Not being cast in the latest
Star Trek movie has apparently upset
William Shatner, who is known for playing Captain Kirk in the sci-fi series. Shatner, who now stars in ABC's hit dramedy,
Boston Legal, ranted about his non-inclusion in the film while at a book signing for
Star Trek Academy: Collision Course in Hollywood last week.
"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," Shatner told
Extra TV at the book signing.
The 76-year-old actor also insisted that he would have been a great casting choice, considering he has gained much popularity from appearing on Priceline.com commercials and
Boston Legal, where he plays attorney Denny Crane.
"I've become even more popular than when I was playing Captain Kirk. I'm good box office and I get good publicity," he said, adding though that “it'll be a wonderful film.”
A video posted last Wednesday on the actor's official website reveals a less peeved Shatner commenting on the
Star Trek film.
“[Abrams is] a wonderful film maker. He's going to make a good movie and perhaps enliven the
Star Trek franchise and we'll all be happy,” Shatner said. “I'll certainly go see the movie.”
The video, which was actually filmed last month, also shows William Shatner admitting that he doesn't have any substantial information about the upcoming movie, saying that he only learned about the film's production status through
Leonard Nimoy, who played Mr. Spock in the television series.
“You people out there who read these stories in the newspaper know more about what's happening in
Star Trek than I do,” the
Boston Legal star said. “Nobody has told me anything… I know nothing.”
Although Shatner will not be appearing in the latest
Star Trek film, the movie is not without its share of big industry names. Aside from Nimoy, who will reprise his role, the movie's cast includes
Heroes'
Zachary Quinto, Eric Bana and Winona Ryder, who is set to play young Spock's mother.
What role would you like to see Shatner play in the new Star Trek film?
-Lisa Claustro, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: Extra TV, Wiliam Shatner Official Website
(Image Courtesy of the Associated Press)