I think it’s incredibly likely that William Shatner has been mulling over the idea of Star Trek: Discovery and has simply taken a liking the the idea of being asked to be a part of the show.
William Shatner spoke with Entertainment Weekly about his thoughts on appearing on Star Trek: Discovery, and it sounds like the Trek _legend is far more open to a gig on the new series than he was a couple of weeks ago when asked about reprising Captain James T. Kirk on the show.
If I were asked, I might consider it.
So, why is William Shatner suddenly sounding so much more available for playing Kirk again on Discovery?