Star Trek OG Patrick Stewart might be reprising his iconic Captain Picard role sooner than you think
If there is anyone who had serious doubts about the success of 'Star Trek: The Next Generation', a breakout 1987 sci-fi series whose popularity exceeded expectations, it was none other than lead star Sir Patrick Stewart himself. Starring as the less volatile and more matured Captain Jean-Luc Picard, the English actor made the role iconic. So much so, that he still boasts a devoted fan-following when it comes to his chance brush with the Trekkies.
Further proof of the popularity of the franchise is the many reboots and films that the original Star Trek series inspired, with the latest addition being CBS/Netflix's "Star Trek: Discovery". On the heels of this success, however, reports recently shed light on how CBS television studios have furthered their plans on expanding the Star Trek universe with some help from co-creator Alex Kurtzman.
And if there are new Star Trek shows in the making, it's only natural to hope that fans of this generations are also given a taste of Stewart's Captain Picard. As it turns out, this dream might soon be a reality if the 77-year-old actor actually ends up signing a deal with the studios to bring back his memorable character in the upcoming reboot of the series that is being developed by showrunner Kurtzman and writer Akiva Goldsman.
“Patrick is looking pretty good to get back on board the Enterprise. There are some aspects of the deal to be finalized, but there is a verbal commitment from all parties," The Mirror reported, quoting a source with the alleged information.
As reported earlier, Kurtzman, the newly-promoted showrunner of 'Star Trek: Discovery', inked a five-year deal with CBS television studios to oversee the expansion of the Star Trek franchise. Further, as part of the agreement, he is said to be involved with at least four new shows, including an animated series. And given Stewart's catalog of work - which includes voicing animated characters like the Avery Bullock on American Dad - it won't be much of a surprise if he ends up lending his voice for the Star Trek show as well.
“There are animated series also in the works, and Patrick could easily lend his voice to them," the source continued adding, "An announcement will be made in the next few weeks and the show should be out next year.”
Given that a formal confirmation is still pending from the CBS executives, it's advisable to take this news with a pinch of salt. Regardless, the buzz about Stewart's prospective return is exciting enough, at least until the Trekkies are treated to more space adventures.
