It would seem that the line outside Star Trek XI honcho JJ Abrams door gets longer every day.
First up is Brent Spiner (TNG’s Data) who appears pessimistic about his future in the franchise, telling fans in a GMTV chat “I liked (Star Trek) Nemesis too. I don’t think you’ll see the Next Generation cast in another film; though, I hope I am wrong.” Like many other Trek fans, JJ Abrams has stated that he never bothered to see the latest Trek film (Star Trek Nemesis), which has a story co-written by Spiner and the dubious distinction of being the only Trek film to lose money. In a reply to a question about reprising his Nemesis character ‘B4’, the actor lamented "I would enjoy playing him if I ever had the opportunitybut I think that’s doubtful." So perhaps an ‘A Search for Data’ isn’t in his future, but it appears he hasn’t given up hope of being in Star Trek XI. When asked if he would like to play yet another ‘Soong ancestor’ he replied: "I’d be happy to. Let’s start a letter writing campaign. Address them to J. J. Abrams care of Paramount Pictures."
While Spiner is thinking of ways to get into Star Trek XI, it appears that Leonard Nimoy and WIlliam Shatner are already counting their money. Nimoy and Shatner have been talking quite a bit about Abrams Star Trek XI lately, Nimoy even revealed he has a ‘casting approval contract’. TrekMovie.com confirmed that both Shatner and Nimoy are signed up to new contracts for the film, but it is still unclear as to their nature. AP interviewed the original Kirk and Spock and Nimoy told them that he thinks JJ Abrams is "a very talented man, which is high praise indeed coming from the director of highest grossing Trek film (Star Trek IV). Nimoy is eager to hear from Abrams telling AP "I think he should get in touch with us right away," to which Shatner added, "And pay our price." Nimoy agreed saying "That would make us happy, to be helpful."
One Trek alumnus who has already got Abrams to meet his price recently is Ken Biller. According to the Hollywood Reporter, J.J. Abrams has now signed a deal to bring the former Star Trek Voyager Writer, Director and Executive Producer on as the show-runner for his new ABC drama “Six Degrees.” Although Abrams says he wasn’t a fan of Voyager, it is good to see he hasn’t held that against Ken.
MORE SPINER IN THE UK STUFF:
– Videos of Spiner at a con in London over the weekend (from YouTube contributor ‘LoreRules’)
– Bang Media: No Trek Return for Spiner
– BBC Interview with Spiner w/ Video (UK Only)
Of course he liked Nemesis. He co-wrote it. lol. I’ve gathered so much negative input from Nemesis that it is the only Trek movie I’ll never see.