When a franchise like Star Trek modernizes or even diverts slightly from its well-worn brand, fans can sometimes get a bit upset. With the potential Quentin Tarantino film in the Star Trek universe aiming for a more R-rated approach that’ll presumably include his trademarks of ribald language and copious blood, that upset has been simmering for some time.
And yet, there’s one person who’s helping stem the tide, in the form of unlikely ally and Star Trek legend William Shatner. Which is exhibited in a recent exchange the man behind the original Captain Kirk had with a concerned citizen of Starfleet, shown below:
William Shatner himself was prompted by a fan to discuss the inclusion of profanity into this hypothetical Star Trek film that Quentin Tarantino is masterminding over at the property’s home studio of Paramount. And sure enough, as any good Trek fan worth their salt would argue, William Shatner used the precedent of Star Trek: Discovery’s usage of profanity to show just why he’s not upset.
Though, on the other side of the coin, William Shatner does pose the question of why people aren’t “melting down” over the usage of words previously considered verboten from the Starfleet code of conduct, and that’s where the issue comes full circle. Because that sort of thing has, indeed, caused fans to be upset.
When Star Trek: Discovery used the word fuck in a pivotal moment of its first season, it prompted think pieces and fan response that wasn’t exactly the rosiest of circumstances. So while the precedent of the language being used falls in line with Star Trek history, the upset to such a prospect in a feature film, as shown on Twitter, is just as baked into the argument.
Ultimately, the debate will probably be settled on a couple of key terms that should please William Shatner and his lack for concern, as well as the presence of concern from the fans. And those are the feelings of the current Star Trek movie cast.
With some eager to jump onboard the Quentin Tarantino version of things, and Chris Hemsworth bailing on the previously in development Star Trek 4, the vote of confidence could be to switch things up and go with QT’s version of events. In which case, fans will have two choices: either see a Star Trek, or don't see a Star Trek.
Should fans choose to see this still percolating Tarantino film, there’s one thing that the opposing side and even William Shatner can take comfort in: at least in a Quentin Tarantino version of Star Trek, the swearing will feel right at home.
We’ll see what happens with the Quentin Tarantino Star Trek project, as it still has some work to be done before even thinking of existing. But, if you’re in the mood for some Tarantino action on the planet Earth, you can see Once Upon A Time In Hollywood when it debuts on July 26. Also, for all of you William Shatner fans out there, you can catch the man himself on tour as he’s making the rounds with special screenings of The Wrath of Khan throughout this year and next.
