After 14 years, Pricline has decided it’s time for a new direction and in a spot that will debut Monday, Shatner’s Negotiator character will plunge to his death in a bus after telling a couple to “save yourselves…some money!” Shatner, in the bus, then tumbles off a cliff and dies an explosive death. Shatner’s Captain Kirk character died in the 1994 film Star Trek: Generations.
Of the decision, Shatner said, “I’m in grief mode. It’s not the first time I’ve had an iconic character die off. It was a great run. If the management says this is the end, this is the end.” Better to go out on top then be seen as a hanger on.
The move is part of a planned new direction for Priceline which will have less to do with the site’s well known price negotiation feature and more to do with its newer fixed price, discount-booking focused approach. There may even be a spot in this year’s Super Bowl.
Shatner will be missed but things change, companies change and that means their ad campaigns have to as well. Can we get a ceremonial “Khaaaaaaaaan!” ?
