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Kirk Fans Speak Out On Shatner Snub | Quote: | James Tiberius Kirk is finally returning to Star Trek, but don't expect one vocal group of fans who have fought for the resurrection of Kirk to do cartwheels over it.
The Bring Back Kirk campaign is kind of getting their wish with J.J. Abrams' new film, "Star Trek," but the recent exclusion of Kirk's originator -- William Shatner -- from the film has made Kirk's return bittersweet.
"It's a big disappointment," a BBK organizer known simply as Marc told SyFy Portal's Michael Hinman. "For over a year, J.J. Abrams has been teasing about the return of William Shatner, yet based on Mr. Shatner's comments, Mr. Abrams has not so much as shown him the script."
The last time Abrams spoke out about putting Shatner in the film that already includes his longtime co-star, Spock's Leonard Nimoy, was that the producers were "desperately" trying to get him on board. "Yet, Mr. Shatner's comments don't seem to show any attempt at all by Mr. Abrams since that comment was made," Marc said. "These actions have upset a lot of fans. When someone teases the return of William Shatner for over a year and doesn't deliver, naturally people are going to be upset."
Some might say that BBK -- which has been fighting for the return of Kirk almost since the character's death in 1994's "Star Trek Generations" -- might be asking for too much. However, Marc reminds fans that many said they were asking too much less than a decade ago when they called for the return of Kirk and his crew to the Star Trek franchise -- something that is happening now with the 11th Star Trek film.
"Obviously from the get go, we have spread the message about the importance of Kirk and crew, and it's clear Paramount is finally listening on that regard," he said. "Kirk has come back. But the real focus of the campaign is Kirk's death in 'Generations.' Whether it be Mr. Shatner or Chris Pine in older makeup, the goal remains the same."
The current version of the movie, as reported, is like reading a very good book, but knowing the ending, Marc said, citing a message board post he recently read. "And the last chapter stinks. No matter how good the book is, it's tainted by that ending."
Abrams still has a way to correct everything, even if it's a scene post-Generations.
"Chris Pine and his crew can go on to further adventures, and we need not see Shatner and Nimoy again," Marc said. "They just go on as the legends they are. But the key to our campaign is a happy ending for Kirk. We just want him alive, not a weak death. It would be regretful if [Paramount Pictures] continued to ignore it when they have a perfect chance to finally set this right."
ome fans have already set up a Web site in response to Shatner's exclusion from "Star Trek XI" at which is a petition that already has more than 2,200 signatures, Marc said. [Note: SyFy Portal does not typically promote online petitions because of our editorial position that they are ineffective.]
Some fans are organizing a boycott of the film, but it's not being led by BBK, Marc said. But the film could suffer if it lacks some of the star power that could come from being Shatner in.
"His presence will bring in a lot more money, and his absence will cost them money," Marc said. "Not to mention, he is a publicity machine. His absence from the film has generated a lot of press worldwide.
"Imagine what his presence would do. I don't want Abrams to put Shatner in out of fear, but he does need to realize that his movie is taking a publicity hit due to his failure to include Shatner to date. This decision will cost them money at the box office. Say what you want about [Shatner], but he does put butts in seats."
Filming for "Star Trek XI" begins this month, preparing for a Christmas 2008 release. |
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