Spock Minus Kirk in Trek XI

Written by: Michael Hickerson (SoSF Staff Journalist)

The man who brought Captain James T. Kirk to life won’t be making a cameo in the upcoming “Star Trek” movie. William Shatner, who has lobbied furiously for a cameo in the upcoming “Trek” prequel will not be making an appearance. Instead the cameo role will go to Leonard Nimoy as Spock.

The prequel, directed by J.J. Abrams, will recast the iconic roles of the original “Star Trek” (as if you could ever truly replace Shat!). Script rumors speculate the story will be that of the first voyage of the starship Enterprise under the command of James T. Kirk. (Though how you get Dr McCoy in there without violating canon, remains to be seen).

Rumors are swirling as to who might replace the original actors in the roles. Shatner has endorsed Matt Damon to take on the role of the young James T. Kirk.

Shatner is said to be very upset about not being offered a role in the upcoming film. No word yet on how the Nimoy cameo will fit into the film. Bill isn’t upset with his longtime friend, but with the studio. However, this is not a precedent setting event — Shatner starred without an appearance by Nimoy in “Star Trek: Generations,” although that was Leonard’s choice to be left out, not Paramount’s. But remember, this is Hollywood. If enough pressure can be brought to bear on the backs of execs, they will succumb, and Star Trek fans, as well as Bill himself, are notorious for knowing how to put on the pressure. If he really wants the role bad enough — it will be his in the end.

Since this is “Star Trek,” regardless of the franchise’s infamous security precautions, I expect the entire script to be leaked on-line within ten minutes of J.J. Abrams turning it over to Paramount execs by some overzealous office staff…..and, thank goodness for them.