When a longstanding franchise like Star Trek modernizes, or even goes off the beaten path a little bit, fans can get upset. And Quentin Tarantino, who’s promising an R-rated addition to the series, isn’t one to walk down familiar roads.
Understanding the man behind Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, and Inglorious Basterds, what typically defines a Tarantino rating is a tremendous amount of profane language (though witty), and grotesque gore. Neither, as many point out, are typical characteristics of the Star Trek franchise.
But there’s one man who’s helping to calm the storm, and that’s legendary actor William Shatner. The guy behind the first Captain James T. Kirk took to Twitter early this morning to respond to a fan concerned by Tarantino’s proclamation, saying:
“Why are people plotzing about this?” Shatner asked. “It’s my understanding that Star Trek Discovery has used expletives in some episodes. Why aren’t people melting down over that?”
Though Shatner’s correct in pointing out the apparent hypocrisy in people’s impatience over the franchise, he’s wrong in stating no one “[melted] down over that.” When a character on Star Trek Discovery used the word “fuck” in a pivotal moment during its first season, there were plenty of fans upset by the breach of the Starfleet code of conduct.
But a fact that fans who decide to see the Tarantino movie can take comfort in is that the swearing will, at the very least, feel at home. With that said, there’s still a lot that needs to happen in order for this project to go beyond the “idea” phase. And right now, the acclaimed director has his upcoming Once Upon A Time In Hollywood to worry about first.
But what do you think Star Trek fans? Does William Shatner’s bode of confidence make you feel differently about a potential Tarantino film? Or would a hard R-rating upset you? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.
