Earlier today, Patrick Stewart confirmed his return to Star Trek as Jean-Luc Picard during a convention in Las Vegas. The move had been rumored for months, and will now be made official in a new series coming to CBS All Access. On stage, Stewart gave the following statement:
“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.”
This will be an all-new story and not a reboot of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Stewart is also going to be an executive producer on the upcoming series. The series marks the third Star Trek title to debut on the subscription-based platform. More details on the series will come at a later date including its name and release date.
Star Trek: The Next Generation aired from 1987 to 1994 with close to 180 episodes over seven seasons. Picard’s last appearance was during the 2002 film, Star Trek: Nemesis. The new show will explore Picard’s life following the events of The Next Generation.