With a sequel to
JJ Abrams' uber-successful
Star Trek reboot gearing up to film this summer, inevitably fanboy talk in some quarters has centered on whether
William Shatner would reprise his role as Captain Kirk for an awkward cameo, perhaps in an alternative universe plot-line similar to that of Leonard Nimoy's appearance as Spock in the first movie. However, it seems that the fans' somewhat overly optimistic cries for Shatner have been quelled once and for all this week. In an interview with Australian publication
Sunday Herald-Sun, Shatner was particularly forthright in dismissing his involvement with the sequel, stating that he "would be so interested in doing it, especially with that wonderful director JJ Abrams", but rightfully concluding that a cameo appearance wouldn't technically be possible and "maybe we have all gone beyond that." Talk of Star Trek didn't end there, however, as Shatner was keen to briefly plug his new documentary, '
Captains', which based upon its premise might just serve to sate the old-school Trekkie's after all.
"I have shot a wonderful documentary where I talk to all the captains of Star Trek and try to find a common denominator, and in the meantime have some fun talking to them about them and their lives."
Filming on that documentary took place last June and it should pop up in some form for a release this year. However, it seems that Shatner isn't the only one with Star Trek on his mind right now as
Paul Giamatti has joined Rosario Dawson and Rachel Weisz as notable thesps who have expressed interest in appearing in the new Trek franchise. Giamatti told the
Portland Mercury that he would "love to play a Klingon".
Its always been frustrating to me, because really, I just want to be, like, a Klingon or something. I really would love to play a Klingon. Its like, goddammit, will I ever get to play a Klingon?
With many hoping that Klingons are going to be the next port of call for Abrams' series, it's now quite difficult to think of anyone other than cinema's perennial a-hole Giamatti donning the wrinkly forehead and Bill Bailey haircut to play the franchises most iconic villain.