First came the rumor, then the denial, now a confirmation. It began with a report that William Shatner would reprise the role of Captain Kirk in the upcoming third “Star Trek” film in a part that was said to be more than just a cameo.

It was a report that the film’s co-writer and likely director Roberto Orci wouldn’t discuss, and one which Shatner himself denied through Twitter. During an appearance at Wizard World Nashville this past weekend though, Shatner changed his tune:

He told the crowd that producer J.J. Abrams called him directly saying: “I’m calling because the director of Star Trek, the next movie, has had an idea where you might be involved, so I’m calling to find out whether you would be interested.” Shatner told Abrams, “It depends on what you do with the character, but I would be delighted.”

After that he was sworn to secrecy, and then the story made its way online. Now, there’s not much point in denying it: “So the news is out that they have an idea that they want Leonard and myself…they might want Leonard and myself in it. But I would love to do it. But how do you get me fifty years later into the movie? I mean how do you rationalize it. I know it’s science fiction, but even I couldn’t come up with an idea. So that’s the news on that.”

Orci, Patrick McKay and J.D. Payne recently completed the script for the film which is reportedly aiming to begin shooting early next year for an early Summer 2016 release.

Source: ComicBook.com