I cannot imagine who or what gave you the idea that I want to kill off Mr. Spock of STAR TREK.

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Title:
Creator:	Gene Roddenberry
Date(s):	September 9, 1981
Medium:	print
Fandom:	Star Trek: TOS
Topic:
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In September 1981, Gene Roddenberry distributed a letter (via Susan Sackett) to many fan clubs. In it, called upon fan support as he exonerated himself from blame regarding the rumors of Spock's death in the next Star Trek film.

The Letter

Dear Friends: I cannot imagine who or what gave you the idea that I want to kill off Mr. Spock of STAR TREK. The truth is that I am doing everything in my power to prevent it. In fact, when the STAR TREK movie was being planned, I fought the same battle to save Shatner's Captain Kirk, who was believed by some to be "wrong" for the movie role. The facts are that Leonard Nimoy no longer wants to play the Vulcan and has agreed to do this second movie only if Mr. Spock is permanently eliminated from STAR TREK before the movie ends. The producers of this movie granted Nimoy's request in an early script in which Spock was killed and his body given a space funeral. A second script is now being written, and there seems to be the possibility of a compromise in which Mr. Nimoy agrees that Mr. Spock will somehow mysteriously disappear and be presumed dead.

As you may know, I have elected not to be the producer of this new STAR TREK film, but am serving as consultant. In that role, I have recommended to Paramount and the producers that they do not destroy the character that has become STAR TREK's "trademark." I think it would be wonderful 20 years from now to see STAR TREK come back with an equally talented new cast playing Spock and Kirk and Bones and Scotty and all the rest as they say tomorrow's things to tomorrow's generations.

Fan Comments

Dear ALLIES and Friends: On the reverse side of this bulletin, you will read a letter from Gene Roddenberry. This was forwarded to us by Susan Sackett in order to distribute to our contacts in fandom.

It appears that a segment of ST fandom is operating under the misguided impression that Gene Roddenberry is responsible for the killing of Spock in the upcoming movie. May we echo Gene's words in stating that NIMOY and NIMOY ALONE is responsible for the ultimate fate of the character of Spock. GENE RODDENBERRY NOT TO BLAME!

Angry letters from irate fans are flooding Gene's office. All of us who love ST are responsible for stopping this mail which has been directed to the WRONG PERSON! Whatever feelings fans may harbor about this situation, Leonard Nimoy is the one to whom these feelings should be expressed.

Be rest assured that Gene, as the creator and protector of STAR TREK, has not weakened in his love and dedication, but rather has fought for STAR TREK's integrity and will continue to do so in the days ahead. HE IS WORTHY OF THE LOYALTY AND TRUST OF ALL OF US.

To all of you, our sincere thanks for your help in relaying Gene's words throughout fandom....WE KNOW THAT GENE CAN DEPEND ON YOU! -- ALLIES for STAR TREK MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE