Patrick Stewart is returning to Star Trek to reprise his role as Jean-Luc Picard in the self-titled TV series Picard. But would the franchise’s other most revered Enterprise captain be interested in suiting up for Starleet once again?
William Shatner last appeared as James Tiberius Kirk 25 years ago in 1994’s Star Trek: Generations, but the actor says he’d be up for an unexpected comeback. We say unexpected as Kirk died in the film. While speaking to ComicBook.com though, Shatner was asked the question and replied with a positive answer, saying:
“I certainly would. You know? A well-written thing? I certainly would. Absolutely.”
This is in contrast to the last reply he gave on the same topic. Earlier this year, the 88-year-old actor admitted he would find the task of leading an ongoing TV show, as Stewart is with Picard, a bit of a challenge at his age so he seemed to rule the idea of a return out. Shatner’s latest comments suggest, though, that he’d consider a one-off appearance or perhaps even a mini-series.
Obviously, if this were to happen, some explanation would have to be found for how Kirk’s back from the dead, but this is Star Trek we’re talking about so anything’s possible. For example, it was recently revealed that Brent Spiner is returning as Data in Picard – even though the android died back in 2002’s Star Trek: Nemesis.
From what we’ve been told, it seems Picard is set to be a psychological character study exploring the dark time Jean-Luc has had of it since we last saw him. The recent teaser hinted that a rescue mission went sour, causing Picard to resign from Starfleet and retire to his family vineyard. The show is also expected to tie into the events of 2009’s Star Trek movie.
Will it inspire a Shatner Star Trek comeback as well soon after it premieres, though? We’ve got our fingers crossed.