[This post has been updated.]
William Shatner plans to reprise his beloved role as Captain James T. Kirk in Roberto Orci‘s “Star Trek 3,” an individual familiar with the project has told TheWrap.
Shatner was recently linked to the sequel by Badass Digest, which reported that producer J.J. Abrams had approached the iconic actor about a role in the upcoming sequel. The site posted a follow-up on Monday, reporting that Shatner has taken Abrams up on his offer.
While Shatner seemingly confirmed the report on Twitter, saying “I’m baaaaccckk!!!,” that was in reference to his return to the U.S. from London — not confirmation of his return to the franchise.
However, a studio insider has told TheWrap that a Shatner cameo is planned, there’s just no deal yet since the “Star Trek 3” script has yet to be finalized. A meeting with Orci is expected to be put on the books shortly.
Badass Digest elaborated on its original report, saying that Shatner would be sharing a scene with the current Kirk, Chris Pine, as well as Zachary Quinto and the original Spock, Leonard Nimoy.
“Star Trek 3” is starting production soon, as it’s scheduled to beam into theaters in 2016.
Representatives for Paramount and Skydance did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
