CBS All-Access isn’t done with the Trek universe after Star Trek: Discovery. While that show focuses on Trek past, they’re developing a new series that will explore further into Trek future than any show has gone before. The best part? The untitled new Star Trek series will star Patrick Stewart, and focus on Picard.
The new Picard-focused new Star Trek TV series will “tell the next chapter in Picard’s life.” The announcement was made simultaneously on official Trek and Patrick Stewart social media channels, and at the massive Trek fan gathering happening in Las Vegas this weekend.
“He may not be a Captain anymore. He may be someone who has been changed by his experiences,” Stewart told the crowd. “We have no scripts as yet. We’re just talking talking talking storylines. It will be something very different but it will come to you with the same passion.”
Word of a return to Star Trek: The Next Generation first surfaced several months ago, in conjunction with the announcement of several other new Trek projects, including a brand new animated series and a Starfleet Academy show. This is the first official confirmation of Stewart’s involvement.
Stewart issued a more lengthy statement via Instagram, which we reproduce in full here:
“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 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.”
We’ll update this with more information as it becomes available.