"It Has To Mean Something": William Shatner Is In Talks To Return For New Star Trek Series After Kirk Died Over 30 Years Ago

William Shatner has surprisingly revealed that he is in talks to reprise his role as James T. Kirk in a new Star Trek series. Shatner is best known for playing Kirk in three seasons of the original Star Trek series, Star Trek: The Animated Series, and seven feature films. In the 1994 movie Star Trek: Generations, Kirk was killed fighting alongside Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) during the climactic battle. While the movie was an attempt to pass the torch from the old cast to Picard's crew, Kirk's death was met with immediate backlash.

The Direct was in attendance at a panel at Fan Expo Vancouver on February 21, Execute! A Panel with William Shatner, where the Star Trek alum reveals he is in talks to reprise his role as Kirk for a new Paramount+ series. When asked if he would return, Shatner notes that he has been asked to "come back as Kirk so many times," but has been recently approached by a writer who impressed him. Shatner emphasizes that Kirk's return would have to be the focus of the show and is awaiting a formal pitch.

I have been asked to come back as Kirk so many times. If Kirk is going to come back, it has to mean something. It has to be the show. But I was so impressed by this writer, so I said let's talk after I'm done in Vancouver. So I'm awaiting a pitch to make it the show, it should come on Monday or Tuesday.

What This Means For The Future Of Star Trek

Kirk's Return Would Have To Be Handled Carefully

 

 

Since 2017, Paramount+ has been home to the majority of new Star Trek material. Across multiple shows and a movie, there has been a mixed reception to new projects. Returning shows like Star Trek: Strange New Worlds have been praised, while Star Trek: Section 31 was overall maligned. However, the most prominent example of an adored Star Trek figure returning was Stewart in Star Trek: Picard, which received glowing reviews when it returned to its Next Generation roots during its final season.

With over 30 years since Kirk was killed, and Shatner currently at 93 years old, it may be too late for a return.

Shatner has famously never been happy with Kirk's death in Generations. Following the release of the movie, he wrote a series of novels where Kirk is resurrected and goes on further adventures. He also returned to play a de-aged version of Kirk in an online short titled 765874 - Unification. In a brief Easter Egg, Star Trek: Picard season 3 revealed that Kirk's remains had been moved to Daystrom Station, where Picard's original body and a new version of Data were also being held in secret.

Our Take On Shatner's Potential Return

It May Be Too Late

With over 30 years since Kirk was killed, and Shatner currently at 93 years old, it may be too late for a return. Star Trek: Picard reached its height when the cast of The Next Generation was reunited, which is something that, unfortunately, could not happen with a Kirk show now that so many of the original series actors have passed.

De-aging Shatner for an entire show is unlikely as it would be cost-prohibited for even a single season. Despite having an unsatisfying end and an intriguing mystery set up about why his body was moved, there would have to be a compelling reason for Kirk to return. It's positive that Shatner is protective of the character and would only do so if it seemed right, so hopefully, if he does return to Star Trek, it maintains his legacy.