Patrick Stewart hoofdrol in nieuwe Star Trek serie

Volgens Deadline heeft Sir Patrick Stewart persoonlijk aangekondigd, tijdens Las Vegas Star Trek Convention, dat hij officieel zal terugkeren in de rol van Jean-Luc Picard in een nieuwe Star Trek serie van CBS All AccessStar Trek: Discovery medebedenker en uitvoerend producent Alex Kurtzman zal de nieuwe serie overzien. Het gaat niet om een Star Trek: The Next Generation reboot, maar meer een continuatie van het verhaal van Picard. Stewart vertelde:

“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.”

Kurtzman zei:

“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 honor generations both new and old.”

Kurtzman zal de nieuwe serie produceren naast de nieuw aangestelde Star Trek: Discovery uitvoerend producent James Duff, voormalig Discovery uitvoerend producent Akiva Goldsman (The Dark Tower), Michael Chabon (Spider-Man 2) en Star Trek: Voyager en Discovery schrijver Kirsten Beyer.

Vanaf 1987 speelde Patrick Stewart de hoofdrol in Star Trek: New Generation. Hij was zeven seizoenen te zien voordat hij overstapte naar films met Star Trek Generations (1994), Star Trek: First Contact (1996), Star Trek: Insurrection (1998), Star Trek: Nemesis (2002).