William Shatner helped bring six decades of Star Trek history to New York Comic Con on October 10, 2026.
The actor, forever associated with Captain James T. Kirk, joined the franchise’s convention celebration as Star Trek marks its 60th anniversary. The event also put the spotlight on the future of the universe with a look at Starfleet Academy Season 2.
Past and future meet at NYCC
The Star Trek Universe panel featured Starfleet Academy stars including Holly Hunter, Sandro Rosta, Bella Shepard, Karim Diané and Robert Picardo, along with showrunners Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau.
The panel was designed to discuss the events of the show’s first season and preview what lies ahead for the cadets in Season 2. Shatner’s appearance added a direct link to the original series that launched the franchise in 1966.
A milestone year for Star Trek
The 60th anniversary has given Paramount and the franchise’s creative teams an opportunity to celebrate multiple generations of Star Trek while continuing to develop newer series.
For fans at New York Comic Con, Shatner’s participation made the panel more than a preview of upcoming television. It became a meeting point between one of science fiction’s most recognizable stars and the newest generation carrying the franchise forward.