William Shatner, the iconic actor who brought Captain Kirk to life in the original “Star Trek” series, has hinted at the possibility of returning to the role. In a recent interview with Canadian Press, Shatner, who turned 93 in March, expressed openness to reprising his role if the script impressed him. Despite his age, Shatner believes that de-aging technology could make it feasible for him to play a younger version of the Starship Enterprise captain.
Shatner mentioned that he would consider returning if the role was substantial and well-written, not just a cameo. “It’s an intriguing idea,” he said. “It’s almost impossible. But if it was a great role and so well-written and if there were a reason to be there not just to make a cameo appearance, but if there were a genuine reason for the character appearing, I might consider it.”
How Could De-Aging Technology Help?
De-aging technology has advanced significantly in recent years, making it possible for older actors to portray younger versions of their characters. Shatner suggested that this technology could help him return as Captain Kirk, similar to how Harrison Ford appeared as a younger Indiana Jones in “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” Shatner is currently the spokesperson for Otoy, a company specializing in de-aging technology.
This technology can significantly alter an actor’s appearance, making them look decades younger. “[It] takes years off of your face, so that in a film you can look 10, 20, 30, 50 years younger than you are,” Shatner explained. This innovation opens up exciting possibilities for his potential return to “Star Trek.”
What About Kirk’s Death in “Star Trek Generations”?
One significant challenge to Shatner’s return is the death of Captain Kirk in the 1994 film “Star Trek Generations.” However, Shatner has already brainstormed a plot device that could bring his version of Kirk back to life. He proposed a scenario where a company freezes his character’s body and brain, preserving them for the future.
“A company that wants to freeze my body and my brain for the future might be a way of going about it,” Shatner said. “‘We’ve got Captain Kirk’s brain frozen here.’ There’s a scenario. ‘Let’s see if we can bring back a little bit of this, a little salt, a little pepper. Oh, look at that. Here comes Captain Kirk!’”
What Is the Status of the New “Star Trek” Movie?
While Shatner considers a potential return, the role of Captain Kirk has been taken over by Chris Pine in J.J. Abrams’ “Star Trek” franchise. Pine’s portrayal began with the 2009 film “Star Trek” and continued with 2013’s “Star Trek Into Darkness” and 2016’s “Star Trek Beyond.” Paramount Pictures is still planning to make a fourth “Star Trek” movie with Pine as Kirk, alongside returning cast members like Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldaña, Karl Urban, John Cho, and Simon Pegg.
The continuation of the “Star Trek” franchise with Pine at the helm ensures that the character of Captain Kirk remains a central figure in the series. However, Shatner’s potential return, even as a de-aged version of his original character, could add a fascinating layer to the storyline.
