Ben Stiller to Moderate William Shatner at NYCC Star Trek Panel

In an exciting development for science fiction fans worldwide, actor and filmmaker Ben Stiller will step up to moderate a conversation with William Shatner as part of the Star Trek panel at New York Comic-Con this Saturday. This exclusive announcement highlights one of the most anticipated events of the convention, arriving as the iconic Star Trek franchise officially celebrates its monumental 60th anniversary.

The high-profile panel is scheduled to take place on October 10 from 3:15 to 4:15 pm Eastern Time on the prestigious Empire Stage at the New York Comic-Con venue. Beyond the dialogue between Shatner and Stiller, the session will expand to spotlight the future of the television universe, featuring the cast and creators of the upcoming 'Star Trek: Starfleet Academy' Season 2, with that portion of the event being moderated by Collider’s Perri Nemiroff.

Ben Stiller is well-known in Hollywood not only for his extensive directing and acting resume but also as a lifelong Star Trek fan. He has frequently spoken about the profound impact that the original television series had on both his childhood and his professional career in entertainment. Furthermore, Stiller and Shatner share a history of creative collaboration across various media formats.

Their past professional intersections include Stiller appearing in the documentary 'The Truth Is in the Stars,' which was hosted by Shatner. Additionally, Shatner made a memorable cameo appearance alongside Stiller in the hit comedy feature film 'Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story.' Their shared history guarantees a warm, engaging, and entertaining dialogue on stage at the convention center.

Meanwhile, Stiller maintains an exceptionally busy creative schedule in the entertainment industry. His current professional slate includes overseeing and working on 'Severance' Season 3 for Apple TV, alongside starring roles in upcoming Apple TV projects titled 'Off Weeks' and 'Protective Custody.' On the film side, he is preparing to return to the beloved 'Meet the Parents' franchise with the upcoming feature 'Focker-in-Law,' starring alongside Robert DeNiro and Ariana Grande.

The broader Star Trek panel will also dedicate significant time to previewing 'Starfleet Academy' Season 2. The panelists slated for that segment include prominent series stars such as Holly Hunter, Sandro Rosta, Bella Shepard, Karim Diané, and veteran franchise actor Robert Picardo. They will be joined on stage by co-showrunners and executive producers Alex Kurtzman and Noga Landau, offering fans an inside look at the production.

While 'Starfleet Academy' Season 2 does not yet have an official premiere date announced by the network, the presence of the core creative team suggests exciting updates may be on the horizon. The convergence of classic Star Trek royalty like Shatner, modern Hollywood creators, and dedicated fans like Stiller underscores the enduring cultural legacy and ongoing expansion of the beloved franchise.