William Shatner Responds to Viral Plea for Him to Take Over STAR TREK After STARFLEET ACADEMY Criticism
William Shatner has once again found himself at the center of a Star Trek conversation, this time thanks to a viral critique that escalated into a call for him to take the reins of the entire franchise.
The discussion kicked off after comments targeting Paramount+’s new series Star Trek: Starfleet Academy started making the rounds online, pulling the legendary Captain Kirk actor into the mix.
The spark came from Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff for policy, who reposted a clip from Starfleet Academy and didn’t hold back.
Miller labeled the footage “tragic” and went further, suggesting the long-running science fiction franchise could still be course-corrected if Paramount reconciled with Shatner and handed him full creative control. That idea caught traction fast, blending fandom frustration with political commentary.
Shatner, now 94 and forever tied to Captain James T. Kirk, jumped into the conversation on social media with a response that leaned heavily into humor and sarcasm.
Rather than address the broader criticism head-on, he zeroed in on a specific detail from the clip featuring Holly Hunter’s character.
“I am so on the same page with you @StephenM!” Shatner wrote. “The fact that they have not cured Hyperopia by the 32rd Century is an abysmal oversight on the writers!”
He didn’t stop there. Shatner continued poking fun at the show’s production choices, adding, “Also @paramountplus needs to up the budget because I’m sure that a well oiled organization like Starfleet in the distant future could afford more than one pair of glasses for at least this hyperopic bridge crew.”
He wrapped it all up with a tongue firmly in cheek declaration, writing, “I am ready to assume command of the series! Call me!”
Miller responded again after Shatner’s post, doubling down on his criticism and stating that “Paramount screwed up.” He reiterated his belief that the studio could still “make amends with Shatner and save the franchise.”
Despite the renewed noise, there’s been no indication from Paramount+ or Shatner himself that any kind of creative takeover is actually on the table.
For now, the idea of Shatner steering Star Trek remains firmly in the realm of internet fan talk. Still, his playful response shows he’s very aware of the ongoing debate and more than happy to have some fun with it.
Whether fans agree or not, the moment proves that decades later, Shatner’s presence still has the power to warp straight into the center of Star Trek fandom.