CNN Finds Out Shatner Out

The AP, via CNN, finally catches up to what the blogosphere has known for a while - that William Shatner is currently not in Star Trek XI.

Shatner comments "I couldn't believe it. I'm not in the movie at all. Leonard, God bless his heart, is in, but not me. I thought, what a decision to make, since it obviously is a decision not to make use of the popularity I have to ensure the movie has good box office. It didn't seem to be a wise business decision." This more strident response his contrary his more laid back nature of his recent video blog on the matter.

"Abrams said Shatner probably would have a part in the film, which is due in theaters in December 2008. But while Shatner said he had a couple of meetings with Abrams, nothing came of it."

Kirk is dead and considering the movie's storyline, which is about saving young Kirk, not old Kirk, adding him to the movie would be nice but not really necessary. As for the believed bad business by not having him, considering how well Generations didn't do, I doubt his participating or lack of would have any impact on the box office one way or the other. Hopefully though something can be worked out that includes Shatner's involvement in an organic way rather then forced in.