Star Trek fans rejoice! Patrick Stewart has announced that he will be returning to the iconic role of Jean-Luc Picard in an all new series.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard is coming back to our TV screens, faithful Trekkies. That’s right, Patrick Stewart is reprising his iconic role from The Next Generation for an all-new series on CBS All Access.
Not only did the actor post the announcement to his Twitter page, but the news was also tweeted out by the official Star Trek Twitter account. Stewart also announced the exciting news at the Las Vegas Star Trek Convention in a surprise appearance on August 4, according to E! News.
In his Twitter post, Stewart explained that the reason he is returning to the role of Jean-Luc Picard for a new Star Trek series is because he wants to “explore new dimensions within him.” Much like fans have been inspired by the character, the actor was himself inspired by the fans.
It is 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. Read my full statement in the photo. #StarTrek @cbsallaccess Photo: @shervinfoto pic.twitter.com/8Ynuj3RBNm
— Patrick Stewart (@SirPatStew) August 4, 2018
While even Patrick Stewart believed 2002’s The Next Generation would be his last time stepping into the role of Jean-Luc Picard, it seems that his story is not over yet. Instead, with the new series, we will learn what came next for Picard after his time on the Starship Enterprise.
Honestly, this is exciting news for many of us who were raised with the different Star Trek TV series. From The Next Generation to Deep Space Nine, Star Trek has been a central part of many of our lives and getting to see one of our favorites back in action is especially wonderful.
Over on Twitter, fans are generally excited for the news, with even Wil Wheaton (who played Wesley Crusher on TNG) sharing his own reaction to the news. Overall, fans seem more than ready to welcome Patrick Stewart back to the Star Trek universe with open arms. And of course, there seem to be plenty of ideas of what we want to see to go along with the excitement.
Star Trek, a franchise built on the idea of inclusion, could be so well served by a diverse voice at the helm. I will continue waiting while I enjoy this new iteration. Patrick Stewart is amazing and I absolutely can't wait.
— Amy Berg (@bergopolis) August 4, 2018
I know this is nerdy, but in the Trump era? I am so glad to see Picard back on television. He's someone you want your sons to aspire to be. Thoughtful. Strong. Diplomatic. The complete opposite of Trump. https://t.co/x5os0ZKlz1
— Brianna Wu (@BriannaWu) August 4, 2018
All I require from the new Star Trek is that Picard has a horse ranch and it's about him operating that horse ranch. Each episode there is an old Star Trek guest star who comes by to ride horses with Picard and talk about whatever is going on in their life.
— Willow Catelyn Maclay (@willow_catelyn) August 4, 2018
What I want from the new Star Trek:
— Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ (@padresj) August 4, 2018
Jean Luc Picard has lived long enough to see his ideals and institutions crumble into corruption and greed.
He is Picard the Avenger
...Picard the coming storm.
...Picard the mastermind
Here to save the Federation, or destroy it.
but honestly the most exciting thing about the Picard show is that it’ll finally be pushing the Star Trek story forward in time. I’m ready to watch the future continue.
— Norman Chan (@nchan) August 4, 2018
The only Star Trek I’ve ever been into was The Next Generation! I loved @SirPatStew ! So hearing he will return to the role is WELL exciting! 🤘🏼
— matt willis (@mattjwillis) August 4, 2018
For many people, the return of Stewart as Picard is a welcome surprise in an era that wants to see more role models in the public eye. We can’t wait to see what Patrick Stewart will do with his new series.
Right now, there are apparently no scripts for the new series. While on stage in Las Vegas, Stewart pointed out that Picard “may not be a captain anymore.” This makes sense as so much time will have passed since his time at the helm of the Starship Enterprise.
As of now, it seems that the creators of the upcoming Star Trek show are still working on storylines for the series. However, they want fans to know that they will still be getting the same passion that they have come to appreciate from Stewart and the rest of his crew.
It might be a bit longer before we know more about the new Star Trek series and when it will premiere on CBS All Access. But at least we can celebrate our excitement over the return of Patrick Stewart as Jean-Luc Picard.