Sir Patrick Stewart is returning to one of his most beloved roles. The British acting legend will reprise the role of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, which he played in Star Trek: The Next Generation and its associated movies, in a brand new series for CBS All Access.
Alex Kurtzman, who is a credited writer and producer on Star Trek, Star Trek Into Darkness and Star Trek: Discovery, announced the news with this statement:
“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.”
We don’t know much about the new series’ content, but we do know that it will chronicle a new chapter in Picard’s life. Rather than being a straight revival of TNG, it’s likely to be something new set later in the timeline.
We do know that James Duff, Akiva Goldsman, Michael Chabon, and Kirsten Beyer will join Alex Kurtzman in the show’s creative team, as well as serving as executive producers alongside Trevor Roth, Heather Kadin, Rod Roddenberry and Patrick Stewart himself.
Sir Patrick Stewart released this statement, confirming the news and letting his excitement shine through:
“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 endeavour to bring a fresh, unexpected and pertinent story to life once more.”
We’ll let you know as we hear more about this show. As it stands, all we know is that Stewart is in it, lots of people are involved in making it, and CBS All Access will be the place that it airs in the States.
Hopefully, we’ll see have a further cast announcement, a plot synopsis and a release date to share. Make it so, CBS!