William Shatner (Kirk) and Leonard Nimoy (Spock) will either be involved in Star Trek XI or they won't, numerous web sites reported in the past week. In the absence of a statement from the production office, however, all these reports must be treated as hearsay.

"William Shatner Denies Star Trek Rumors that He Created," noted Slashfilm, which claimed that Shatner told a convention crowd in Chicago recently that he had been in discussions with J.J. Abrams about an appearance in the planned eleventh Star Trek feature film. Shatner has repeatedly been quoted as having expressed an interest in appearing in the movie (story).

Yet as both Slashfilm and TrekWeb observed, Shatner has since posted on his web site bulletin board that while there is "burbling" on the web about the possibility of his appearing in Star Trek XI, "in this case, the gas is coming from JJ Abrams and none of it seems to be directed in my direction. If any gas comes my way, I will post it immediately and you all will know."

The Trek Movie Report cites Shatner repeatedly telling convention audiences that Abrams seemed to be interested in talking to both himself and Nimoy. This suggestion has been echoed by Nimoy as well, for the Spock actor told Jam! Showbiz that the head of production at Paramount had called his agent to give official notice of plans for a future Star Trek project and to say that it was possible that the studio would seek involvement by Nimoy and Shatner.

"They might possibly want Bill and I to set up the story as a flashback," said Nimoy. "But that's just conjecture on my part."

Please keep in mind that until Paramount Pictures itself announces the casting of any actor in the project, any comments made by Abrams, Shatner, Nimoy or anyone connected with them cannot be considered confirmed news. Abrams is on the record as saying he would be interested in having Shatner and Nimoy involved in Star Trek XI; Shatner has reiterated his interest in working on the project; Nimoy has said that he is retired from acting, but he believes he is contractually guaranteed approval in the casting process for the character of Spock (story).

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