It looks like the former Captain Kirk is creating his own unique holiday film with a few familiar TV faces!
William Shatner has scores of television credits to his name beyond just James T. Kirk, TJ Hooker, and Boston Legal. The veteran actor has starred in countless TV movies, including a few holiday-themed offerings.
One interesting entry was 2003’s A Carol Christmas, where Shatner’s performance as a quirky Ghost of Christmas Past inspired David E. Kelly to create the character of Denny Crane for Shatner. He also starred in the cult horror movie A Christmas Horror Story.
Now, per Deadline, Shatner is confirmed to star and produce the new Pathway Pictures dramedy series Family Tree. He’s co-producing with game show host Tom Bergeron alongside Nat Bernstein with Katie Amanda Keane as writer. It’s to be directed by Marla Sokoloff, who also stars.
Per the description, the show is about “three estranged siblings who reunite at Christmas to sell their crumbling childhood home only to discover that fixing the house might be the key to repairing their fractured family.”
Shatner and Bergeron play Frank and Jeff, the elder brothers of the family. Sokoloff, a veteran of Hallmark/Lifetime Christmas movies, shared a statement on the series.
“Family Tree is about the kind of healing that only happens when you’re stuck together with the people who know you best, and challenge you the most. It’s a story with grief, growth, and humor, wrapped in holiday warmth. Katie Amanda Keane and I have always wanted to collaborate on a holiday movie that is rooted in family reality with a touch of holiday magic, and I think we accomplished that with this script."
Shatner added “I am so pleased to be involved in this magical mysterious Christmas show that celebrates love!”
This may seem an offbeat choice for Shatner's next project, yet it's logical he's holding off on bigger stuff at his age. Of course, from going on a space shot last year to his podcasts and planning a new book on fan interactions, Shatner isn't exactly quitting and this movie seems to be a fun lark. It's likely his character isn't exactly lovable, yet fits into the overall tone of the family film.
The series is set to begin production in early 2026 for a holiday release next year. It’s unclear which streaming service it could land at. Still, it’s nice that even at 94 years old, William Shatner is still doing some good movies and has no signs of slowing down anytime soon!