According to most reports, Star Trek producers want William Shatner back in the fold – in some fashion – for Star Trek 3. Maybe it’s fan service. Maybe it’s a move to make amends with Shatner after inviting his Star Trek co-star Leonard Nimoy to play in two rebooted Trek movies, while Captain Kirk sat on the sidelines, sulking. Either way, all parties have hinted in the press that Shatner’s Kirk may find a way into Star Trek 3, and now we’re learning how.
Badass Digest runs with the scoop that William Shatner would share a scene with Chris Pine’s Captain Kirk in Star Trek 3, thanks to the magic of time travel. At least, that’s what we are assuming, as it is being reported that young Kirk (Pine) and Spock (Zachary Quinto) would interact with future versions of their characters (played by Shatner and Nimoy) for an integral scene. Here’s the kicker. According to the report:
This won't be original timeline Spock -- it'll be future alt-timeline Kirk and Spock. Basically the scene will have Kirk and Spock interacting with their future selves."
Well, sure. That makes sense. Because according to the reset that occurred in J.J. Abrams’ 2009 Star Trek, the current versions of Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock are chugging along on an alternate timeline, so they wouldn’t be able to leap over to the original timeline that had been established by the first run of Star Trek characters. You need a visual? We’ve got you covered:
Time travel isn’t a given. Badass suggests that we could be seeing some holodeck version of William Shatner’s Kirk, though that would be a disappointment (and hue too closely to the "recorded message" version of the cameo J.J. Abrams almost got into the 2009 Star Trek and eventually scrubbed). Shatner hasn’t been shy about sharing details about his negotiations with Abrams and crew (including possible director Roberto Orci) to come back to Star Trek 3. But last night, when he Tweeted, "I’m baaaaacck!" (according to The Hollywood Reporter), it meant "back in Los Angeles after a trip to London." The actor immediately removed the Tweet, so as not to create possible Star Trek confusion.
So, it sounds like we’re going to get William Shatner as Captain Kirk in Star Trek 3. Do you like the idea? Do you want time travel? How should Roberto Orci and J.J. Abrams weave Shatner back in? Share your thoughts below.
