In June, we reported on the steady expansion of the Star Trek universe, with Star Trek: Discovery co-creator (and showrunner) Alex Kurtzman making a deal to work on new series and shorts set in the sprawling franchise. One rumour was a new series featuring Patrick Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard from Star Trek: The Next Generation, and the venerable actor surprised fans at a convention in Las Vegas this past weekend with the news of his return to Picard's uniform, and you can see that below...
At least we think he'll be wearing a uniform. While there are no official details of the new series yet, it'll follow a later chapter in Picard's life and discover what he got up to in the years after his missions on the Enterprise-D.
"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," said Kurtzman, who will work with the likes of Kirsten Beyer, Akiva Goldsman and Michael Chabon to bring the new show to 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," says 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."
With nothing written, built or shot yet, there is naturally no date for the series – which will most likely run on the CBS All Access streaming service in the US and on Netflix here – to launch. But we're certainly ready to see more of Picard's adventures. Engage!
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