Patrick Stewart Officially Returning To 'Star Trek' Universe: “Jean-Luc Picard Is Back!”

Recently, there was news that “Star Trek: Discovery” showrunner Alex Kurtzman would work with CBS on a number of potential spin-offs of the popular franchise. And this weekend at a Las Vegas ‘Star Trek’ Convention (via Deadline), with the help of a ‘Trek’ legend, Kurtzman announced the newest series.

“Jean-Luc Picard is back!” announced “Star Trek: The Next Generation” star Patrick Stewart.

As was rumored, the next ‘Trek’ series on CBS All Access will be a show featuring one of the most popular characters in the entire franchise, Captain Jean-Luc Picard. No word on a title or a plot, but the series is said to follow the character in the next phase of his life, Post-‘TNG.’

“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.”

“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 continued. “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.”

As you can see from the announcement video, ‘Trek’ fans are overjoyed with Stewart’s return to the franchise. There’s no word on a release date, but it’s safe to say this series will probably debut sometime in 2019.