How Nicholas Meyer Transformed William Shatner’s Star Trek Performance
Nicholas Meyer, a Star Trek newcomer, faced the challenge of directing William Shatner in The Wrath of Khan. Discover how Meyer’s unconventional approach led to one of the franchise’s most memorable performances and revitalized the Star Trek legacy.
When Nicholas Meyer stepped in to direct Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, he brought a fresh perspective—he’d never watched a single episode of the series before. His outsider’s eye proved invaluable, especially when it came to working with William Shatner, who by then had become deeply set in his portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk. Meyer’s goal was to draw out a more dynamic and authentic performance from Shatner, who had grown comfortable and somewhat inflexible in the role.
Breaking Through Shatner’s Routine
During a panel hosted by sci-fi writer and producer Marc Zicree, Meyer shared his strategy for getting past Shatner’s defenses. He explained that the key was to let Shatner get bored with his usual approach.
How to stop him from doing that was getting him to be bored with what he was doing. And when he was bored he let down his guard, and other things came to the fore because he wasn’t posturing.
This method allowed Shatner to drop his guard and deliver a performance that resonated with audiences around the world. The result was a portrayal of Kirk that many consider the finest in the franchise ’s history.
Shatner’s Hollywood Journey
Shatner’s career in Hollywood began long before he donned the Starfleet uniform. He had already earned the respect of peers like Christopher Plummer and took on a variety of roles, from The Brothers Karamazov to Judgment at Nuremberg. Shatner’s willingness to tackle any part that came his way helped him stand out in a competitive industry.
Even after working alongside top-tier talent, Shatner continued to make his mark on television, appearing in series such as The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, The Fugitive, and Route 66. But once he landed the role of Kirk in Gene Roddenberry’s Star Trek, he settled into the character, sometimes to the point of rigidity. The Wrath of Khan became a turning point, challenging him to break free from old habits.
Nicholas Meyer’s Impact on the Franchise
The Wrath of Khan breathed new life into the Star Trek universe after a lukewarm reception to the first film. Meyer, who admitted,
I’ve never watched Star Trek. I don’t even know what that is. It’s a guy with pointy ears, yeah?
brought a sense of objectivity and focus on storytelling that the series needed.
Released in 1982, the film was directed by Meyer and produced by Robert Sallin, with a screenplay by Jack B. Sowards. The story, based on characters created by Gene Roddenberry, centers on Kirk facing his past as Khan seeks revenge using the Genesis Device. The cast included Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Ricardo Montalbán, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, George Takei, and Walter Koenig. The movie grossed nearly $97 million worldwide and earned high marks from critics and fans alike.
Legacy of The Wrath of Khan
The film set a new standard for future installments, exploring themes like mortality and obsession. Kirk’s struggle with Spock’s sacrifice and Khan’s relentless pursuit gave the story emotional depth that still resonates today. Meyer’s direction propelled the franchise to new heights, ensuring its place in pop culture history.
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is currently available to stream on Paramount+ in the U.S.