Sir Patrick Stewart returning for new Star Trek series as Jean-Luc Picard
How is it going to happen? It’s a new, separate series over on CBS All Access, one that is not going to be a part of Star Trek: Discovery. The idea for this show is that it is going to explore whatever comes next in life for Picard so many years after the show that really took Star Trek fandom to another level. We still believe that TNG is the best version of the series, and we’re already getting far ahead of ourselves in hoping that LeVar Burton returns at some point on this show, as well.
Stewart helped to make this announcement at a convention this weekend, where (per Entertainment Weekly) he had the following to say:
“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 … 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.”
We cannot express in mere words how excited this news has us. Picard is almost more than just a character — he is a legend, one of the greatest characters the entire science fiction genre has ever seen. He’s part of a world that meant so much to so many people. While we haven’t been to too many Star Trek conventions over the years, we did attend a LeVar Burton panel once in Toronto and to see the love that Trekkers have for these people and their characters in-person is something special. We’re happiest especially for them.
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Photo: CBS: All Access