William Shatner Wasn’t Happy With Leonard Nimoy Directing Star Trek III
By RYAN SCOTT
When Leonard Nimoy stepped behind the camera to direct "Star Trek III: The Search for Spock," it created awkward tension with his friend and co-star, William Shatner.
Nimoy and Shatner had worked together for nearly 20 years when the 1984 film rolled around, but the power dynamic was about to change meaningfully with Nimoy behind the camera.
Speaking in Edward Cross and Mark A. Altman's 1995 book "Captain's Log: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages," Shatner explained why the situation was uncomfortable for him.
Shatner said that he and Nimoy had always collaborated on ideas that may have contradicted management, and it felt awkward that his friend be the one he might object to.
Nimoy didn't initially believe that taking over as the film's director would be of concern to his fellow castmates and thought they knew he would have their best interests at heart.
It was essential to Nimoy to have some say in his career beyond "Star Trek," and directing was a great avenue to explore. He also firmly believed that he was the right man for the job.