There is no doubt that William Shatner's most iconic role in his career is Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek franchise starting with The Original Series in the '60s until the character's death in 1994's Generations. As the franchise today continues to go where no man has gone before (aka developing several new TV shows), the original Kirk has chimed in and gets brutally honest about his thoughts on its current state.
As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, during the 91-year-old actor's recent San Diego Comic-Con panel hosted by Kevin Smith, Shatner was asked by a fan if he thinks that there are any new Star Trek shows that rivaled his own to which he gave a very candid comment on what the franchise's late creator Gene Rodenberry might think about them.
"None of them," Shatner replied. "I got to know [creator] Gene Roddenberry in three years fairly well. He’d be turning in his grave at some of this stuff."
The iconic actor didn't mince any words on what he thinks about the new Star Trek shows that are currently airing and he even went by saying in front of the crowd that Rodenberry wouldn't appreciate where the franchise has gone today.
Whether you agree with Shatner's comment or not, you do have to acknowledge his honesty and not shying himself from sharing what he thinks of the current state of the franchise that he was part of for a long time and was also involved in during its inception.
Prior to his panel, Shatner and Paul Wesley, who is set to play James T. Kirk in the second season of Star Trek: Strange New Words, appeared together at the former's handprint ceremony during the convention. Shatner has previously given his seal of approval on Wesley's casting.
Also Read: Simon Pegg Discusses the Difference Between Star Wars and Star Trek Fans
All Star Trek shows are available to stream on Paramount+.
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