20 Things You Didn't Know About Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
15. William Shatner Cost The Film $2million And The Reigns To Star Trek V: The Final Frontier
The pure nightmare of many Trekkies' hearts, or as it's also known, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, was founded in part on Star Trek IV. When the Original Series was still on the air, William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy had their lawyers draft a 'favored nations clause' in their contracts. This meant that whatever one actor would receive, the other must also.
Though this initially referred to the actors' salaries, it would come under the spotlight on Star Trek IV particularly. First, Shatner demanded $2million to appear in the film. As Kirk was essential to the plot, this demand was agreed to by the producers. However, Star Trek IV was Nimoy's second time in the director's chair. This led to the promise that William Shatner could direct Star Trek V.
Though he would later admit that this was a poor decision on almost all fronts, it was enough to convince him to return for the film. Thus, Admiral Kirk leads the mission back in time to save the whales, though it would still be the first time that a starring cast member would direct a film - as Nimoy had only been supporting on Star Trek III.