William Shatner, star of the upcoming film “Range 15,” speaks during Comic-Con International 2015 in San Diego last month. (Getty Images photo by Ethan Miller)
Celebrity pop quiz: What is actor/writer/producer/cult hero William Shatner’s middle name?
A hint: If you’re a producer for “Range 15,” a veteran-made zombie-themed comedy that recently secured Shatner’s acting services, you’ve probably got it wrong.
“Did you just say we got William ‘Star Trek’ ‘T.J. Hooker’ Priceline Negotiator Denny Crane Shatner?” Ranger Up CEO and former Army officer Nick Palmisciano asked in a very much not-safe-for-work video announcing the casting move.
Mat Best, former Army Ranger and head of Article 15 Clothing, was a bit more succinct: “William F—ing Shatner?!”
The video shows some “Range 15” team members shedding tears of joy at the news, and some reacting in ways that seem oddly appropriate to those who’ve seen the viral-video work of the apparel makers: Popping out of a trash can, allowing a mascot to fall from a climbing wall, being assaulted by pillow-wielding women in bikinis, and making out with a green-painted “Orion slave girl.”
Then comes the heartfelt stuff.
“We know that you don’t have to do indie films, and I can’t tell you how much the veteran community appreciates the confidence you’ve given us,” Palmisciano said, addressing his new star.
Best thanked the supporters who’ve chipped in nearly $900,000 to the movie’s crowdfunding effort, which is still accepting donations after crushing its initial goal of $325,000.
The film won’t rely on Shatner for its star power, though he’ll likely be the only actor to appear in both “Range 15” and “Judgment at Nuremberg.” Other cast members include:
- Medal of Honor recipients Dakota Meyer, Leroy Petry and Clint Romesha.
- Retired Navy SEAL and “Lone Survivor” Marcus Luttrell, who has been booked for a love scene he may not have anticipated.
- Hollywood talent, according to the movie’s fundraising page, such as Steve Howey (“Shameless”), Jim O’Heir (“Parks and Recreation”) and Barry Bostwick (too many to list, most notably “Spin City” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”). Bostwick will play the president, just as he did in “FDR: American Badass,” a comedy written by “Range 15” director Ross Patterson that makes the above Shatner video look about as tame as parochial school film strip.
- Mixed martial artist Tim Kennedy. Note to zombies: Do not wear Reebok.
“Range 15” is scheduled for a fall film shoot and a 2016 release.
Shatner’s middle name? Trick question:
For some reason several sites (Wikipedia, IMDB…) have my name as William Alan Shatner. I don't have a middle name. Can we get it corrected
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) October 29, 2012
