The status of the Nu-Trek franchise has been a hotbed of debate with fans after both Chris Pine and Chris Hemsworth walked away from salary negotiations from Paramount. Now the original Captain Kirk, William Shatner added his two cents about the situation.
During an interview with Trek Movie, Shatner, the “Master of green women,” was asked about his opinion on the situation, and if he ever experienced difficult and/or harsh negotiations.
He hints at a time where he might have encountered some difficulty, but goes on to discuss how Pine is in a good negotiating position.
“Well, we negotiated. I don’t recall, although there is something vaguely reminiscent about saying, ‘I can’t do that.’ But, Chris is in a wonderful position in that he is so good and such a leading man, that he has many opportunities to explore without being Captain Kirk. So he is in a really good negotiating position. I think he’s doing the right thing in terms of getting more money, as the movies seem to be making a lot of money.”
And of course, William Shatner had a joke for Pine which referenced his old Priceline.com commercials.”I know nothing. I’m a negotiator, but that’s for travel. [laughs] I can get you a ticket you wouldn’t believe!”
Shatner has a very good point. Right now, Pine is at the height of his career. He’s starring in multiple successful films, such as [easyazon_link identifier=”B072FNHS9P” locale=”US” tag=”boundingintocomics-20″]Wonder Woman[/easyazon_link], The Finest Hours, and Horrible Bosses 2. It would be very difficult to undercut his pay.
As for Hemsworth, the Avenger’s star is also in a position where his work has proven he can command a sizable salary. He’s already in mid-production for the Men in Black reboot. He’ll also be starring in the upcoming Bad Times at the El Royale.
It might be bleak, but not all hope is lost.
Last week Chris Pine hinted at a possible return, but he made it clear that the ball was in the court of Paramount. When asked about the negotiations he said: “I don’t know, man. I’d love to be involved, and we’ll see what happens. I’ll await the phone call. Until then, I look forward to it.”
What do you think of this hardball strategy? Is Chris Pine doing the right thing? Or is he putting the entire movie franchise at risk? Let me know what you think in the comments below!