
.
But, Boborci, whatever you do… find a way to film something on NOVEMBER 27, 2014. Some test footage, or something that you can use in the film. Why? That’s exactly 50 years to the date of the first filming of footage for The Cage’s open sequence… with Pike in his quarters talking with Boyce about his being tired of sending people off to die, questioning his whole past. A theme I hope runs through a more mature 30-year-old Kirk. He should be now well ‘realigning’ with the prime universe Kirk…. because MWI has strong “wave functions” that cause alternate universes to recombine, you know.

I agree with those who say that Shatner IS in good shape for 83. Being alive, being able to walk, and having all one’s marbles IS good shape for 83.

I love Shatner’s energy, and it’s truly amazing that he still has so much of it at the age of 83. Don’t listen to the nay-sayers, Bill; we like you just the way you are.

And of course, I still love Mr. Nimoy, who will always have a large piece of my heart.

@20. Obviously, I’m not a proponent of either Shatner or Nimoy returning – I also recognize the choice is not mine to make. That said, the easiest way to tuck Shatner into the flick is to have him be someone else – a distant relative, and old-tyme Starfleet admiral, could be anyone, really.

Despite what the original blog post said about the role being integral for Shatner AND Nimoy, Nimoy isn’t available, particularly now that we know the movie is being made in Vancouver. So, assuming the Badass blog is accurate, we know there’s at least one re-write coming up….

Casting William Shatner in A Star Trek film during the 50th Anniversary of the franchise as anyone but James T Kirk is ludicrous.

Maybe Nimoy should have played Cousin Willy, the half-wit vulcan that likes to hump strangers.

I heard it is very hard to lose weight after age 70.

Chuck – I attended a Shat show last year and he expressed his fear of dying. He seems to love life and doesnt want it to end. That “fear” seems to fuel him and drive him to be active and live life to the fullest.

Daoud – I disagree about the Shatner scene written for 09. While it was emotional, it was not the right scene. It put an exclamation point on the fact Kirk was looooooong dead. It was more sad then sweet to be honest.

I too hope they use Shatner. It appears they intend to do it right. Ilook forward to it. They just need to be quicker at making the movies. They are taking too long between movies.

@25. …in your opinion, which is just as valid as anyone else’s opinion on the subject. End of story.

@ 25. TUP – October 2, 2014

“Casting William Shatner in A Star Trek film during the 50th Anniversary of the franchise as anyone but James T Kirk is ludicrous.”

Agreed.

Harrison Ford is not playing uncle Jimmy in the next Star Wars movie, he is playing his original character Han Solo. Same thing with Patrick Stewart, his character came back from the dead in ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’.

It is laughable to bring Shatner back in a Star Trek movie that coming out during the 50th anniversary only to have him plays a different character.

@30. …in your opinion, which is just as valid as anyone else’s opinion on the subject. End of story.

I think the theme of this film will be the universe collapsing because of the red matter. This will open up the opportunity to introduce Shatners Kirk and he and Spock will then travel through time and alternate realities to save Romulus.

Phil – not really. Its fact that some opinions are more valuable than others.

The opinion that William Shatner should be cast in the 50th Anniversary Star Trek film as some goofy uncle Kirk is so laughable and short-sited that it carries little to no weight.

Imagine that meeting with Paramount. Orci outlines the film and pitches marketing opportunities and then says “oh yeah William Shatner as….Uncle Alan.” hahaha. Sell that one, marketing gurus.

@31. Phil

Well, I didn’t ask for your insight.

@32. What would be really funny would be if the collapse of the universe end up revealing that Trek was nothing more then a dream of an adult Will Robinson, currently under the care of his long time doctor. Zachary Smith, chief medical officer of the Battlestar Galactia.

@33. Oh, so who decides what opinions are more important? You?

So, to be clear….your opinions are just as valid as anyone else’s opinion on the subject. End of story.

@34. Well, but seeing how you are so willing to share your flights of fancy on the subject, I just felt compelled to point out…..to be clear….your opinions are just as valid as anyone else’s opinion on the subject. End of story.

Bob Orci,

If you find Shatner’s contract negotiations are a little taxing on your budget, you might want to see if Paramount would let you offer him free run of your technical facilities so that he can do his Director’s Cut of STV? That is likely worth more to him than anything you can possibly offer. Plus, if he pulls it off likely will give you a nice marketing tie-in to lead into your picture’s release. And if he manages to do something extraordinary with the opportunity maybe even a double-bill as was done with WORLD WAR Z might come of it?

