“Star Trek” gives the James Bond franchise a run for its money.
The saga begins in 1966 when 007’s first feature, “Dr. No”, bowed four years earlier.
Gene Roddenberry’s intergalactic vision has come to its knees after the original show’s three years. Once the series hit the big screen in 1979, the saga lived on for a long time and, for the most part, flourished.
Give credit to Roddenberry for creating an indelible space franchise, a tale that has allowed a galaxy of talented stars to bring it to life:
- Leonard Nimoy
- patrick stuart
- From Forest Kelley
- Brent Spine
- Chris Pine
- Levar Burton
- Kate Mulgrew
None had the impact and longevity of Captain James T. Kirk, immortalized by William Shatner.
Still, the 91-year-old star was just snubbed in Paramount Plus’ latest “Trek” marketing campaign, and Shatner himself isn’t shocked by the decision. The image in question features iconic “Trek” figures above teaser text – “Star Trek: An Entire Universe to Explore.”
The visual features 11 “Trek” heroes, including Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Stewart), Spock (Nimoy), Captain Janeway (Kate Mulgrew), Captain Sisko (Avery Brooks), and Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan).
Who is missing ? The actor who anchored the franchise and remains its heart and soul… William Shatner. The actor suggests the omission was not accidental in a cryptic response to a Twitter fan’s outrage over his snub.
And that surprises you? 🤣 https://t.co/zvdW2VhaXc
—William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) March 8, 2023
Chris Gore, founder of Film Threat and host of the “Film Threat” podcast, thinks the snub is no accident.
“The exclusion of James T. Kirk from modern ‘Star Trek’ marketing is another example of efforts to diminish Shatner’s contribution and emasculate strong male characters in television and film,” Gore says. “There would be no ‘Star Trek’ without Kirk. Wiliam Shatner created an iconic character whose passion for exploring strange new worlds spawned a generation of fans.
Gore adds that the “Star Trek” legacy includes inspiring generations of Americans to “continue the work in areas such as technology, science and NASA.”
Shatner didn’t share much about the marketing snub on Twitter, other than that he seemed to expect it.
The veteran star is no stranger to feuds, however.
He and “Star Trek” co-star George Takei have been publicly battling for decades, though it’s mostly the man known to millions as Sulu who starts each dust.
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