Star Trek icon William Shatner has delivered a witty riposte to former US Homeland Security Advisor Stephen Miller's public appeal for him to rescue Paramount+'s new series, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, from what Miller decried as 'woke' storytelling.
Miller's 'Tragic' Critique of New Star Trek Series
Last week, Stephen Miller, a prominent former advisor to President Donald Trump, took to social media platform X to lambast the upcoming Paramount+ spinoff. Sharing a clip posted by a right-wing account, Miller described the show as "tragic" and suggested the franchise needed saving. The clip featured three female characters discussing a mission, which the source account labelled "Beyond parody," apparently criticising the actors' appearances.
"But it's not too late for @paramountplus to save the franchise," Miller wrote in his post. "Step 1: Reconcile with @WilliamShatner and give him total creative control." This public plea set the stage for a humorous exchange that has since captivated fans and commentators alike.
Shatner's Tongue-in-Cheek Response
William Shatner, the 94-year-old actor who immortalised Captain James T. Kirk in the original 1966 Star Trek series, responded with characteristic wit. Rather than addressing political critiques directly, Shatner chose to mock the scene's supposed shortcomings through the lens of futuristic technology.
"I am so on the same page with you @StephenM," Shatner posted. "The fact that they have not cure [sic] Hyperopia by the 32nd Century is an abysmal oversight on the writers!" He continued his satirical critique, questioning the production's budget: "Also @paramountplus needs to up the budget because I'm sure that a well oiled organization like Starfleet in the distant future could afford more than one pair of glasses for at least this hyperopic bridge crew. Do they pass the glasses around while piloting the ship? Shame on the line producers! That is what you meant, right?"
Shatner concluded his post with a playful offer, adding a winky face emoji: "I am ready to assume command of the series! Call me!" This response cleverly sidestepped political commentary while highlighting the absurdity of criticising a science fiction show for minor prop details.
Background: Shatner's Previous Political Commentary
The exchange gains additional context from Shatner's known political stances, particularly regarding US-Canada relations. As a Canadian citizen, Shatner has previously spoken out against inflammatory rhetoric from former President Donald Trump about annexing Canada as a 51st state.
In a notable interview with Fox News last year, Shatner addressed Trump's persistent interest in this idea, stating, "At a certain point, persistence becomes insulting." He humorously suggested that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney should make a counteroffer, proposing the US become Canada's 11th province.
"Think of the joy! And it's the best thing," Shatner quipped. "Here you have a friendly group of people saying, 'Come on over. It's cleaner, there's plenty of power, there's some lovely people who want to work with you. Be our 11th province!'" He added a serious note, reflecting on Canada's military sacrifices: "Tens of thousands of Canadian soldiers have died in the fight for freedom and making the world playable for all of us. You can't denigrate that. You can't deny that."
Social Media Reaction to Miller's Plea
Miller's original post faced immediate ridicule from X users, many of whom pointed out the irony of his suggestion. Critics noted that Shatner, despite his legendary status in the Star Trek universe, is not only 94 years old but also a Canadian citizen who has publicly opposed Trump-era policies. This made Miller's call for him to 'save' an American television series from perceived wokeness particularly fraught.
The incident highlights ongoing cultural debates surrounding entertainment, 'wokeness,' and the intersection of politics with popular media. Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, scheduled for release on Paramount+, now finds itself at the centre of this discussion even before its premiere, thanks to this very public exchange between a Hollywood legend and a former White House advisor.
