If you’re a Star Trek fan, you can’t have missed the news that has the internet wired: Patrick Stewart’s returning to the Trek universe as Jean-Luc Picard and will be starring in his own series for CBS All Access.
Of course, Picard’s one of the most iconic characters from the franchise’s half-century of history, but we haven’t seen him for a very long time. In fact, the last time Stewart played the part was back in 2002’s underwhelming Star Trek: Nemesis. So, as you could imagine, it’s a pretty big deal that he’s now returning. And in case you were wondering what some of the other actors from the franchise think of the news, the video below has compiled reactions from several familiar faces.
William Shatner – forever known as the original Captain of the Enterprise, Picard’s predecessor, Captain James Tiberius Kirk – George Takei, Anthony Rapp and several others share their thoughts on Stewart’s return in this new clip courtesy of TV Guide. Obviously, they’re all pretty excited about it and you can hear what they have to say for yourself down below.
For Patrick Stewart, this new series offers an opportunity to delve deep into Picard’s life, after it was revealed that the project takes place a full 25 years after Nemesis, in a world where Jean-Luc Picard’s no longer a Starfleet captain. That’s a dizzying thought in and of itself, but Stewart’s ready and willing for the challenges yet to come.
“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,” he said. “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.”
Of course, we’ll be keeping one ear to the ground as Stewart’s second coming inches ever closer and will update you as soon as we learn more. In the meantime, though, you can leave your own thoughts and predictions about the future of Star Trek in the comments section below.