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Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) and Lt. Uhura (Nichelle Nichols) assess the situation in STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES
© Paramount Pictures

STAR TREK XI Updates on Shatner and Crowe

By: Jarrod Sarafin, News Editor
Date: Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Source: Trekweb

The back-and-forth of STAR TREK XI news has been rather humorous lately. One case in particular is whether William Shatner will be reprising his role as Captain James T. Kirk or not. A few months ago, Shatner appeared on a nowlive interview joking he was distraught that his good friend Nimoy was asked to appear in the next film as "Spock" while he was being snubbed. Then, at Comic Con 2007, director JJ Abrams and his production crew confirmed that Shatner would indeed be appearing in the film contrary to previous reports.

Now, Trekweb is reporting that Shatner has said he won't be in the film after all. It could be more joking around on Shatner's part here, Maniacs. He could be appearing in the film as JJ Abrams has insisted and this is Shatner having a bit of fun. He's known to do that. The back and forth over the subject is confusing news outlets though...

Another bit of speculation that I'll pass along even if I don't believe it...IGN has been insisting for a week that Russell Crowe will be asked to be the big villain in the film. I haven't passed that bit for various reasons one of them being that there is nothing to substantiate the rumor. IGN has also insisted that Tom Cruise will be appearing as Capt Pike even though Cruise's own publicity agent has denied the rumor countless times. Another thing to think about is Crowe will be a rather busy man in the next few years. He's already attached to quite a few projects with his friend and director, Ridley Scott, including a revision of Robin Hood. While I can see JJ Abrams getting at least one or two A-List stars to appear in STAR TREK XI, I'm not sure if it will be Crowe or Cruise doing that even if IGN continues to insist. What do you think, Maniacs.

Thanks to scooper "snallygaster" for sending all these rumor reminders along...

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Comments/Responses

wessmith1966 • Aug 14, 2007, 10:30am •

Between all of the "rumors" and back and forth misdirection attached to JJ's Star Trek and 1-18-08 films, I'm getting tired of hearing about these movies. I can't believe that JJ, who has professed a deep respect for classic Start Trek, would put Spock and not Kirk in a movie, even as cameos. If you don't want people to know what you're doing, then just don't talk about it. I think JJ and his production/publicity crew will piss more people off and turn them off to the films by playing these games than if they would just not comment.

DarkJedi • Aug 14, 2007, 10:45am •

Hah, Wes....While JJ Abrams is very frustrating at times...I think this back and forth on Star Trek XI lately is mainly due to Shatner and IGN.

IGN keeps insisting wildfire rumors. Anyone remember the Damon, Brody and Sinise rumor they started a few months back? Now for the past two weeks, they've got these two Cruise and Crowe rumors and they refuse to budge...They keep on insisting.

Jarrod

rgtchtiger • Aug 14, 2007, 11:01am •

I will believe Russell Crowe will be in Star Trek when I see it. He's the type of actor who will call attention to himself in a film, much like Matt Damon or Tom Hanks. I think Crowe is one of the best actors working today and I normally would see any film he's in (especially when working with Ridley Scott), but I don't think he's well suited for Star Trek.

And is there a way to NOT call this film Star Trek XI? Unless I am mistaken I remember reading an interview with either Roberto Orci or Alex Kurtzman that the film will be a reboot and simply be titled "Star Trek" and not have any numbers or subtitles attached to it.

daforce • Aug 14, 2007, 11:11am •

I'm feeling very 'Lost' on this one.

It seems that they're more concerned about casting rather than getting a story right (or correct for that matter) and well written. My guess is this movie is going to turn out as muddled as the second season of Lost.

All style, no substance. Seems to JJ's calling card.

