William Shatner Jokes Back at Stephen Miller's Star Trek Franchise Critique
William Shatner, the legendary actor known for his iconic portrayal of Captain Kirk in the original Star Trek series, had a witty and playful response to Stephen Miller's suggestion that he should take control of the Star Trek franchise. Miller, a White House deputy chief of staff for policy, had called for Shatner's involvement to improve the franchise, specifically mentioning the need to address a perceived issue with the recent series, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.
In a humorous tweet, Shatner took aim at the scene in question, highlighting the character of Nahla Ake, played by Holly Hunter, who wore glasses. He joked about the lack of a cure for hyperopia (nearsightedness) in the 32nd century, suggesting it was a significant oversight by the writers. Shatner's playful tone continued as he suggested that the Starfleet organization, being a well-oiled machine in the distant future, could afford more than one pair of glasses for the bridge crew, implying that the producers should have considered this detail.
Miller, who also serves as President Donald Trump's homeland security advisor, doubled down on his call for Shatner's leadership. He responded to Shatner's tweet, emphasizing that it was not too late for Paramount to reconcile with Shatner and save the franchise. However, Miller's initial suggestion of giving Shatner 'total creative control' sparked a debate, as some interpreted it as a call for the actor to dictate the franchise's creative direction.
The controversy surrounding the casting choices in Star Trek: Starfleet Academy had already sparked discussions on social media. Users criticized the casting, suggesting it was motivated by diversity efforts, which some found problematic. This led to a heated exchange between Shatner and Elon Musk, who shared a similar clip and made a joke about banned substances in the future. Shatner, known for his progressive values, defended himself against such comments, emphasizing his comfort with his identity.
Despite his tendency to avoid political commentary, Shatner has made headlines in the past with his opinions on cultural issues. He has criticized the use of the term 'cisgender' as a slur and term of harassment, expressing his discomfort with it. Shatner's involvement in the Star Trek franchise, both as an actor and director, has made him a beloved figure among fans, and his playful response to Miller's suggestion adds a layer of humor to the ongoing discussions about the franchise's future.
