William Shatner Deflects Political Fire with Humor, Jokingly Offers to Lead ‘Star Trek’ Series
LOS ANGELES, January 25, 2026 – At 94, William Shatner remains a master of the diplomatic deflector shield. The original Captain Kirk became the center of an online culture-war skirmish this week after a White House adviser criticized Paramount+’s new series, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. Rather than engage in political debate, Shatner responded with trademark wit, focusing on a sci-fi logic flaw and jokingly offering to “assume command” of the franchise.
The Online Exchange: Miller’s Critique, Shatner’s Wit
The controversy began when Stephen Miller, a deputy chief of staff and homeland security adviser, reposted a clip from the newly premiered Star Trek: Starfleet Academy with the caption “Star Trek 2026 … Beyond parody…” Miller suggested Paramount+ could “save the franchise” by reconciling with Shatner and giving him “total creative control.”
Shatner, whose X bio lists him as “not political,” responded days later. Ignoring any political subtext, he zeroed in on a detail from the clip: actress Holly Hunter’s character wearing glasses. “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 humorously questioned the show’s budget, asking if the crew passed “the glasses around while piloting the ship?” before concluding, “I am ready to assume command of the series! Call me!”
Key Facts: Shatner & ‘Starfleet Academy’
| Subject | Details |
|---|---|
| William Shatner | Age 94. Played Captain James T. Kirk in the original Star Trek series (1966-69). Oldest person to travel to space (2021). |
| Recent Health | Experienced a brief blood pressure issue in September 2025, was hospitalized as a precaution, and was reported “100 percent healthy” shortly after. |
| New Series | Star Trek: Starfleet Academy premiered on Paramount+ on January 15, 2026. Set in the 32nd century, it follows a new class of cadets. |
| Series Reception | Early critical reviews are mixed-to-positive (87% on Rotten Tomatoes), while initial audience scores are lower (43%). |
| Shatner’s Legacy Project | Working with StoryFile to create an interactive AI avatar designed to preserve his stories and communicate with future generations. |
Beyond the Bridge: Shatner’s Current Focus
While engaging with Star Trek fandom, Shatner’s primary focus appears to be on legacy and reflection. In a 2022 book, he described his 2021 suborbital flight with Blue Origin as an experience that filled him with “overwhelming sadness” and a profound new connection to Earth. He has also been public about past health battles, including stage 4 melanoma and prostate cancer.
Recently, he has invested time with StoryFile, a company that creates conversational AI avatars. “Imagine hundreds of years from now, they could reach into the past to talk with you – and you could talk back,” Shatner said in a promotional video, framing the project as a way to preserve his authentic self.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is William Shatner really taking over ‘Star Trek: Starfleet Academy’?
No. His social media post was a humorous response to Stephen Miller’s critique. Neither Paramount+ nor Shatner has indicated any plans for him to assume a creative role on the series.
How is William Shatner’s health?
Following a brief hospitalization for a blood pressure issue in September 2025, Shatner’s agent stated he was “100 percent healthy.” Shatner himself dismissed health rumors on social media, joking that reports of his demise were “greatly exaggerated.”
What did William Shatner think of going to space?
In his 2022 book, Boldly Go: Reflections on a Life of Awe and Wonder, Shatner wrote that his 2021 trip aboard a Blue Origin rocket was unexpectedly somber. He described a strong feeling of grief seeing the “vicious coldness of space” contrasted with Earth, ultimately concluding that “the beauty isn’t out there, it’s down here, with all of us.”