@ 29. Phil – October 2, 2014

“@25. …in your opinion, which is just as valid as anyone else’s opinion on the subject. End of story.”

@ 31. Phil – October 2, 2014

“@30. …in your opinion, which is just as valid as anyone else’s opinion on the subject. End of story.”

@ 36. Phil – October 2, 2014

“@33. So, to be clear….your opinions are just as valid as anyone else’s opinion on the subject. End of story.”

@ 37. Phil – October 2, 2014

“@34.your opinions are just as valid as anyone else’s opinion on the subject. End of story.”

Looks like someone is stuck in a time loop!

#10: The new movies DO acknowledge the books, actually. The writers have said this many times, and even the names George and Wynona Kirk are from the novels.

@Anthony Pascale,

I saw your warning on the John Cho thread about spamming, don’t you think comments #29, 31,36, & 37 are spamming as well ?

24 Phil

It’s possible Nimoy wont be going to Vancouver. However he filmed his bit at BadRobot for STID. They could probably work something out.

33 TUP

i know you have concerns about Nimoy declining. While of course that is possible there are some things to consider. The 50th Anniversary should have some weight. The role would probably need to be equal to Shatners. He seems to have alot of respect for Bob, JJ. Anytime they have called including Fringe he was there for them. I am sure there will be some give and take on the role and that their input will be stongly considered. As long as they dont request to take up ridiculous amounts of screen time, i am sure Bob can make it work where they are happy. Bob would most likely welcome their suggestions within the framework of his idea. . Oh yeah and $$

@42 Tom,

I’m sorry, did I miss something? Why isn’t Nimoy Available? And in any event why would Nimoy have to go to Vancouver?

The way the tax breaks go, they don’t prevent a film from shooting in other locations. It only requires that a majority of the film is shot in Canada (or wherever).

Shatner and Nimoy’s scene(s) could easily be shot on sound stages minutes from Nimoy’s house, and on the same sets used in Vancouver if necessary. Or, in front of a green screen.

That’s the least of anybody’s concern.

Frankly, I expect Nimoy to be lying down for a deathbed scene in which he mind melds with NuKirk again, featuring an exchange between Nimoy & Shatner. Or better yet, a dual mind meld with both NuSpock & NuKirk. ;-)

I really dug “The Captains” documentary and seeing Shatner and Pine interview each other was downright trippy.

@42. Yeah, they could sit him down in front of a greenscreen just about anywhere. However, that begs the question, is sitting Nimoy and Shatner down behind a desk and having them utter a couple of lines ‘an integral part’ in the movie? As much as some people may be loathe to admit, the TOS movies were action flicks, too, so it’s really hard to imagine the next movie being an in depth exploration of quantum physics…

Asides from having Shatner playing some other character in the new universe, CC’s suggestion on post 44 isn’t to bad, either. All, presuming, of course, that it can be done at all without looking sappy….

@Bob Orci

#22 wrote:
The scene he wrote for the draft that included the Kirk birthday greeting to Spock recording that Prime Spock handed to alt Spock was perfect. The voiceover that followed from it that would have been Shatner over the end of ST:2009 was pitch perfect… but alas, JJ didn’t have the same level of desire to have it in the film. As it turns out, something similar at the end of Star Trek Five-O expanded in spots leading up to it could work really well for the anniversary, and even make sense.

When your team negotiates with Shatner, it would be FANTASTIC if you could also film that scene — and add it into a special re-issue DVD/Blu-Ray release of ST2009.

I realize it’s a monumental task to get footage like this added into a prior production. But maybe it’s possible… ;)

“Remember…”
The updated FX on the various Trek movie reissues. Adding new (or revamped) content is always a possibility…

Regardless of all of this: GOOD LUCK on the production, Bob! We know you CAN do a GREAT Trek 3 movie!!!

#8. Claire. I love Star Trek Continues as well. It is very good. I am amazed at how close to TOS it is.

Just to go off on a slight tangent… Am I the only one that is bothered (although definitely not in a loosing sleep sort of way) that the Metro article includes a graphic of a Next Gen combadge? Why not an original series Enterprise mission patch, or a film era Starfleet emblem, or even just a more generic version of the emblem? Just seems strange to me to use a visually distinctive version of the emblem associated with Trek productions Shatner never had involvement with…

Of course, I suspect whoever set up the graphics for the article had some combination of not knowing any better and / or not caring.

If Bill does get a chance to appear in Trek 3 ,
I am sure that he will be at his physical best ,
But , if the rumor is true,
We are only talking about one scene.
I doubt Bill has to train a lot for one scene.