Shatner’s Ironic Role in Twilight Zone: The Fearful Man Before Captain Kirk!

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Three years prior to William Shatner assuming the role of Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek: The Original Series, he portrayed a somewhat ironic character in an iconic episode of The Twilight Zone. In 1966, William Shatner boarded the USS Enterprise as Captain Kirk, forever altering science fiction television. Before this, Shatner had starred in various films and shows, including two episodes of The Twilight Zone. Captain Kirk would become Shatner’s most renowned character, with Kirk still being one of the significant figures in Star Trek today.

Over the course of three seasons on Star Trek: The Original Series and seven feature films, Captain Kirk, alongside Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy) and Dr. McCoy (DeForest Kelley), journeyed through the galaxy. With his daring attitude and natural charisma, Captain Kirk earned a reputation as one of Starfleet’s most distinguished and successful captains. Kirk was always eager to discover new planets, and he approached the unknown with courage rather than fear. Unlike his well-known character from The Twilight Zone, Kirk on Star Trek did not have a fear of flying.

William Shatner Played A Man Afraid Of Flying In The Twilight Zone’s “Nightmare At 20,000 Feet,” 3 Years Before Star Trek

Captain Kirk, Afraid Of Flying?

In episode 3 of season 5 in The Twilight Zone, titled “Nightmare At 20,000 Feet,” actor William Shatner plays Robert Wilson, a man with an aversion to flying due to a previous traumatic experience on a plane that led to a breakdown and hospitalization. While traveling on another flight with his wife, Robert claims he spots a peculiar creature on the aircraft’s wing. However, whenever he attempts to share this sighting with his wife or a crew member, the creature mysteriously disappears.

In a chilling turn of events in the Twilight Zone, when it seemed like a monster was causing havoc aboard the plane, Wilson seized a revolver from an unconscious police officer and forcefully opened an emergency exit, firing at the creature. The creature plummeted from the wing, yet none of the other passengers witnessed it. After landing, Wilson was once again committed to a psychiatric hospital. However, the closing scene disclosed that the monster had indeed inflicted genuine damage on the plane. Approximately three years later, William Shatner assumed his role as Captain James Kirk aboard the USS Enterprise.

Funny enough, I find myself in an ironic situation, playing a man who’s petrified of soaring through skies, when three years later, I’d be commanding one of the most iconic space vessels ever conceived. While Robert Wilson is undeniably trembling at that monstrous creature on the plane, he persists in battling it even when everyone else dismisses its existence as mere imagination. This shows a great deal of courage, though it’s tough to envision Wilson venturing into uncharted territories or challenging the Klingons with the same zest and bravery that Kirk would exhibit.

William Shatner Isn’t The Only Original Star Trek Actor Who Had Previously Appeared On The Twilight Zone

Leonard Nimoy, James Doohan, & George Takei Also Visited The Twilight Zone

Back in “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet,” Captain Kirk wasn’t the only Star Trek star who graced The Twilight Zone. In fact, even Mr. Spock, or rather Leonard Nimoy, made an appearance! He starred in the season 3 episode titled “A Quality of Mercy,” playing an American soldier during World War II. The plot revolves around Lt. Katell, portrayed by Dean Stockwell, who orders his men to attack defenseless Japanese soldiers. However, things take an unexpected turn when he mysteriously swaps places with the Japanese squadron leader.

The Original Series and The Twilight Zone.

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2025-05-29 14:49