William Shatner On Quentin Tarantino’s R-Rated Star Trek Movie: ‘It’s Past Its Time’

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William Shatner has finally addressed the possibility of Quentin Tarantino directing an R-rated Star Trek movie. Back in 2019, the acclaimed director was working on a Star Trek project that would have featured Chris Pine as Captain James T. Kirk – a role famously played by Shatner in the original Star Trek series.

Quentin Tarantino once planned to make a Star Trek movie based on the classic episode “A Piece of the Action.” He envisioned it as a 1930s gangster film, filled with his signature snappy dialogue, strong language, and violent scenes. Ultimately, Tarantino left the project due to disagreements with the studio about the film’s direction – what he called “creative differences.”

At Liverpool Comic-Con, Monopoly Events’ Jamal Niaz spoke with William Shatner, the 95-year-old actor. Shatner fondly described Quentin Tarantino as a “wonderful guy and extraordinary talent.” When asked about the possibility of Tarantino directing an R-rated Star Trek film, Shatner gave a clear answer.

“No. It’s past its time. He has passed his time, and I have…”

Watch William Shatner’s interview below:

In 2019, while promoting his film Once Upon a Time… In Hollywood, Quentin Tarantino appeared on the Happy Sad Confused podcast. He explained to host Joshua Horowitz that his preference for Star Trek over Star Wars stems from his fondness for William Shatner’s portrayal of Captain Kirk.

Someone asked me what I enjoyed about Star Trek, and the answer is simple: William Shatner. I just love him as Captain James T. Kirk! That’s really the main reason I prefer Star Trek over Star Wars – William Shatner isn’t in Star Wars. I generally like William Shatner in most roles, but his portrayal of Kirk is what truly connects me to the show. It’s the core of why I enjoy it so much.

William Shatner and Quentin Tarantino both admire each other’s work. While Tarantino enjoys Chris Pine’s portrayal of Captain Kirk, he decided not to direct a Star Trek movie because he plans to retire after making ten films. He felt a Star Trek film wouldn’t be the right choice to conclude his directing career.

Quentin Tarantino hasn’t announced his final film yet, especially after shelving his project, The Movie Critic, in 2024.

Following Skydance Media’s purchase of Paramount Global in 2025, the studio confirmed they still plan to create new Star Trek films. However, they canceled Star Trek 4, which was being produced by J.J. Abrams and would have starred Chris Pine as Captain Kirk. Reports indicate that Paramount Skydance now aims to produce Star Trek movies that aren’t connected to the existing storylines from past films and TV shows.

William Shatner recently said that Quentin Tarantino’s chance to direct a gritty, R-rated Star Trek movie is now over. Tarantino’s vision for Star Trek will remain a fascinating “what could have been” in the franchise’s 60-year history, as it would have been unlike anything Star Trek has ever done.

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2026-05-04 12:59