In the “Star Trek” universe, William Shatner’s iconic character James T. Kirk said goodbye in “Star Trek Generations.” But that doesn’t mean franchise creatives haven’t tried to bring him back. Over the decades, Shatner has been asked to come back countless times, and has either declined or the project didn’t pan out. The closest we’ve come is the actor approving the use of his likeness in Roddenberry Archive’s touching short film “Unification.”
Now it seems the 93-year-old actor may return to the final frontier as Kirk after all.
Over the weekend, Shatner was a guest at Fan Expo Vancouver. During a panel he revealed that he has “been contacted by a writer on one of Paramount’s currently-in-development Star Trek series.”
“I have been asked to come back as Kirk so many times,” Shatner said. “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.”
Streamer Paramount+ has made itself the home for all past and present interactions of “Star Trek.” Currently, the only series they have taking place in the universe are “Strange New Worlds” and “Starfleet Academy.” The former is entering its 4th season, and the latter isgoing into production on its 2nd season.
Possiblities?
As far as “Star Trek”-based shows in development go. It’s reported that Justin Simien and Tawny Newsome have one in the works. It’s rumored to be a comedy series set in the early 25th century, a time period we last saw on the 3rd season of “Picard.” However, that project is still in the very early stages of development and hasn’t even been green lit yet.
There is always the possibility that this is a brand-new series that the rumor mill hasn’t gotten wind of yet. Only time will tell what could be, and if Shatner even accepts.
We’ll keep you posted on updates about this new series if/when it develops.
