William Shatner has admitted he had significant reservations about mocking his own name in a new advertising campaign. The 94-year-old actor appears in a Kellogg’s Raisin Bran commercial, which premiered during the Super Bowl, where a pun on his surname is used to underline the digestive benefits of the high-fibre cereal.
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The actor revealed that the concept touched on childhood experiences of being teased over his name, which made him cautious about the tone of the advert. He explained that while such jokes faded in adulthood, the sensitivity never fully disappeared, making the idea initially uncomfortable despite its comic intent.
Shatner also questioned whether humour linked to digestion could be delivered in a way that remained tasteful. He noted that discussions with the advertising team focused on refining the concept to ensure it was light-hearted rather than crude, balancing humour with what he considered acceptable for a mainstream audience.
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Although closely associated with Star Trek, the actor said he prefers to minimise direct references to the franchise. He felt the advert’s opening visuals offered a subtle nod without being explicit, allowing the commercial to acknowledge his legacy while keeping the focus on humour and restraint.
