Star Trek fans had their year made when it was announced the other week that Patrick Stewart was returning as Captain Jean-Luc Picard for a brand new show to be released on CBS All Access. This will be the first time that the iconic star has revisited his role in 16 years and is a clear sign that the network’s keen to explore Trek‘s rich past. Does that mean we should expect to see other icons from the franchise return as well, though? Perhaps, but it seems as if we can at least rule out the possibility of William Shatner making a comeback.
The actor, of course, led the ensemble cast in Star Trek: The Original Series which ran from 1966-69 before going on to appear in the accompanying movie series until 1994’s Star Trek: Generations. With Stewart now making a return though, it’s tempting to imagine Kirk also coming back. But according to Shatner, he’s simply not interested in having a TV show of his own.
Speaking to The Toronto Star, the legendary actor was asked if he’d like to have his own new series now that Stewart’s getting one, and here’s what he said:
Right now I’m happy doing what I’m doing. I’ve been offered many series over the years. But I haven’t done them because of the commitment of time. And at this stage of my life that’s more valuable than anything else.
He’s got a point there. I mean, at 87 years of age, he’s certainly getting old and it’s understandable that he doesn’t want to sign up for the time commitment that leading his own show would require. Not to mention that at 87, it’d be hard to imagine how they’d bring Captain Kirk back and center an entire series around him. Then again, Patrick Stewart’s not much younger, with the actor already 78, so who knows?
Regardless, just because Shatner doesn’t want his own Star Trek TV show, that doesn’t mean he won’t turn up for a guest spot at some point down the road – either on the big screen or small. It’d certainly be great to see Kirk in the franchise once more and should we hear anything further on the matter, we’ll be sure to let you know.