How Nicholas Meyer Outsmarted Shatner's Ego During Star Trek II
The director of Wrath of Khan had never watched Star Trek before taking the job, but he knew exactly how to handle his difficult leading man. His unconventional method produced one of the franchise's greatest performances.
Nicholas Meyer faced a challenge when directing Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. William Shatner had grown comfortable in his Captain Kirk role, maybe too comfortable. The actor had developed what Meyer called an "attitude problem" and showed resistance to direction.
Meyer had never watched a single Star Trek episode before taking the director's chair. This outsider perspective became his secret weapon against Shatner's rigid performance style.
The Psychology Behind the Performance
During a panel with sci-fi writer Marc Zicree, Meyer revealed his strategy for breaking through Shatner's defensive walls:
"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."
The technique worked. Shatner delivered what many consider his finest performance as Kirk, bringing emotional depth that moved audiences worldwide. The film became the gold standard for Star Trek movies.
Shatner's Hollywood Journey
Before Star Trek, Shatner had already conquered Hollywood. He worked alongside Christopher Plummer and landed roles in prestigious films like Richard Brooks' The Brothers Karamazov and Stanley Kramer's Judgment at Nuremberg.
Television became Shatner's playground. He appeared in The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, The Fugitive, and Route 66. Each role showcased his range and versatility.
But success can breed complacency. Once Gene Roddenberry cast him as Kirk, Shatner settled into a comfort zone. He rode the Trek wave for years, his acting becoming predictable and stiff.
Meyer's Fresh Vision
Meyer brought objectivity to the franchise. When asked about Star Trek, he famously said: "I've never watched Star Trek. I don't even know what that is. It's a guy with pointy ears, yeah?"
This ignorance became strength. Meyer focused on storytelling fundamentals rather than fan expectations. He crafted themes about mortality and sacrifice that transcended science fiction.
The 1982 film earned $97 mn worldwide and scored 87% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praised its emotional weight and character development. Spock's sacrifice scene remains one of cinema's most powerful moments.
Meyer's direction saved the franchise after the lukewarm reception of the first film. He proved that sometimes an outsider's perspective can revitalize even the most established properties.