Prepare for the return of James Tiberius Kirk -- the original, that is!

A report circulated last week that franchise icon William Shatner might return in Star Trek 3 alongside longtime co-star Leonard Nimoy. However, Shatner quickly took to social media to say he hadn't heard anything about the role. That may have been a ruse, though, as the veteran actor appeared over the weekend at Wizard World Nashville Comic Con, where he revealed he'd spoken with producer J.J. Abrams about appearing in the sequel.

In the fan-shot clip, Shatner discusses his first meeting with Abrams, who at the time was gearing up to direct Star Trek, their more recent conversation about Star Trek 3, and trying to keep the whole thing secret.

Directed and co-written by Roberto Orci, Star Trek 3 is scheduled to hit theaters in 2016.