William Shatner never wants to play 'Star Trek's Captain Kirk again

Shatner as James T. Kirk (Credit: CBS)
Shatner as James T. Kirk (Credit: CBS)

In a world where remakes and reboots have monopolised the movie business, the notion of William Shatner returning as (the late) Captain James Tiberius Kirk really isn't so outlandish, right?

WRONG.

Read more: Noah Hawley hints at new cast for Star Trek reboot

The oft-prickly 88-year-old actor has affirmed that never again will he play the captain of the USS Enterprise.

In the wake of the new Star Trek spin-off series Picard, in which Sir Patrick Stewart has reprised his role as Jean-Luc Picard, a fan asked Shatner if a 'Kirk' series could be in the offing.

SAN JOSE, CA - MARCH 18:  William Shatner speaks onstage at the San Jose Convention Center during the first annual Silicon Valley Comic Con on March 18, 2016 in San Jose, California.  (Photo by Kelly Sullivan/Getty Images)
William Shatner during the first annual Silicon Valley Comic Con (Credit: Kelly Sullivan/Getty Images)

The answer was swift and decisive.

“No,” he replied. “I think Kirk’s story is pretty well played out at this point.”

He then elaborated: “What was any different about my statement on Kirk that I haven’t said before?

“I don’t do cameos (that one stretches back to 2008 & JJ) Kirk’s story is well told out of any other captain’s story. Kirk died in Generations. What is really left? Adventures in the ribbon?”

Well, that's the fans well and truly told, and while Picard has left some critics slightly frustrated with its pace (though many have also loved it), the franchise appears to be making moves in the right direction following a hiatus.

The J.J. Abrams' produced movies stalled after the third, Star Trek Beyond, tanked at the box office.

Read more: Tarantino Star Trek now looking doubtful

Word of a Quentin Tarantino-penned R-rated 'Pulp Fiction in space' Star Trek movie has since proved somewhat fanciful, but now Fargo showrunner Noah Hawley is on board to develop a new Star Trek feature film.

It's thought Hawley will also be looking at a new cast to take over too, though as yet, there's no time frame in place.