Legendary actor, Patrick Stewart, is set to reprise his role as Jean-Luc Picard in a new series of the much-loved Star Trek.
Stewart, who featured in Star Trek: The Next Generation, as well as a handful of films, is set to return in the new CBS All Access series, which will focus on the next chapter of the Starfleet officer’s life.
This isn’t just gossip either, or something based on a ‘possible’ or ‘maybe’ comment, the X-Men star has revealed the news himself. I kid you not!
Stewart surprised fans by making an appearance at the annual Star Trek convention, which took place in Las Vegas, reports ComicBook.com.
Stewart excitedly told fans:
I will always be very proud to have been a part of the 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’s, 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.
I can’t say I’m the biggest Star Trek fan – but this is pretty big news! It also gives me hope how, following Logan, he may want to reprise his role as Professor X…
Anyway, back to Stewart, he continued telling fans:
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 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.
Stewart played the role of Picard in nearly 200 episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation. The show ran for seven series dating from 1987 all the way through to 1994, before four spin-off movies Star Trek: Generations (1994), First Contact (1996), Insurrection (1998) and Nemesis (2002) were produced.
He’s often regarded as one of the franchise’s best actor, along with everyone’s favourite Captain, Mr James T Kirk – played by William Shatner.
Star Trek: Discovery co-creator, Alex Kurtzman, also made an unexpected appearance at the convention, and was the one who initiated the announcement of the new series, before deciding to have a ‘good friend’ help him.
He told convention-goers:
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 honour generations both new and old.
CBS haven’t released any more information about the new series, at the time of writing, (August 5), so the title and the release date are still unknown.
However, Star Trek: Discovery, which stars Sonequa Martin-Green, Doug Jones and Anthony Rapp will return in January, 2019.
Can’t wait for this!
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