William Shatner responds to modern Star Trek criticism and a call for him to take over the franchise

William Shatner replied on X to Stephen Miller's criticism of Starfleet Academy and said he was "on the same page," while noting Paramount+ should increase budgets for its Star Trek shows.

William Shatner replied on X after Stephen Miller reposted a clip of the new series Star Trek: Starfleet Academy and called it "tragic." Miller suggested the franchise could be saved by giving Shatner "total creative control." Shatner wrote that he was "on the same page" with Miller and said Paramount+ needs to raise budgets for its Star Trek shows, adding a variety of emojis to his post. The exchange comes after Shatner's earlier public critiques of some recent Star Trek stories and public comments about creator Gene Roddenberry's views on military protocol. Key points: - Stephen Miller reposted a clip of Starfleet Academy and described it as "tragic," then suggested William Shatner should have "total creative control" of the franchise. - William Shatner responded on X that he was "on the same page" and mentioned that Paramount+ should increase budgets for its Star Trek programs, using many emojis in his post. - Shatner has previously criticized modern Trek entries, including comments from 2022 about Gene Roddenberry and a 2024 clarification about on-screen relationships and military protocol. - Starfleet Academy has an 87% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 43% audience Popcornmeter score, indicating stronger critical than general-audience reception. - Starfleet Academy is set in the 32nd century, follows Starfleet cadets aboard the USS Athena, and features Holly Hunter as Nahla Ake. Summary: The exchange highlights an ongoing public debate over tone and direction in recent Star Trek series, with a prominent former lead and a political adviser both critiquing Starfleet Academy. Undetermined at this time whether these comments will lead to any creative changes for the franchise.