He’s made it so
Patrick Stewart has announced that he will be reprising his role as Star Trek: The Next Generation’s Jean-Luc Picard over a decade since he last played the character.
The 78-year-old Yorkshireman has officially signed on to feature in and executive produce a new Star Trek series for CBS All Access. The new show will not be part of The Next Generation and will instead explore other parts of Picard’s life.
His return to the role was confirmed by Stewart at a Star Trek convention in Las Vegas on Saturday, where Stewart made a surprise appearance on stage.
The actor said he felt it was “unexpected but delightful” to be returning to play Jean-Luc Picard and to “explore new dimensions within him”.
Writing on Facebook, he added: “During these past years, it has been humbling to hear 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.”
Stewart last played the role in 2002 film Star Trek: Nemesis, which followed the hugely successful Star Trek: The Next Generation TV series. The coming series will be set 20 years after the next film.
“He may not be a Captain anymore. He may be someone who has been changed by his experiences,” Stewart said at the convention. “We have no scripts as yet. We’re just talking talking talking storylines. It will be something very different but it will come to you with the same passion.”
