To help celebrate the 50th anniversary of “Star Trek,” science-fiction icon William Shatner, the franchise’s immortal Capt. James T. Kirk, is the first guest announced for the new Star Trek: Mission New York fan convention set for Sept. 2-4 at Manhattan’s Javits Center, reports Newsday contributor Frank Lovece.

“I’m looking forward to coming to New York for this giant celebration of the 50th anniversary,” Emmy Award-winner Shatner, 84, said in a statement. “It will be reminiscent of the original Star Trek convention in 1972 in New York.” “Star Trek” premiered Sept. 8, 1966.