William Shatner recently shared a humorous take on a suggestion from Stephen Miller about improving the Star Trek franchise.
After Miller, who is the deputy chief of staff for policy at the White House, posted a clip from the new series Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, he expressed concern about the franchise’s direction. The clip featured cast members Tricia Black, Gina Yashere, and Holly Hunter, but Miller seemed unhappy, hinting at issues with casting and aesthetics.
He tweeted, “Tragic. But it’s not too late for @paramountplus to save the franchise. Step 1: Reconcile with @WilliamShatner and give him total creative control.”
Shatner, now 94, responded with a light-hearted message about the use of glasses in the series. He jokingly pointed out, “The fact that they have not cured hyperopia by the 32nd century is an abysmal oversight!” He even quipped about Starfleet’s budget, suggesting they should be able to afford more than one pair of glasses for the crew.
Miller didn’t let Shatner’s playful reply deter him. He reiterated his call for Shatner to take charge of the franchise, claiming it’s “not too late for Paramount to make amends with Shatner and save the franchise.”
Online, reactions have been mixed. Some fans agree with Miller, arguing that the recent casting prioritizes diversity over traditional Star Trek values. For example, Elon Musk shared the same clip and sarcastically added, “Turns out they banned Ozempic and LASIK in the future lol.” This prompted a response from Tricia Black, who expressed her frustration at seeing the same jokes repeated and commented on Musk’s attention to the matter.
Historically, Star Trek has been known for its progressive values, frequently addressing social issues long before they became mainstream topics. The original series, launched in the 1960s, challenged norms around race, gender, and more, echoing its creator Gene Roddenberry’s forward-thinking vision.
As for the new series Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, it made its debut last week and is already confirmed for a second season. Critics have mixed feelings. The Hollywood Reporter described it as “ambitious but shaky,” suggesting it has potential despite its early missteps.
Shatner generally avoids political discussions but has sparked conversation in the past. For instance, he has spoken out against certain terms used in contemporary dialogues. In 2020, he addressed his discomfort with the label “cisgender” on social media, arguing that it can be used as a slur.
As we move forward with new Star Trek content, fans will be watching to see how the franchise evolves—and if Shatner’s light-hearted commentary leads to a deeper conversation about its future.
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