Summary
- William Shatner's documentary You Can Call Me Bill explores his rise from Star Trek to a multifaceted career in arts and unique outlook on life.
- Audiences can see the documentary with Shatner's Q&A in theaters or streaming on March 20 before nationwide release on March 22.
- With over 70 years in entertainment, Shatner's life, music, and even space travel experiences will be highlighted in the film.
You Can Call Me Bill is a documentary detailing the incredible life and work of Star Trek actor William Shatner, and screenings including a Q&A with Shatner himself are coming to theaters around the country. Taking place around Shatner’s 93rd birthday, the documentary explores the actor’s rise to fame through Star Trek, his career in the arts as a whole, and the unique outlook on life he has as a result of it all. The film was directed by Alexandre O. Philippe, known in part for his 2010 documentary The People vs. George Lucas.
Audiences across the country will be offered multiple ways to see You Can Call Me Bill, starting with a series of screenings in which Shatner himself will appear to discuss the film. The March 20 premiere screening will also be streamed to 300 theaters, so viewers who can’t make it in person will be able to share in the special event. The documentary will enjoy a nationwide theatrical release on March 22—Shatner’s birthday.
Check out the special event screening and Q&A dates below:
- 3/5 – Richmond, VA, with GalaxyCon
- 3/17 – New York, New York (with Neil deGrasse Tyson)
- 3/20 – Playa Vista, CA (A Screen Rant Presents event!)
- 3/21 – Culver City, CA
- 4/8 – Bloomington, IN (Sold out!)
Why It’s About Time For A William Shatner Documentary
William Shatner rose to fame portraying Captain Kirk, one of the key characters in Star Trek: The Original Series, who he played for three consecutive years on the show as well as in a number of films. That was the just the beginning for the actor, however, who has gone on to star or appear in everything from Airplane II: The Sequel to Boston Legal to T.J. Hooker. Shatner has been an actor for over 70 years and undoubtedly has a fascinating repertoire of stories about the ups and downs of that career.
In addition to finding incredible success as an actor, Shatner has been drawn to other artistic pursuits, like music. Actors surprising audiences with singing is not an unusual occurrence, but Shatner has embraced his musical side through live performances at awards shows, musical television episodes, and even an album with beloved singer/songwriter Ben Folds. Shatner is a multifaceted talent, and ideally a documentary will highlight the many ways in which he puts his talents on display.
Through his near-century-long life, the actor behind Captain Kirk has seen and done more than most. William Shatner has even gone to space, and returned to Earth having had a profound experience. That’s just one of the unique ways in which this man has experienced the world, and You Can Call Me Bill is sure to explore the fascinating life philosophy that Shatner must have.
You Can Call Me Bill will hit theaters nationwide March 22, with special screenings before and after the date. Find more info on the Legion M website.
