For Its 60th Anniversary, Star Trek Officially Reveals Captain Kirk’s Look for November 13 Release
Star Trek marks 60 years
Star Trek is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Its first episode, “The Man Trap,” premiered on NBC on September 8, 1966, though it was not the series’ original pilot or its second pilot.
The anniversary is being marked with a special set of Star Trek cards for the Magic: The Gathering collectible card game. The cards are scheduled to reach shelves on November 13.
Shatner reflects on the franchise
William Shatner played Captain James T. Kirk across three seasons of live-action television, two seasons of The Animated Series and six feature films. In a video released by Magic: The Gathering producer Wizards of the Coast, he reflects on the franchise’s history. Shatner describes the original show as “moderately successful” and Kirk as a “classical hero.” He says fandom and syndicated reruns helped turn the series into “this unique thing, a show biz phenomenon.”
Kirk appears on new cards
Shatner responds to his depiction in the Magic: The Gathering cards, expressing approval of the heroic style. He describes one card as a “really romantic depiction of me.” The actor’s relationship with Star Trek has at times been complicated, but he remains closely associated with the franchise. He is one of two surviving cast members from The Original Series, alongside George Takei, following Walter Koenig’s passing.
Key points
- The Star Trek Magic: The Gathering set is due on November 13.
- The franchise is marking 60 years since “The Man Trap” premiered on September 8, 1966.
- William Shatner praised one card as a “really romantic depiction of me.”