Patrick Stewart is making a comeback as his iconic character Jean-Luc Picard in an upcoming new “Star Trek” series for CBS All Access to join the year-old “Star Trek: Discovery,” the star announced on Saturday.
Stewart made the announcement in a surprise showing at the Las Vegas “Star Trek” Convention, and shared it soon after on Twitter. You can watch his appearance at the convention above.
“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,” Stewart said. “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.”
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
CBS confirmed Stewart’s involvement to TheWrap.
The new series, whose premiere date has yet to be announced, will be spearheaded by “Star Trek: Discovery” co-creator and executive producer Alex Kurtzman.
Stewart carved out his place in “Star Trek” history while playing Picard for seven seasons on “The Next Generation,” as well as in four movies. The 78-year-old Englishman said on Saturday the the time felt especially right to bring the character back to life.
“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,” Stewart said.
He added: “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.”