WIlliam Shatner Documentary Is in the Works and Footage Will Premiere at Comic-Con
Iconic actor William Shatner will be the subject of a new documentary being produced by Legion M and Exhibit A Pictures. The film is being helmed by Alexandre O. Philippe (Lynch/Oz), and it aims to take “off the countless masks he’s worn throughout his career, to reveal the man behind one of the most recognizable faces in the world.”
Shatner is best known for his work in Star Trek playing Captain Kirk, but he’s done so much more in his career that has spanned 50 years. He’s appeared in episodes of The Twilight Zone, starred in the police drama T.J. Hooker, and won an Emmy for his role as Boston Legal’s Denny Crane.
The producers of the film will be holding a panel at San Diego Comic-Con in Hall H, and they will be offering fans an early look at footage from the doc, which is sure to be filled with interviews with all kinds of people. Shatner will also be in attendance, and the conversation with Shatner will be moderated by Kevin Smith.
Legion M, which bills itself as the world’s first fan-owned entertainment company, is also presenting fans with the opportunity to invest directly in the project. Investment terms have not yet been released, but fans can sign up to make a non-binding, no-obligation reservation here starting today, with reservation holders becoming the first to know when the offering opens.
The director shared in a statement: “I grew up watching Bill Shatner on a black-and-white television in Switzerland. My first memories of him are from Columbo and The Twilight Zone. He is a modern Renaissance man. Ubiquitous. Unavoidable. His range as an actor (Roger Corman’s The Intruder, anyone..?) is as staggering as the depth of his wisdom and curiosity; and I couldn’t be more excited by this opportunity to craft an up close and personal portrait of a man who fascinates me, through some of the important themes he openly tackles in his most vulnerable autobiographical songs. This intimate film will illuminate little-known and rarely seen aspects of Bill’s career and philosophy, and also reexamine some of his most iconic roles and cultural moments through a brand-new lens.”
Legion M co-founders Paul Scanlan and Jeff Annison said in a joint statement: “From make-believe starship captain to a real-life rocketman, William Shatner has led one of the most unique and best-lived lives on the planet,” said Legion M co-founders Paul Scanlan and Jeff Annison in a joint statement. “While we all know him from his iconic roles, the REAL William Shatner is even more interesting. We’re thrilled to be working with Alexandre and the top-notch team at Exhibit A, and excited to give fans around the world an opportunity to be a part of Bill’s legacy.”
Shatner added: “For years I’ve had people approaching me to do a documentary about my life, but I turned them all down because it didn’t feel like the right fit. Alexandre and I hit off right away, and when I heard how Legion M wanted to incorporate audiences to be a part of it, it was perfect. Fans have been responsible for my career — it only seems right that they should own this doc.”
So, if you’re a fan of Shatner, here’s something cool you have to look forward to!