After Leonard Nimoy materialized in J.J. Abrams’ 2009 reboot of the Star Trek franchise, the rumor floodgates opened about who would cameo is the inevitable sequel. Now that production is inching closer to their now Holiday start date, the rumor mill’s most obvious victim, William Shatner, has confirmed that he will not be finding his way back onto the bridge of the U.S.S. Enterprise.

The DailyBlam, reporting from the Calgary Comic Expo, has it that Shatner took the stage to do a standard Q&A session and was asked about his involvement, if any, in the upcoming sequel. The original Captain Kirk answer as follows:

"I have become an acquaintance of J.J. as of late but I'm afraid no.. no I will not be in Star Trek 2 I'm afraid."

Nimoy played a big part in the reboot, as his character was essential to the story while also providing fan service. Were they to pull the same trick again with Shatner, and let’s be honest, they couldn’t have him playing anybody else but Kirk, it would seem forced, distracting, and would look like Abrams was out of story ideas. It just wouldn’t be a good plan.

Bear in mind that I am no genius the way Abrams is so he may have a trick up his sleeve that could make a Shatner cameo work. Knowing him, his meeting with Shatner went something like this, "You’re not going to be in Star Trek 2...is a lie you’re going to have to tell for two years until the movie comes out with you in it." Sneaky devil.

It’s highly likely that Shatner will not appear in the movie, but don’t be 100% shocked if he does.