William Shatner reflects on life as Captain Kirk, 'Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan' and more

Ed Masley | The Republic | azcentral.com

"Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" is a tough act to follow.

But William Shatner manages.

After screening the film, he takes the stage to talk about the 1982 film, the TV series and his life as Capt. James T. Kirk before answering questions from the fans.

And there's something he's noticed.

"The film was made almost 35 years ago," he says. "So I come out and it’s a big of a shock to see the actor 35 years later."

Shatner laughs.

"But we soon overcome it," he says. "And then the audience and I have fun with each other. I answer their questions and go on a bit about some things. I know a little bit about the film. I’m learning more from other people as I go. But it’s great fun."

He's done it several times now, Shatner says. "And it seems to be a very satisfying evening at the theater."

The man's connection to the role of Kirk, a role he first assumed in 1966, runs deep — so deep, in fact, that when he calls to talk about his upcoming date at the Orpheum Theatre, it's hard to tell where Shatner ends and Kirk begins.

But that's assuming there's a difference.

Question: You said you continue to learn about the film from other people. What are you learning?

Answer: I just heard this morning, for example, that some people think of “The Wrath of Khan” as one of three films that are linked together by the aging of Kirk. I dimly recollect somebody saying that a long time ago, but I had long since forgotten. So the facts pertaining to “The Wrath of Khan” are out there. And some of those facts I don’t know.

Q: How did it feel to take on the aging of Kirk, in that film, as the actor?

A: Well, it’s unusual, if not unique, to play a part sufficiently long enough to warrant explaining why you look so different. We enhanced that with glasses and all those things and yet still had the spring in the step and the glitter in the eye. I can’t think of anybody else who had that opportunity because of the uniqueness of “Star Trek.”

So it was great fun to do that and not fight the fact that over the lengthy period of time that we made those films — What was it? Fifteen years or something? — everybody changed somewhat.

Q: Is there anything about playing Kirk that you miss?

A: When they killed the character in whatever movie it was, I started writing books about Kirk and Paramount allowed me to do that. I brought Kirk back to life and he went off on his adventures. And I would take from my own life experience and make it Kirk — in effect write an autobiography. But it was in the character of Kirk.

Q: A lot of people point to "Wrath of Khan" as the best of the "Star Trek" films.

A: Well, I don’t think there’s any question that “Star Trek V” was the best of the “Star Trek” movies.

Q: Why is that?

A: (Laughs) Because I directed it.

Q: Of course.

A: I think “V” probably. Maybe “II.” Maybe “IV.” I don’t know. There were lovely elements about all of them. Some had more lovely elements than others. We learned as we went along. I wish that we had had an opportunity to continue. It would have been so interesting. And although I was being facetious about “Star Trek V,” the theme of “Star Trek V” was meant to be Star Trek goes in search of God. That was the one line that I started out with in that film. How interesting it would have been to take that one-line approach and apply it to a situation happening in the world today, whether it’s terrorism or the presidency or whatever and do a “Star Trek” on that one-line idea. It would have been superb.

Q: It’s amazing to think that the original series only lasted three seasons.

A: Isn’t that something? It should have died a quiet death. And why it didn’t is the question I think people are trying to answer.

Q: Do you have any thoughts on why it didn’t catch on in those first three years?

A: I think it may have been the time slot. When it went into syndication some years later and caught fire, it was on in an earlier hour. I think people might have thought it was a kids’ show or a young persons’ show. And the kids started watching so the parents started watching with the kids and it became news, so then more people started watching.

Q: At what point did you start to notice the cultlike appeal of the show and what was that like for you?

A: Well, I heard that it was being syndicated. We didn’t know what that meant. None of us got paid for the syndication because it was before the union understood what syndication was. I’d hear “It’s on the air” and I’d think, “Wow, it’s on the air. And nobody paid for that.” (Laughs) So it was irritating. But nobody took it too seriously. Until it started appearing in hundreds of places and there was no recourse. Then the studio began to mutter about making a “Star Trek” movie because “Star Wars” happened, so now science fiction was not only feasible but it was a moneymaker.

Q: What did you think when they approached you about playing Kirk again?

A: I loved the idea because the part of the captain was so well-written and there were so many fascinating things to do as an actor. What do we do this week? It was great fun. A great challenge. I didn’t fully appreciate it as a young actor as I would now. But when they said “Let’s do it again,” I was enthused.

Q: Is Kirk your favorite role?

A: Well, with this aging process, the actor brings himself to whatever role he’s playing. You bring the young, enthusiastic, athletic actor and 10 years later you’re a little less athletic and you’re bringing another part of yourself to a role. It’s all you but it’s different.

Q: So do you see a lot of yourself in Kirk, then?

A: Absolutely. I mean, that turns out to be me there.

William Shatner

When: 7 p.m. Saturday, June 23.

Where: Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams St., Phoenix.

Admission: $60-$155.

Details: 877-840-0457, phoenix.ticketforce.com.

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