William Shatner's Changing Perspective on Star Trek
William Shatner once stopped taking the Star Trek franchise seriously, but his attitude shifted after watching Patrick Stewart portray Captain Picard.
Shatner's Early Relationship with Star Trek
Shatner admitted mixed feelings about Star Trek. While it brought him significant fame, he was a disciplined actor who always wanted to be a leading man. He considered the show his own and enjoyed the attention it gave him. His co-stars often noted his large ego, but he was serious about his craft.
Post-Cancellation and Cult Success
After the original show was canceled, Shatner was eager to move on. However, Star Trek grew into a cult phenomenon, which confused him. Unlike some caricatures, he never lashed out at fans, but he wasn't eager to revisit the past either.
Revisiting the Role and Evolution of Attitude
Over time, Shatner reprised his role as James T. Kirk in several films. By the late 1980s, he acknowledged he was no longer as invested in the character and recognized that Star Trek had become somewhat of a joke. He was sometimes mocked for his expressive acting and had mixed responses to the ridicule.
Turning Point with Patrick Stewart
This mindset changed after Shatner saw Patrick Stewart's performance as Captain Picard, which inspired him to take the role more seriously again.
"William Shatner had stopped taking the Star Trek franchise seriously at one point, but that changed after he saw Patrick Stewart play Captain Picard."
Author's summary: William Shatner's view of Star Trek evolved from pride and frustration to renewed respect after witnessing Patrick Stewart’s portrayal of Captain Picard.