10 Quick Questions with William Shatner

Best known as Captain James T. Kirk, William Shatner travels the universe again as the narrator for Mars Rising. Here, he talks about why he took on the project, where in space he'd most like to travel to, and if he'll be part of the next Star Trek film.

Q: What was it that drew you to the project - the space element, Mars, the fact that it was a Canadian project, or all of these?
A: It was all of that — the science aspect of it, the intrigue of fiction and science, and the pride I have in my country doing wonderful things in documentary and film. It all came together beautifully and I was very impressed.

Q: Did working on it give you any insight into the Mars exploration?
A: It was more the fact that we will actually one day be able to explore Mars that was a real "aha!" moment for me. That human beings really will be able to live on other planets — what an idea that is.

Q: Were you the type of kid who dreamed about going into space?
A: I've always had an interest in science. But space travel wasn't an option when I was a kid. They were still trying to figure out what electrons did.

Q: And there was some kind of mix-up with the Richard Branson civilian space project?
A: Well, I guess you could call it that. He thought I should pay to go into space, and I thought he should pay me. The conversation pretty much ended there.

Q: If someone said, "Bill we will send you to any part of space you'd like to go," where would that be?
A: I think the tropical waters of the Bahamas would be enough.

Q: Do you think Star Trek had an impact on the popularity of NASA and space travel, particularly during the race to the moon?
A: I think everybody would agree that as NASA progressed, our ratings went up, and as our ratings went up, so did NASA's budget. One hand washed the other, you might say. And that's a good thing, since you really need to wash your hands when you come back from space. Or so I hear.

Q: You've been living in Hollywood for so long now — do you sometimes go back to Montreal just to get away from it all?
A:Oh yes — I have sisters and family in Montreal, and I still do work in Toronto. I love going home.

Q: What are you most passionate about today?
A: Everything! You name it.

Q: Everything?
A: Absolutely. I'm a passionate person.

Q: So just between you and me, there's no chance of you being in the new Star Trek film?
A: As far as I know — even though they haven't started filming yet — I know pretty much I'm not going to be a part of it.

Q: Why not?
A: I think that's the 11th question …