William Shatner has announced that he is considering returning to the role of Captain James T. Kirk at the age of 95. Star Trek will celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2026, coinciding with Shatner's own upcoming 95th birthday. Star Trek would not have become such a lasting cultural phenomenon without Shatner, as he portrayed Captain Kirk in Star Trek: The Original Series, Star Trek: The Animated Series, and seven Star Trek films. Kirk was officially killed off in the 1994 film Star Trek Generations.

In an interview with TV Insider, Shatner discussed his Star Trek career as well as other roles that contributed to Bill's status as a cultural icon. When asked if he would return to Star Trek, he mentioned that he has been contemplating what it would mean to be Captain Kirk at 95. Shatner said, "It's easy to say money, but as I played Kirk, I found the opportunity to add different tones to the character. Captain Kirk can find a very good place in someone like me as a deadly instrument of war and as a peace vessel."

Shatner's idea of the "calmness" that comes with Captain Kirk aging offers an interesting perspective. It suggests that Kirk's quest for peace and his instinct to throw himself into dangerous situations could find a greater balance. This could further enhance the depth and complexity of Captain Kirk's character.

William Shatner last wore Captain Kirk's Starfleet uniform in Star Trek Generations. However, the iconic actor later took on the role of Kirk in a Star Trek video game, voiced himself in Futurama, and supported Sam Witwer's Kirk performance as a producer in the 2024 short film 765874 - Unification. In 2005, Shatner had also proposed a guest role for Star Trek: Enterprise.