I honestly had no idea that Shatner and Takei were feuding, this completely passed me by. Feels like a great shame. As for a charity debate: what do they actually have to debate...? From my shallow research into the topic, it looks a lot like a clash of egos.
George Takei - with back-up/confirmation from nearly all TOS cast members - charges Shatner with taking away his scenes/lines from several feature films & limiting the Sulu character from expanding courtesy of Shatner's ego. Walter Koenig, being the last main surviving TOS cast member, completely supports Takei's position.
Example: Sulu DID get his Captaincy in STVI - he was supposed to get it earlier, but Shatner felt Sulu would overshadow Kirk. I don't recall actual scenes, but more than once, Shatner convinced Nicholas Meyer/Robert Wise/Leonard Nimoy, whomever was directing, to cut Takei's dialogue. As a fan, I find it more than disappointing, as an actor, Takei felt not only shortchanged, but I'd imagine a calculable career impediment since the more scenes/lines, the more you can shine & more important your character becomes.
'Debate' we could say 'conversation' or 'conference' or 'meeting' or 'showdown' - RUMBLE? LOL - Debate is simply a convention to say duke it out verbally. Let Takei bring his grievances. See how Shatner answers. More than anything, it could be a great, fun charitable exercise where two men do good by finally burying an increasingly silly ancient feud. I had dinner with George Takei at a Trek con. He was beyond engaging, so fun. Dazzling us with tales working with John Wayne on 'The Green Berets' - etc. I love Shatner too. Sad to see a lasting petty interaction between two icons.
Finally, I offer this: I've considered BOTH actually love & want it to continue. It keeps them in the news, their dirty little PR secret. 😉
Thanks for the breakdown! I absolutely agree with the final paragraph: both are 'luvies' (i.e. 'ack-tors') and as such have blistering egos to feed. This feud has inevitably brought them more attention, since tabloid trash travels rather well. 😉
I honestly had no idea that Shatner and Takei were feuding, this completely passed me by. Feels like a great shame. As for a charity debate: what do they actually have to debate...? From my shallow research into the topic, it looks a lot like a clash of egos.
Stay wonderful!
Chris.
George Takei - with back-up/confirmation from nearly all TOS cast members - charges Shatner with taking away his scenes/lines from several feature films & limiting the Sulu character from expanding courtesy of Shatner's ego. Walter Koenig, being the last main surviving TOS cast member, completely supports Takei's position.
Example: Sulu DID get his Captaincy in STVI - he was supposed to get it earlier, but Shatner felt Sulu would overshadow Kirk. I don't recall actual scenes, but more than once, Shatner convinced Nicholas Meyer/Robert Wise/Leonard Nimoy, whomever was directing, to cut Takei's dialogue. As a fan, I find it more than disappointing, as an actor, Takei felt not only shortchanged, but I'd imagine a calculable career impediment since the more scenes/lines, the more you can shine & more important your character becomes.
'Debate' we could say 'conversation' or 'conference' or 'meeting' or 'showdown' - RUMBLE? LOL - Debate is simply a convention to say duke it out verbally. Let Takei bring his grievances. See how Shatner answers. More than anything, it could be a great, fun charitable exercise where two men do good by finally burying an increasingly silly ancient feud. I had dinner with George Takei at a Trek con. He was beyond engaging, so fun. Dazzling us with tales working with John Wayne on 'The Green Berets' - etc. I love Shatner too. Sad to see a lasting petty interaction between two icons.
Finally, I offer this: I've considered BOTH actually love & want it to continue. It keeps them in the news, their dirty little PR secret. 😉
Thanks for the breakdown! I absolutely agree with the final paragraph: both are 'luvies' (i.e. 'ack-tors') and as such have blistering egos to feed. This feud has inevitably brought them more attention, since tabloid trash travels rather well. 😉
Stay wonderful!
Chris.