It’s not the first time William Shatner has put his hands in cement, but it’s the first time for Comic-Con International. Through Legion M, Thursday was a day to celebrate the man, the myth, the legend, and it started at the Theater Box on Fifth Avenue. There, a select group of fans and press gathered to watch the 91-year-old Shatner press his hands into cement.
Despite joking about the ephemerality of life, Shatner will be honored and remembered by fans for decades to come. As long as there is a Comic-Con, his prints will always be nearby. The event began with Legion M co-founder Paul Scanlan welcoming the excited audience and legendary film critic Leonard Maltin.
In his remarks, Maltin reminisced about getting to experience the true range of Shatner’s acting talent — through radio drama. Shatner headlined a reading of Ray Bradbury’s Leviathan 99 for PBS Radio, and played Orson Welles’ role in a KLOS recreation of Welles’ infamous War of the Worlds broadcast. To Maltin’s point, though Shatner’s acting style has been oft-exaggerated for fun — especially by the man himself — his talent is prodigious. As is his appetite for life — he came down to San Diego after competing in an equestrian event near San Francisco. At 91.
Strange New Worlds actor Paul Wesley, the new man in Kirk’s tunic, introduced Shatner in a short earnest speech about the graciousness of an actor who casts a large shadow.
And of course, Shatner did indeed take the con (and the Con, let’s face it).
And at last… the moment…
After wiping his hands, it was time for photos and preparing for a long day of honor, including the requisite Hall H panel, hosted by Kevin Smith. Thank you to Legion M for this opportunity.
