William Shatner is known for playing the iconic role of Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek. Shatner originated the role in the 1966 series that launched the sci-fi franchise which is popular even today. Despite the character’s depiction suggesting otherwise, some viewers have found Shatner’s Captain Kirk to be bisexual.
In a social media post, Shatner refuted the claims that Kirk was bisexual, arguing that such a depiction of the USS Enterprise’s captain would’ve almost certainly ruined the series. As a result, Shatner opined that the series would not have existed to begin with if Kirk was bisexual as some fans had predicted. Here is what Shatner had to say about Captain Kirk’s alleged bisexuality.
William Shatner refuted claims of Captain Kirk being bisexual in Star Trek
William Shatner first appeared as Captain Kirk in Star Trek: The Original Series, which ran from 1966 to 1969. In the series, Kirk is known for his promiscuity but his romantic relationships in the canon are strictly with women.
However, several fans and commentators have interpreted his interactions with Spock and McCoy to have romantic undertones. As a result, the fandom has long debated whether Kirk was bisexual and you can find an extensive analysis of the idea here (via Syfy.com).
Despite this, Shatner has firmly refuted the claims that Kirk is bisexual. In a tweet responding to a fan supporting the claims, Shatner denounced the notion arguing that Star Trek as we know it may not have existed to begin with.
If Kirk were bisexual Star Trek would have never have happened. It would not have influenced Star Wars & it would be a blip in the history of the Roddenberry family. How is it you don’t understand the social constructs of the 60’s? Why did Stonewall happen in 69 if all was👌🏻?🙄🤷🏼♂️ https://t.co/sjhNNKN9MH
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) February 3, 2021
From Shatner’s words, it is evident that the actor wasn’t a fan of the idea that suggests Kirk was bisexual from the beginning.
Shatner’s argument primarily stemmed from the social constructs of the 1960s when LGBTQ rights were not generalized and censorship prevented such outright depictions. Therefore, Shatner was trying to make the point that a bisexual lead character for a major sci-fi series of the time may have been far too outlandish.
William Shatner isn’t opposed to Captain Kirk being depicted as bisexual in future Star Trek media
While Star Trek was known for some progressive ideas that were often considered ahead of its time, Shatner most likely felt that a bisexual lead character may have been too much for the time. However, that did not stop the actor from supporting future depictions of the character leaning into the idea.
According to some reports (via Pride.com), it was rumored that Kirk might be depicted as bisexual in his appearances on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. Former The Vampire Diaries star Paul Wesley was cast in the role but there hasn’t been any outright confirmation on his take on the character being explicitly bisexual.
If Star Trek exec Alex Kurtzman wants his Kirk to be bi, I’m fine with that. I wouldn’t kowtow down to mob mentality wanting me to embrace something that didn’t currently exist. It still doesn’t.
Shatner reportedly made the above comment (via EuroNews) in a follow-up tweet, expressing that future depictions of the character may explore a different side of Kirk.
Shatner who recently turned 94 has also expressed an interest in reprising his most famous role one more time, with the actor also revealing that he had heard a pitch for a potential return as Captain Kirk in one of the newer Star Trek shows. Hence, it remains to be seen if Shatner returns to the Enterprise in the future.
Star Trek movies and shows are streaming on Paramount+.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
