William Shatner Responds to Stephen Miller’s ‘Woke’ Star Trek Critique
William Shatner recently made headlines with his response to a critique of the Star Trek franchise by Stephen Miller. The former White House deputy chief of staff for policy questioned the direction of the franchise after sharing a clip from the new series, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. This series features cast members Tricia Black, Gina Yashere, and Holly Hunter.
Background on the Critique
Miller’s critique emerged after he noticed the clip’s representation of the characters, suggesting a disconnect with traditional Star Trek values. He called for Paramount+, the company behind Star Trek, to restore the franchise by consulting with Shatner, who famously portrayed Captain Kirk in the original 1960s series.
Shatner’s Response
In a light-hearted reaction, 94-year-old Shatner commented on the portrayal of character Nahla Ake, played by Hunter, emphasizing a comedic take on the absence of advancements in eye care by the 32nd century. He tweeted, “The fact that they have not cured Hyperopia by the 32nd Century is an abysmal oversight on the writers!” He humorously questioned the production’s budget and logistics regarding the use of glasses among the crew.
- Shatner’s original role: Captain Kirk, Star Trek
- New series features: Lt. Rork (Tricia Black), Lura Thok (Gina Yashere), Nahla Ake (Holly Hunter)
- Shatner directed: Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989)
- Last portrayed Kirk in: Star Trek: Generations (1994)
Miller’s Continued Advocacy
Following Shatner’s reply, Miller reiterated his stance, insisting it was still possible for Paramount to salvage the franchise by reconciling with the veteran actor. He urged the studio to capitalize on Shatner’s experience and insight.
Social Media Reactions
The discourse surrounding the clip also attracted attention from Elon Musk, who made a joking comment regarding the lack of modern medical treatments in the Star Trek universe. In response, Tricia Black remarked on social media about the frequency of such comments directed toward her performance and the industry at large.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Reviews
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy premiered recently on Paramount+ and has already been renewed for a second season. Critics have noted the show’s ambitious premise but mentioned inconsistencies in execution. Angie Han from The Hollywood Reporter described it as having “too much charm and promise to dismiss outright.”
Shatner’s Stance on Political Commentary
Although Shatner tends to steer clear of political issues, he has previously spoken out against certain labels and comments online. He has described terms used to categorize individuals as harmful, expressing his views on social media.
With the ongoing dialogue about the future of Star Trek and its relevance in contemporary culture, Shatner’s insights remain valuable as the franchise navigates criticism and strives to maintain its legacy.
