William Shatner is known as the jovial force behind Captain Kirk in the "Star Trek" television series, as well as seven "Star Trek" movies. A recent interview, however, suggests he's less-than-happy that superstar director J.J. Abrams is taking on the recently announced "Star Wars" reboot, in addition to helming the new spate of "Star Trek" films.
When asked if Abrams taking over "Star Wars" was leading to a "homogenization of sci-fi," Shatner, per usual, didn't hold back in his comments.
"No," Shatner flatly told
Movie Fanatic. "He's collecting the two franchises and holding them close to his vest. He's probably the most talented director of that ilk that we have, but he's gone too far this time."
Abrams directed the 2009 reboot of "Star Trek" and is slated to helm "Star Trek Into Darkness" this year, as well as the seventh installment of the "Star Wars" saga in 2015. Abrams' post was confirmed by
Disney CEO Bob Iger. The company bought the "Star Wars" franchise along with the rest of Lucasfilm for $4 billion back in October 2012.
Shatner seemed irked over the prospect of Abrams running both of Sci-Fi's biggest franchises.But he also made clear that he wasn't ruling out the possibility of helping set the blockbuster director straight on the matter — even if only for a job.
"I think of him as a buddy of mine," Shatner said. "I've taken him out for sushi. I think it's time for J.J. and I to have another sushi and let me put him straight about two of the largest franchises. And not employing me in either one of them I think is just foolhardy."
Shatner has recently starred in the CBS sitcom "$#*! My Dad Says," based on the popular Twitter feed of the same name. He was doing the Abrams-slamming interview in promotion for his new animated film, "Escape From Planet Earth."
Abrams' recent hits include "Super 8" and "Mission Impossible III," both released in 2011. He's also rumored to be the director on
a new Lance Armstrong-focused biopic, starring Bradley Cooper.
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