Much like Mark Hamill and Star Wars, the great Patrick Stewart is practically synonymous with all things Star Trek at this point, so you can imagine our excitement now that we’re hearing the actor is all set to reprise his role as Jean-Luc Picard in a new Trek show being plotted by CBS All Access.
Deadline has the scoop, and according to them, this new series is not a Next Generation reboot and will instead “tell the story of the next chapter of Picard’s life.” Headed up by Star Trek: Discovery co-creator/executive producer Alex Kurtzman, the project will apparently honor “generations both new and old,” with Kurtzman saying the following in a statement released this weekend:
“With overwhelming joy, it’s a privilege to welcome Sir Patrick Stewart back to the Star Trek fold. For over 20 years, fans have hoped for the return of Captain Jean-Luc Picard and that day is finally here. We can’t wait to forge new ground, surprise people, and honor generations both new and old.”
From First Contact to The Next Generation, Patrick Stewart’s legacy is deeply entwined with that of Star Trek, so his return ought to make Trekkies very happy indeed. He’s excited to be reprising the role, too, as the actor opened up on the announcement earlier today and said the following:
“I will always be very proud to have been a part of Star Trek: The Next Generation, but when we wrapped that final movie in the spring of 2002, I truly felt my time with Star Trek had run its natural course. It is, therefore, an unexpected but delightful surprise to find myself excited and invigorated to be returning to Jean-Luc Picard and to explore new dimensions within him. Seeking out new life for him, when I thought that life was over.”
“During these past years, it has been humbling to hear many stories about how The Next Generation brought people comfort, saw them through difficult periods in their lives or how the example of Jean-Luc inspired so many to follow in his footsteps, pursuing science, exploration and leadership,” Stewart continued. “I feel I’m ready to return to him for the same reason – to research and experience what comforting and reforming light he might shine on these often very dark times. I look forward to working with our brilliant creative team as we endeavor to bring a fresh, unexpected and pertinent story to life once more.”
Details on this new project starring Stewart are still pretty scarce, with development only just getting started, but closer to home, production on Star Trek: Discovery season 2 is expected to last right through until November of this year. As always, watch this space for more.