Trekkies around the world can begin the festivities, for one of the best to ever sit in the captain’s chair is officially returning for more space adventures. That’s right, it’s now official that Patrick Stewart will be reprising his role as Jean-Luc Picard from STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION for a brand-new series on CBS All Access.
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Nothing else has been revealed when it comes to the new show – including a title, setting, or premiere – but it’s being reported (via THR) that the show will not be a reboot of NEXT GENERATION, but rather a further exploration of Picard’s life. The show will be spearheaded by current STARK TREK: DISCOVERY showrunner Alex Kurtzman, who shared his excitement about working with Stewart.
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.
Stewart played Picard on NEXT GENERATION for seven seasons between 1987 and 1994, and then in a series of Star Trek movies including GENERATIONS, FIRST CONTACT, INSURRECTION, and NEMESIS. The actor broke the news during a surprise appearance at a Star Trek convention in Las Vegas, where he also shared some warm words about returning.
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.
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