Walt Disney's decision to hire J.J. Abrams to direct "Star Wars: Episode 7" still has people talking, and rightly so. With one foot already in the rebooted "Star Trek" franchise, many wonder if he can make a distinctive enough "Star Wars" movie so that it isn't one mass Abrams-y sci-fi blob. Still others wish Disney would've selected any number of other talented people to kick off the next three sequels. And then there's William Shatner, whose feelings on the matter are made plain and clear.
"No, he's being a pig," Shatner told Movie Fanatic when asked about his thoughts on Abrams taking on two iconic sci-fi series. "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."
As Huffington Post points out, Shatner and Abrams do have some history. The story goes that Abrams, who roped in Leonard Nimoy for an appearance in "Star Trek," also wanted Shatner, but he reportedly declined the part because he wanted to be the lead (something that Shatner denies, fyi). At any rate, this will only stir the pot more as everyone in Hollywood has an opinion about where this series can go, but the reigning sentiment seems to be one of guarded optimism.
"I dearly hope that this new crop of talented filmmakers will expand the world of 'Star Wars,' not retread familiar ground or provide unnecessary backstory to characters who don't need it," Zack Stentz, co-writer of "X-Men: First Class" told THR.
Meanwhile, screenwriter Zak Penn ("The Incredible Hulk," "The Avengers") expands on that thought. "Reboots and straight sequels can exhaust a franchise, but a continuing saga like 'Star Wars' doesn't belong in that category," he explains. "I liken it more to 'Terminator' or even 'The Matrix.' I'd still pay to see stories set in those worlds; even — and maybe because — I still have a bad taste in my mouth from more recent installments."
So, back to Shatner…kind of a dick? Or does he have a point? Weigh in below.