CBS
This is news that Star Trek fans had been hoping to hear for years: Patrick Stewart is returning to TV as Captain Jean-Luc Picard!
After months of rumors, it was finally confirmed that the 78-year-old would be reprising his legendary Star Trek role more than 20 years since Star Trek: The Next Generation came to an end and 16 years since he last starred in the role in the 2002 film Star Trek: Nemesis.
“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,” showrunner on the new series Alex Kurtzman said,
While the new series for CBS won’t be a reboot of The Next Generation, it will explore the next chapter of Picard’s life.
“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,” said Stewart, who will also executive produce the new series. “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.”