William Shatner Vents Over Being Excluded From "Star Trek" Film

Extra" caught up with William Shatner last night at a signing for his book, Star Trek Academy - Collision Course. He opened up about the fact that he was not asked to make a cameo in the upcoming Star Trek film saying, "How could you not put one of the founding figures into a movie that was being resurrected? That doesn't make good business sense to me!"

Leonard Nimoy and several past cast members have been offered cameos in the JJ Abrams directed film, which will tell the story of a young Kirk and Spock. Shatner told "Extra" that he would have been great for the film commenting, "I've become even more popular than I was playing Captain Kirk. I'm good box office and I get publicity.... But, they are going in a different direction and it'll be a wonderful film."

Shatner also revealed that the WGA strike has not yet halted production on his hit show, Boston Legal. Shatner says, "We've got two scripts. We will go to the Christmas break, then we come back for a week or so in January."

More with William Shatner Wendesday, November 21 on "Extra."

Comments

[bobo28]

Hmm. . . Kirk not in the film because he’s dead ? Not very Trek like ! After all as Mr. Spock said: “ There Are Always Possibilities !” or was it “This is the Enterprise . . . Anything is Possible “ maybe that was Troy or Riker . . .

Put him in the movie , he’s right on each of his points.
And it would be fun to see Nimoy and Shatner together again.

[baronmerlot]

The plot involves Spock (who has a much longer life-span, as someone pointed out). There just isn't any way to bring in Kirk without it seeming forced.

[GregSolo]

I hope this is just publicity and he is going going to be in the new film. I would be twice as stoked about seeing the new Star Trek with Shatner in it as would A LOT of average fans never mind the die hards. SHATNER!!!!

[JaneaneTheAcerbicGoblin]

If I could fight any celebrity, it would be Shatner, I'd fight William Shatner.

[godlessclif]

Screw Shatner
Is Jolene Blalock going to be in it as T'POl.

Since Kirk and Spock are teenagers, she could be younger than in AMOK TIME.

[Bushwhacked]

Shatner likes to break down the "4th wall" which annoyed me in the 5th Trek film but now I think America needs little reminders that it's all show business. I think they should have a scene in the movie showing a photo of Kirk's great, great grandfather - only the picture is of Shatner and he turns to the camera and says, "Why aren't I in this movie?"

[mimsnpips]

Shatner has always had an attitude. My H.S. friend was dissed by 'the captain' waaay back in 1970 in a local July 4'th parade. The captain is reaping what he has sowed. Leave him on Priceline where he's comfortable (and he thinks he's hot).

Leonard Nimoy has always been a class act. He followed science and space technology through the years narrating countless documentaries. He's polite and professional. 'Spock' is a must on any Star Trek production.

[auramac]

I'm very disappointed and don't understand it myself. I'd be twice as likely to see the film with him in it- even if it ends up sucking.

[rh654]

I am really dumbfounded on how any Star Trek movie can bring back any cast member, even Nimoy from the Original Start Trek and NOT bring back Shatner?

Even if was was onoff about the movie - this is Capt Kirk - if he says yes at the last moment - write him in!

[SoonerThought]

Love Shatner. Throw him a bone, JJ.

[Symbiot]

Hmm... lesse who was the casting agent for this movie... (flips through pages) whaaaaa???!? KAAAAAAAAAHN!!!!!

[CrankyGal]

I have loved Shatner for 41 years, since I was six and "Star Trek" premiered in 1966.

He's just a big old ham who is more fun to watch than just about anyone else I can think of.

He's great as Denny Crane, and I don't think I've ever seen anyone enjoying his job quite as much.

Give him a cameo for goodness sake! He's Kirk, the greatest of all Star Fleet captains.

[therealredstateblues]

Bill is perfectly cast in Boston Legal, a has been slimy lecherous lawyer.

He should stick with this an grow old gracefully. His Star trek Days while awesome are behind now

[FogBelter]

Come on ... this is Shatner

THE William SHATNER!

You can't ice him from a Star Trek movie ... it's like painting a mustache on the Mona Lisa.

It's just not done.

horrible.

Wait a sec ... What about the Horta? I'm sure Shatner could do a cameo as the Horta!

That's the ticket ... get on the stick Abrams!

... roll the credits ...

And Special Guest Appearance by William Shatner ... as .... the Horta.

Take it to the bank.

[SouthernYankeeBelle]

You need to get over yourself. You are getting to old buddy. Relax stay on Boston Legal.