Patrick Stewart to revive iconic Star Trek role

BECAUSE everything old is new again, legendary thespian Patrick Stewart is going to be putting on his Federation uniform again.

IT’S the news Trekkies wished for but could not possibly expect to actually happen.

Star Trek legend Patrick Stewart surprised fans over the weekend when he announced that he is going to reprise the iconic role of Jean-Luc Picard in a new Star Trek series.

Stewart played Picard for 178 episodes across seven seasons in Star Trek: The Next Generation from 1987 to 1994, and in four Star Trek films. The last time he donned the costume was in 2002.

The British actor wrote on Twitter: “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. 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 people 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 endeavour to bring a fresh, unexpected and pertinent story to life once more.”

Picard is back.

Details of the new series are scant — other than Stewart’s casting, nothing is known.

CBS — the US network which owns the Star Trek rights — successfully revived the sci-fi franchise last year with Star Trek: Discovery, a prequel series starring Sonequa Martin-Green, Jason Isaacs and Michelle Yeoh.

The first season of Discovery ended with the crew about to come face-to-face with the USS Enterprise, the ship in the original Star Trek series which starred William Shatner.

Stewart’s The Next Generation is set roughly 100 years after the original series so it seems unlikely Discovery and Stewart’s new series will be in the same timeline (unless there’s time travel, of course).

Star Trek: Discovery streams in Australia on Netflix and is expected to return in January 2019.

Stewart is revered for a long career on stage and screen and is also known for his role as Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men film franchise. And, of course, for his friendship with Sir Ian McKellen.

Any excuse to run this adorable photo.

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