Brief
William Shatner debuts ‘The Sixty‑Year Mission’ documentary at New York Comic Con
The film examines the original series' cultural impact and ties it to 1960s politics, featuring interviews with cast members and fans.
By Felo News Desk · Published
William Shatner opened the New York premiere of The Sixty‑Year Mission: How Star Trek Changed Television and the World at the Regal Times Square theater during New York Comic Con on October 12, 2026, according to Wired.
What happened
The documentary, written and directed by Mark A. Altman, screened at the convention and entered select theaters the same weekend. It focuses on the original Star Trek series (1966‑1969) and explores its cultural legacy and the political climate that shaped it.
What the reports add
Altman, creator of the Inglorious Treksperts podcast, said the film shows how the 1960s influenced the series, noting that Gene Roddenberry was “liberal on social issues but hard‑nosed on defense.” The documentary includes interviews with dozens of fans and stars, ranging from Shatner and Simon Pegg to Next Generation actors Jonathan Frakes and Brent Spiner. Mary L. Trump, the president’s niece, praised the show’s pioneering representation of Nichelle Nichols’ Lieutenant Uhura. George Takei recounted his World War II Japanese‑American internment experience, and Karim Diané discussed playing the franchise’s first openly gay Klingon.
What was said
Shatner told Wired, “maybe you’ll like it, maybe you won’t,” before adding, “you’re going to see a lovely film made by people who cared.” He also reflected that he initially saw the role as “a regular paid job” and only later recognized the show’s broader impact. Altman explained, “I think audiences are pleasantly surprised that Sixty‑Year Mission shows how the ‘60s shaped Star Trek.” Karim Diané said, “I wish I could release the DMs because the love I've gotten is overwhelming.”
How it came about
The documentary builds on earlier Felo coverage of Star Trek’s scientific influence, such as the September 14 article on the Picard Maneuver’s real‑world physics. Altman’s work links the series’ 1960s origins to contemporary discussions of representation, AI, and social issues, positioning the film as both a nostalgic tribute and a modern cultural analysis.
Key facts
- William Shatner premiered "The Sixty‑Year Mission" at New York Comic Con on Oct 12, 2026. (wired.com)
- The documentary was written and directed by Mark A. Altman. (wired.com)
- Interviews include Shatner, Simon Pegg, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, Mary L. Trump, George Takei, and Karim Diané. (wired.com)
- Altman says the film shows how 1960s politics shaped Star Trek. (wired.com)
- Shatner described the film as "a lovely film made by people who cared." (wired.com)
Sources
- [1] wired.com — originally reported as “‘The Sixty-Year Mission’ Brings the Legacy of ‘Star Trek’ to a New Generation”
