Why Anson Mount and William Shatner’s Star Trek Meme Battle is the Best Thing to Hit Sci-Fi Fandom in 2025
Star Trek icons Anson Mount and William Shatner light up social media with witty jabs over a throwback meme—here’s how the fandom is reacting.
- Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 set to debut in 2025
- 94-year-old William Shatner still active in the Star Trek universe
- Anson Mount brought a retro meme involving Jeffrey Hunter back to life
- Over 1 million social media impressions within hours of the exchange
The Star Trek universe thrives on its legacy, but sometimes it’s the playful banter between its stars that captures the internet’s attention. This week, fans were treated to a viral showdown between Anson Mount—Captain Christopher Pike in Paramount+’s Strange New Worlds—and the legendary William Shatner, whose iconic portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk helped launch the franchise into the stars.
Mount recently reignited fan nostalgia by posting a meme featuring the late Jeffrey Hunter, the original Pike from Star Trek’s 1965 pilot “The Cage.” The meme shows Hunter’s Pike telling Spock, “Bad news, Spock. Next episode I’m being replaced by a dude whose overacting could probably make even you laugh out loud.” The still featuring Hunter and a young Leonard Nimoy instantly resonated with diehard Trekkies and meme-lovers alike.
How Did Anson Mount and William Shatner Respond to the Meme?
Demonstrating the intergenerational camaraderie that defines Star Trek, Mount tagged 94-year-old Shatner on social media, playfully teasing, “Yo, [William Shatner]… not sure who this one is aimed at but I got your back if you got mine, homie.”
Shatner, never one to miss a beat, fired back with his trademark wit. He reassured Mount he had his fellow captain’s back but joked that the meme was, in fact, about Mount. Fans flooded the comments with laughter, applause, and of course, countless GIFs.
Who Was Jeffrey Hunter and Why Is He Resurfacing Now?
Jeffrey Hunter, remembered for originating Captain Pike, filmed the unsold pilot but exited the series before Star Trek: The Original Series officially launched with Shatner’s Kirk at the helm. Hunter’s scenes were later woven into the classic two-parter “The Menagerie,” solidifying Pike’s legendary aura. Fast forward to today, and Anson Mount’s revitalization of Pike on Strange New Worlds pays homage to Hunter’s vision while captivating a new generation.
What Makes Strange New Worlds So Special in 2025?
As fans gear up for the much-anticipated third season, Strange New Worlds sets itself apart by combining the optimism and adventurous spirit of Gene Roddenberry’s original Star Trek with fresh storytelling. With Mount at the center, joined by Rebecca Romijn and Ethan Peck as Una Chin-Riley and Spock, the show brings to life a what-if exploration of the earliest Enterprise adventures.
Check out more Star Trek content on Paramount and follow the latest sci-fi trends at Bleeding Cool.
Q&A: What Are Fans Saying About the Meme War?
Q: How did the Star Trek community react?
Fans from every corner of the galaxy united in laughter, sharing the post across forums, fan sites, and social media platforms, with many praising Mount and Shatner for their timeless chemistry.
Q: Will more meme exchanges happen between Trek stars?
Enthusiasts are already requesting more playful exchanges—especially with a new season on the horizon.
How to Join the Conversation—And Maybe Create Your Own Trek Meme
1. Follow your favorite Star Trek actors on social media
2. Tag fellow fans and use official hashtags for visibility (#StarTrek, #StrangeNewWorlds)
3. Create and share Trek-inspired memes—creativity is always welcome
4. Watch new episodes on Paramount+ to stay up-to-date
Don’t miss out—beam into the conversation. Join the Trek meme party now!
Quick Action Checklist:
- Follow Star Trek: Strange New Worlds for latest updates
- Engage with meme threads and tag your favorite captains
- Subscribe to Paramount+ for exclusive Trek content
- Share this story with Star Trek fans and keep the banter going!
References
