Star Trek: Discovery may have been a hit with critics, but it proved to be quite divisive among Trekkies. So it’s good to hear that CBS hasn’t forgotten about the core fanbase of its crown jewel franchise, as the network is reportedly looking to bring back one of the Final Frontier’s all-time most popular characters in a new series.
Patrick Stewart is reportedly in talks to return to his iconic role as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in a sequel series to Star Trek: The Next Generation as part of a whole new stable of Star Trek series to be developed by Alex Kurtzman as part of a new deal. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Kurtzman — who co-created Discovery and co-wrote and produced both Star Trek and its sequel Into Darkness — has reached a $25 million, five year contract extension with CBS to develop new content, including lots of Star Trek. Kurtzman reportedly plans on developing new Star Trek live-action series, mini-series, and animated series for CBS (or more likely, CBS All-Access), but the one that really has fans excited is the rumored Picard project.
CBS hasn’t confirmed that Stewart is returning to the franchise, as the details are still being worked out, but the actor himself seems quite eager. He recently stated that he hasn’t watched Discovery yet, but that he “may have good cause to look at it very soon,” implying that a Captain Picard return may be imminent, according to Screen Rant.
Stewart is 77 years old, but he’s also in fantastic shape, so an ongoing series doesn’t seem out of the question. Then again, given that Kurtzman is said to be exploring mini-series possibilities as well, a TNG reboot in the form of a limited series may end up being easier to pull off for all involved. Whatever the case, as long as Captain Picard returns in some capacity, you can bet that Star Trek fans will be very happy.
