Key Takeaways:
– Star Trek veteran William Shatner shares candid thoughts on the series’ evolution.
– He suggests that the franchise’s original creator, Gene Roddenberry, might not approve of the modern Trek series.
– Despite being 93, Shatner hasn’t ruled out a return to the Star Trek universe if a compelling script came along.
The Legacy and Evolution of Star Trek
One of the most revered names associated with the epic Star Trek franchise is William Shatner. The 93-year-old Canadian actor, who portrayed the fearless Captain James T. Kirk, recently shared some of his reflections on the transformations the franchise has undergone over the past five decades.
During a March interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Shatner humorously commented that Gene Roddenberry, Star Trek’s original creator, might be “twirling in his grave” at the evolution of the series. His comments offer an insightful perspective on the franchise’s past and its trajectory into the future.
Roddenberry’s Militaristic Vision versus Modern Star Trek
Roddenberry’s background in the military and law enforcement heavily influenced the creation and structure of the original Star Trek. Shatner highlighted these “strict rules” and how they dictated many aspects of the series, particularly the disciplined workings of a space ship and the prohibition of romantic involvements among crew members.
However, in Shatner’s view, these guidelines seem to have been abandoned in the modern Trek series, leading to a more liberal depiction of relationships and ship operations. Commenting humorously, Shatner suggested that these more recent changes might have left Roddenberry a bit flustered.
A Return to the Star Trek Universe for William Shatner?
The possibility of seeing Captain Kirk, played by William Shatner, once again on screens might still be on the horizon. The actor commented that he wouldn’t rule out returning to the Star Trek universe, provided the role was substantial and meticulously written.
Hollywood’s advancements in de-aging technology mean that Shatner’s current age isn’t a significant barrier. The actor expressed interest in the idea of having Kirk’s brain preserved for future use in the series. Shatner’s return to Star Trek, despite the character’s demise in the 1994 film Star Trek Generations, would create an appealing plot twist for fans.
Final Thoughts
Although it has been three decades since William Shatner played a live-action role in a Star Trek film, his persona has remained a part of the franchise, featuring in various forms of media, including video games. His recent reflections provide a unique and engaging take on the evolution of the Star Trek universe, while also hinting at the delightful possibility of his return as Captain Kirk.
For now, fans and followers can only wait in anticipation to see if Shatner revives his role as Captain Kirk and watch how the ever-changing Star Trek narrative continues to evolve in its future versions. For those who want to revisit the magic of the original Star Trek, the series is currently streaming on Paramount+.
