Page Six: Shatner Out, Nimoy In For 'Trek XI'

[Vic 17]

Gossip column claims original Kirk actor 'is very upset' not to have been approached for film.

 

By Christian

June 21, 2007 - 10:15 PM

New York Post gossip column Page Six claimed today that Leonard Nimoy (Spock) has been offered a cameo role on Star Trek XI, while William Shatner (James T. Kirk) hasn't -- a move that apparently ignited Shatner's fury.

 

Shatner "is very upset," an unnamed insider told the Post, and also claimed that the actor "has been lobbying for a role."

 

Last week, Shatner commented on his own ShatnerVision that he hadn't heard anything about the new film yet, saying that it made him feel rather bad. "I know nothing. I know less than you people out there because I don’t read about it, I am not paying much attention to it. So if you hear anything send us an email so you can tell us whether you hear of any information. You know how the tabloids pay for gossip information about celebrities, well celebrities are now paying for gossip information about studios."

 

Speaking to the New York Post today, Shatner's manager Larry Thompson could only say "I don't know that to be the case, so I can't comment." The paper didn't print any comment from Paramount or representatives of Leonard Nimoy.

 

For the original New York Post report, please follow this link.

 

http://www.trektoday.com/news/210607_01.shtml

[Gummy 0]

I'm not worried by this. I still think that Shatner will get his cameo in the film, as will Nimoy.

[Kor37 9]

Agreed. Both should and probably will be in it.

[Theunicornhunter 2]

Shatner's fee for a cameo would probably be so prohibitive they haven't made the offer. I don't think his appearance would be worth what he'd charge.

[Kor37 9]

Shatner's fee for a cameo would probably be so prohibitive they haven't made the offer. I don't think his appearance would be worth what he'd charge.

 

Shatner is pretty much a hot commodity these days. He certainly seems to be in demand so I suppose his fee is commensurate with that. Plus, having Shatner in the film would pull a lot of people into the theaters.

[Theunicornhunter 2]

Shatner is pretty much a hot commodity these days. He certainly seems to be in demand so I suppose his fee is commensurate with that. Plus, having Shatner in the film would pull a lot of people into the theaters.

 

Even before he became a "hot commodity" he was demanding in his wages. I think in Generations he got something like 5 Million to Stewart's 1 Million. I personally didn't think he was worth all that much more than Stewart.

 

It's hard to imagine any Trek fans would not see it just because he didnt' have a cameo and it's also hard to believe he'd be a draw to any non-Trek fans - getting an Emmy doesn't mean a young male (18-39) is going to go to a movie just to see you. And that is the target demographic for most theatrical releases.

 

I'd rather they spend the money getting quality stars and having quality effects than on one overpriced cameo.

 

But let's ask - is there anyone here that would make the decision to see it based on whether or not Shatner had a cameo?

[Kor37 9]

But let's ask - is there anyone here that would make the decision to see it based on whether or not Shatner had a cameo?

 

 

To the hard-core fan,no. However, for a Trek movie to be really successful, you have to pull non-Trek fans into the theaters also. When the non-fan or casual fan thinks of Star Trek, they think of Kirk and Spock. When they think of Kirk, they think of Shatner. Those are the people who I think Shatner's appearance would pull into the theaters.

[Gummy 0]

But let's ask - is there anyone here that would make the decision to see it based on whether or not Shatner had a cameo?

 

 

To the hard-core fan,no. However, for a Trek movie to be really successful, you have to pull non-Trek fans into the theaters also. When the non-fan or casual fan thinks of Star Trek, they think of Kirk and Spock. When they think of Kirk, they think of Shatner. Those are the people who I think Shatner's appearance would pull into the theaters.

Agreed.

[Theunicornhunter 2]

Most of the people they hope to bring to this movie weren't born when TOS aired (the 18-39 males) and many younger fans don't really associate Trek with Kirk or Spock. Those of us that watched TOS when it oringally aired do - but there is a younger generation out there. My nephew associates Trek with Picard's Enterprise.

 

The thing that will draw non Trek fans is special effects, space ships, a good story/plot and lots of action whooping bad guys - (ie First Contact). Shatner's appearance would appeal far more to Trek fans than non fans and a real Trek fan will go see it anyway.

 

I think I'll ask around family and friends - what would inspire them to see this movie - I could be wrong maybe there is a whole crowd of people who'd pay just to see a cameo by a sagging old actor.

[Kor37 9]

Let us know the results of your poll, UH......

[Gummy 0]

When you get to me, my answer is "YES" it would make a difference to me if Kirk was in the new movie.

But you know that I would still see it regardless.

[Theunicornhunter 2]

I hate to raise this point - but um, those of us discussing this aren't exactly the "spring chickens" of the group.

 

What do you young whippersnappers have to say?

[Gummy 0]

I hate to raise this point - but um, those of us discussing this aren't exactly the "spring chickens" of the group.

 

What do you young whippersnappers have to say?

Hey now!

Who are you calling "old"???

[trekz 7]

I hate to raise this point - but um, those of us discussing this aren't exactly the "spring chickens" of the group.

 

What do you young whippersnappers have to say?

Hey now!

Who are you calling "old"??? :(

Young whippersnappers? You must be asking me, right, TUH?

 

I'm hungry for a new Trek movie, so I'll be there. I agree that I want a good cast (and good story) and all the money Shatner would probably demand could probably buy another strong actor, so I'm torn. While I agree with Kor that most people identify Kirk with Shatner, this is a remake, we know Vulcans have a long life span, and we've seen Kirk's movie death, so I could be content with Nimoy's cameo, as long as it's a great movie, which will hopefully jumpstart the movie franchise.