Did Any Dislike Shatners Portrayal of Captain Kirk on Star Trek the Original Series?
Did Any Dislike Shatner's Portrayal of Captain Kirk on Star Trek the Original Series?
William Shatner, best known for his iconic role as Captain James T. Kirk in the original Star Trek series, has often faced criticism not just for his portrayal, but also for his conduct on set. Despite the popularity of his character and the enduring appeal of Star Trek itself, there have been instances where his behavior garnered attention and even dislike among certain individuals involved in the production.
The Controversial On-Set Behavior
While Captain Kirk himself might not have been universally disliked, there was significant controversy surrounding William Shatner's on-set behavior. According to Shatner himself, his arrogant attitude and treatment of colleagues was not always the best. He later reflected, stating, He would have treated his fellow actors better if he had known how famous he would become… This admission highlights the tension that arose between Shatner and his fellow cast members.
Examining Kirk's Romantic Adventures
One common gripe about Captain Kirk's character is his lack of romantic escapades, with many fans and critics alike expressing surprise at how few women Kirk actually dates in the series. In actuality, throughout the entire run of the original series, Kirk is only seen sleeping with two women. This fact often undercuts the notion that Kirk was heavily romantically involved, at least in a screen time perspective.
Shatner's Character and Ego
Another aspect that has been a point of contention is Kirk's and, by extension, Shatner's ego. Shatner himself acknowledges and often jokes about it. A notable example is his idea for the scene in Star Trek: The Undiscovered Country (ST:TUC) where he interacts with a shapeshifter named Martia. While this scene is remembered for its humor, it also underscored the egotistical mindset of the character and the actor.
On-Set Tensions with George Takei
One of the most visible on-set conflicts involved William Shatner and George Takei, who played the role of Mr. Sulu. Takei and Shatner did not get along due to Shatner's condescending and sometimes insulting behavior toward Takei, who is openly gay. This tension intensified to such an extent that in the film Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, Sulu was portrayed as the captain of his own ship to avoid having to share scenes with Kirk. This rewriting of the script highlights the depth of the animosity between the two cast members.
Female Cast Members and Guests
Several recurring female cast members or guest stars also expressed displeasure towards Shatner's behavior. Reports and testimonies have indicated that Shatner was often inappropriate, leading to a hostile atmosphere on the set. This conduct not only affected his relationship with female co-stars but also contributed to a more general sentiment of dislike.
Despite these issues, it's important to note that many fans and even some cast members, such as Nichelle Nichols (played Uhura) and many others, appreciated Shatner's portrayal of Captain Kirk. To them, Kirk was a complex character with both strengths and weaknesses, which made the role both challenging and rewarding.
Whether or not Shatner's portrayal of Captain Kirk and his conduct on set were universally disliked remains a topic of debate among both fans and critics. While he undoubtedly brought a unique dynamic to the role, it's clear that his actions were not always well-received, leading to on-set tensions and lasting impacts on the cast's relationships.