William Shatner suggests 'Star Trek' the musical for 50th anniversary

By Wade Sheridan
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William Shatner and his wife Elizabeth Shatner at the Los Angeles Philharmonic's opening night concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall on Sept. 29. The actor is setting his sights on a 'Star Trek' musical to celebrate the show's 50th anniversary. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
1 of 2 | William Shatner and his wife Elizabeth Shatner at the Los Angeles Philharmonic's opening night concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall on Sept. 29. The actor is setting his sights on a 'Star Trek' musical to celebrate the show's 50th anniversary. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Captain Kirk himself, William Shatner is pushing for a Star Trek musical to celebrate the iconic sci-fi series' 50th anniversary.

Next year will mark a half-century since Kirk first commanded the Enterprise in 1966 and Shatner is attempting to organize a way to celebrate the show's history despite never being contacted by those in charge at Paramount studios.

"I'm attempting to sell a 50th anniversary show, but so far I've had very little luck. Maybe because Paramount's going to do their own – but I don't know how they can do their own without me. I've never been contacted," the 84-year-old explained to The Guardian.

"I've been actively trying to do a 50th anniversary show ... We had a big company say: 'What about a musical or a music variety show?' That got some traction – but nothing's come of it yet."

Shatner has always stayed close to the franchise over the years appearing at fan conventions and partaking in Star Trek documentaries but explained to the publication that he has avoided watching the newer series or films. "I haven't watched myself on Star Trek, except when forced to because I'm directing something," the actor said. "So there are many, many of the episodes that I did all those years ago that I have never watched, and that goes for every iteration of Star Trek ... I just haven't had the time."

Currently CBS is developing a new Star Trek series which will air exclusively on the network's subscription service, CBS All Access. Additionally, the third film in the rebooted Star Trek film series entitled Star Trek Beyond will be hitting theaters on July 8, 2016.

On Sunday, Shatner will be honored with the Icon Award for lifetime achievement at the second annual Voice Arts Awards.

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