Sir Patrick Stewart is officially returning to the Star Trek franchise. The acclaimed X-Men actor is set to headline an upcoming Star Trek series for CBS All-Access.
Stewart is going to reprise his iconic role in The Next Generation, Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Stewart himself confirmed that a new series was in the works during a surprise appearance at the Las Vegas Star Trek Convention, although rumors about it have been swirling around since June, when a Star Trek universe expansion was announced.
Patrick Stewart To Headline New Star Trek Series
The upcoming series is not going to be a mere reboot of The Next Generation, however. Instead, it's going to tell the next chapter of Picard's life. Alex Kurtzman, co-creator and executive producer of Discovery, has been tapped to oversee development of the new series.
"With overwhelming joy, it's a privilege to welcome Sir Patrick Stewart back to the Star Trek fold," said Kurtzman, as Deadline reports. "We can't wait to forge new ground, surprise people, and honor generations both new and old."
On his Twitter account, Stewart expressed joy over stepping into the iconic shoes of Picard again after so many years.
"During these past years, it's 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," wrote Stewart. "I feel ready to return to him for the same reason — to research and experience what comforting and reforming the light he might shine on these often very dark times."
Captain Jean-Luc Picard
Stewart is one of the most well-known characters in the entire Star Trek franchise. He headlined The Next Generation for its seven-season run and also portrayed Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the Star Trek films, including Generations, First Contact, Insurrection, and Nemesis. He also made an appearance in the pilot episode of Deep Space Nine.
Besides Stewart's casting, any other details about the series — including a name, premier date, and an episode count — have yet to be announced, but the show will take place after the events of The Next Generation and find Picard a changed man.
The upcoming series will become the second Star Trek show out of CBS All-Access, following the acclaimed launch of Discovery last year. The network is developing various other Star Trek projects as well, including a four-part miniseries slated to debut this fall.