WhiteKnight • Aug 14, 2007, 11:13am •

I'm with daforce on this. I've actually been thinking that since it was announced.

captm0rgan77 • Aug 14, 2007, 11:28am •

To comment on all of these posts.
Jarrod, you're right. Shatner is the one behind all the mix-ups. From the reports given here JJ and his people have given us straight answers, whether it be, "I can't comment on this," back when the rumor of Damon playing Kirk or confirming the roles for Nemoy and Shatner.
As for Crowe, I'm with tiger on this. I don't think Crowe would be good in this, and isn't he too old to play the part? But I will tell you next to Shatner I think Crowe's ego would be an excellent fit. In most of the episodes and movies Shatner's ego bled through his roles, so much so that now he is known for it, which is why I think Shatner is playing games, so that he can stir up the pot and get people talking about him, I mean ... he put out an ALBUM for christ sakes. You don't think he was seriously going into the music industry? No, he just wanted to drum up more gossip.
#4: I believe that they already have a story. Didn't they announce, back when the teaser poster came out, that Paramount officially accepted the story and is going ahead with the project? So with that in mind, yeah ... the cast of rebooting this massive franchise that spans 5 decades, 10 movies, 5 tv series, countless books, and even a cartoon, would be something to "get right". Especially a well developed, some would argue "over developed", universe that just about any geek can relate to. They have a heavy burden. It's not like rebooting the Batman franchise where there is a lot of good back stories and plot outlines already flushed out, you just have to pick one. These guys know that their casting choices are going to get scrutinized (did I spell that right?) and picked a part, I mean look at whats happening now. These are all just rumors and were chewing at it like wild dogs ... me included ... so I'll shut up now.

rgtchtiger • Aug 14, 2007, 11:46am •

captm0rgan,

I don't think there's any way to know whether Crowe would be too old because there's no description of how old the villain is in the film.

If Abrams wants to use largely unknowns to play the major roles in the film, I don't get why he would use a major star to play a villain. If it's to draw more non-fans I think the story itself could bring in more casual sci-fi or action fans. Adding a big name star in a relatively small role would only minimally affect the box office.

gauleyboy420 • Aug 14, 2007, 11:49am •

I WANT KKKIIIIIIRRRRKKKK1
He's gotta do it. Kirk made the original series for me.

ninjavvitch • Aug 14, 2007, 11:50am •

Hey Jarrod

What happened to the Star Trek scoops I gave you three days ago, directly to you this time as you asked us to do wasn't news worthy.

Both not yet broken on this website either as of this date might I add.

Especially the one of Heroes star James Kyson Lee a.k.a. Ando wants to play Sulu in the upcoming new Star Trek XI movie

http://trekmovie.com/2007/08/11/heroes-star-lee-wants-to-be-sulu/

OR

Star Trek: TOS cast member Nichelle Nichols will be coming to Heroes this season in a recuring role.

http://www.heroesrevealed.com/cast/nichelle-nichols-star-treks-uhura-to-appear-in-heroes/

Your only proving my point here by your inaction that either you have a thing for veteran MANIA members only being allowed scoops like Snallygaster, etc.... or you are prejudiced in waiting until news becomes full out confirmed scoops then when they are you take the glory for yourself and not giving a finding credit to those that originally broke the news who are NOT veteran MANIA members.

I submitted the scoops to you directly this time and still nothing. What is the problem?

Talk to me here.

What am I supposed to do this time to get a scoop greenlighted? Join the cult of Mania, dance like a chicken and brand my forehead with a large JS to please you?

Why the prejudice against non-veteran MANIA members in not allowing them to get scoop credits?

I'm TRYING to work with you here but you want to have nothing of it.

Publicly you tell ALL to email you and that ALL MANIA members are ALL treated as equals but privately in your mind it's an Animal Farm mentality and only people like Snallygaster get an automatic escort to the front fo the line.

What gives?

monkeyfoot • Aug 14, 2007, 12:08pm •

Ninjavvitch, I have no secret inside thing with Jarrod (that I know of) and I have had scoops accepted and posted on this site. I just sent the same Uhura on Heroes thing too but they'd already put it up. It's probably just due to timing and editorial choice.
And they pay so much money for all the scoops! It's a bigger payday than taking candid pics of Lindsey Lohan :)

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