Dragon Con, one of Atlanta’s most popular conventions, is back. William Shatner has come forward to offer his thoughts on this year’s massive convention and why the 90-year-old popular culture icon will be attending.

Like most conventions last year, Dragon Con was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic is still ongoing, with Georgia having reported on Friday the second-highest daily total of COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began. But, Dragon Con is still parading forward this year.

“We all know that Dragon Con is awesome and we all need a break from the reality of the past 15 months.” Dragon Con festival organizers said in a news release. “Our goal, as always, is to have a safe and fun convention. This year, protecting the health and safety of our fans, volunteers, exhibitors, and guests as well as the hotel and restaurant employees who help make it all work means that we will have to make some changes.”

Festival organizers said that they will be following the latest guidance from the Georgia Department of Public Health to ensure public safety at the convention. Dragon Con 2021 will offer a virtual experience for those not comfortable returning to crowded events. This year’s parade will also not be open to the public, an event that often draws over 75,000 spectators to Peachtree Street. Festival organizers are even requiring that attendees show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test in order to attend the convention.

With the convention’s precautions set and fans ready to flock into the city of Atlanta by the thousands, William Shatner will be attending the convention this Friday and Saturday. The 90-year-old Star Trek icon is ready.

Speaking to 95.5 WSB’s Chris Chandler, a self-proclaimed Star Trek fanboy and a voice of Atlanta’s News & Talk’s award-winning reporting, William Shatner showed his excitement for being back in Atlanta, Georgia.

“I love Atlanta.” Shatner said. “Atlanta is a great city.”

The iconic Captain Kirk actor noted that he doubts that he is the only one ready to get to the convention.

“I feel there is a pent up demand of passion to get out of the house and visit with other people.” Shatner said. “If precautions are taken, I think it’s safe enough.”

Having largely worked un-sequestered this year, Shatner said that the COVID-19 booster shot gives him comfort during the pandemic.

“I do feel safe.” Shatner said. “I’ve gotten my booster shot as well. I feel pretty good about it.”

While Shatner will be attending Dragon Con 2021, the legendary actor has not been sitting idle in preparation. Not letting his age stop him from staying active, Shatner has two television series and a record album in the works.

“It’s a song about loneliness.” Shatner said, speaking on his upcoming album featuring Brad Paisley and Joe Walsh. “It’s a song about being ashamed. (It’s) that sort of thing, meaningful things to me, but broadened out so it should reach a general audience.” The album is called Bill and will be released Sept. 24 by Joe Jonas’ new label “Let’s Get It!”.

Dragon Con 2021 starts Thursday Sept. 2 and ends Monday Sept. 6. Live and in-person, pop culture fans and cosplayers worldwide will be flocking to the Hayatt Regency, Hilton, Marriott Marquis, Sheraton and Westin Peachtree Plaza hotels all five days to enjoy panels, seminars and more. William Shatner will be attending the convention two days this year, and the 90-year-old Star Trek star has a lot more on his proverbial plate for when the convention booths finally start being torn down and stored for next year.

Listen to Chris Chandler’s full interview with William Shatner down below.

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