Sir Patrick Stewart returns to a new generation

Nate Warburton
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If there was going to be any news that would shake the pillars of science fiction fandom, it would be that Sir Patrick Stewart is reprising his role as Jean-Luc Picard in a new Star Trek TV series. 

Sir Patrick made the announcement alongside Star Trek: Discovery’s co-creator Alex Kurtzman at the Star Trek Las Vegas convention. As you’d expect, this caused fans to erupt across the globe. He then followed the announcement with a sublime tweet, reminding all fans of Star Trek why we have loved and missed Jean-Luc Picard.

Captain Picard has always been a fan favourite whose wisdom and character have inspired many. Sir Patrick touched on Jean-Luc’s effect on the fandom in his Twitter post.

“…Jean-Luc inspired so many 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.”

Picard no longer has the title of ‘Captain’, leading many to theorise what his role will be at Star Fleet. Maybe an admiral? Maybe he has lost faith with Star Fleet? Although the latter is a trope that has been played out in recent years (Logan, The Dark Knight Rises). Sir Patrick expanded on what fans can expect from the new Picard since his final appearance in Star Trek: Nemesis (2002).

“He may not be the Jean-Luc that you recognise and know so well. It may be a very different individual. Someone who has been changed by his experiences. 20 years will have passed… It will be, I promise you, I guarantee it, something very, very different, but it will come to you with the same passion and determination and love of the material and love of our followers and our fans exactly as we had it before.”

In the era of stale reboots, prequels and sequels, this is one that seems to be fresh and free from complaints. More details will arise as production starts up, but for now I will be content with watching Star Trek fans around the world losing their minds.