![William Shatner Says He’s ‘Terrified’ Ahead of Space Flight](https://townsquare.media/site/295/files/2021/10/attachment-Shatner.jpg?w=980&q=75)
William Shatner Says He’s ‘Terrified’ Ahead of Space Flight
William Shatner has admitted he’s “terrified” as he prepares to fly into space.
The 90 year-old actor, known for his iconic portrayal of Captain Kirk on Star Trek, has been pondering his real-life space flight for over a year.
“My friend Jason Erhlick came to me about a year and a half ago and he said he was seeing these rockets with people going into space. And, wouldn’t it be something if Captain Kirk went up there?” Shatner recalled during an appearance at New York Conic-Con (as reported by Deadline). “And I said, ‘Jason, for God’s sake, man. Nobody cares if Captain Kirk goes to space. It was 55 years ago, man. But I’m doing well, maybe I should go up to space?”
The COVID-19 pandemic slowed the process down, but Shatner eventually had real conversations about a potential flight into space. On Monday (Oct. 4) Blue Origin, the aerospace company founded by Jeff Bezos, announced that the actor will be part of their next crew.
“I’m terrified. I’m Captain Kirk and I’m terrified,” Shatner admitted. “I’m not really terrified—yes I am. It comes and goes like a summer cold. I’m planning on putting my nose against the window [once I’m in space] and my only hope is I won’t see someone else looking back.”
Assuming the flight comes to fruition, Shatner will be the oldest man to travel into space. The actor said he’s not thrilled about setting the record.
“I don’t want to be the oldest guy to go into space,” he jokingly admitted to the Comic Con crowd.
Shatner further revealed that while preparing for his flight, he can’t help but think about the 1986 Challenger crash. The people in charge of Blue Origin have repeatedly told him everything “should” be fine.
“And I’m thinking, I’m going up in a rocket and our best guess is it should be fine?”
Shatner’s space voyage is scheduled to launch on October 12.
40 Essential Movies That Turn 40 in 2021
More From Awesome 98
![‘Star Trek‘ Nichelle Nichols’ Ashes Will Be Sent To Space](http://townsquare.media/site/442/files/2022/08/attachment-GettyImages-501323910.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Captain Kirk’s Going to Space: Shatner Set for Blue Origin Flight](http://townsquare.media/site/295/files/2021/09/attachment-ShatnerSpace.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![55 Years Ago: ‘Star Trek’ Boldly Changes the Face of Television](http://townsquare.media/site/295/files/2021/09/attachment-GettyImages-607439084.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Adam West’s Final Performance as Batman Has a Trailer, Release Date](http://townsquare.media/site/442/files/2017/08/adam-west-batman-bluray.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![William Shatner Set To Captain The First Official ‘Star Trek’ Cruise](http://townsquare.media/site/252/files/2015/08/William-Shatner-Frazer-Harrison-.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![William Shatner Has Been Killed Off as the Priceline Negotiator [VIDEO]](http://townsquare.media/site/190/files/2012/01/shat.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![George Takei Wants ‘Star Trek’ and ‘Star Wars’ Fans to Unite Against ‘Twilight’ [VIDEO]](http://townsquare.media/site/190/files/2011/12/gt.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Did William Shatner Almost Die Deep-Frying a Thanksgiving Turkey? [VIDEO]](http://townsquare.media/site/190/files/2011/11/shat-fryer.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![William Shatner Does a Really Weird Version of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ [VIDEO]](http://townsquare.media/site/190/files/2011/10/bohemian-shat.jpg?w=980&q=75)