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Much like there has been only one Professor X, Patrick Stewart’s breakthrough role as Jean-Luc Picard inStar Trek: The Next Generationseems unique to him. However, Hollywood can either make him play the iconic role till “he’s 90” (he’s 84), or they can recast him like they did with James T. Kirk and Spock.
The originalStar Trekseries’ lead protagonists have seen two more iterations already, with J.J. Abrams’ film reboot andStrange New Worldsrecasting Kirk and Spock. However, Stewart still seems to be going strong as Captain Picard and has reprised him in another spinoff show. However, he seems to have accepted the fact that he might be recast.
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Sir Patrick Stewarthad a surge of popularity in the late ‘80s and ‘90s when he starred as Captain Picard inStar Trek: The Next Generation. The actor who was known for his Shakespearean plays and stage work was suddenly propelled to global stardom when he joined the sci-fi franchise. Initially apprehensive, Stewart slowly became accustomed to it.
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Since then, he has played the character in seven seasons ofTNG, four original films starring the same cast, and three seasons of the spinoff showStar Trek: Picard. While the actor seemed to have a different ending in mind, he got to reunite with hisTNGcast members again in the final season.
Iconic characters fromStar Trekhave been recast and rebooted before. Be it J.J. Abrams’ film reboot with Chris Pine as James Kirk orStrange New World’s Paul Wesley, fans seemed to have accepted these actors as the iconic leads. However, Stewart is still the only actor to play Picard. But he toldWiredthat he knows his tenure might be nearing its expiry date.
It will happen, I’m sure. I mean, I already have a son. And who knows what’s going to happen to him? He could become the next Jean-Luc, and he’s a wonderful actor. But Star Trek: Picard, especially season three, left us in a very unresolved place. I had an idea about how to play the last scene that would have kind of resolved it, but it didn’t work out.
Patrick Stewart’s son Daniel Stewart is also an actor and has even appeared in aTNGepisode with his father. However, Daniel Stewart being 56 years old may not help his chances as a possibly younger Captain Picard.
Sir Patrick Stewart Wanted A Different Ending ForStar Trek: Picard
After seven seasons ofStar Trek: The Next Generationand four films with the same characters, Patrick Stewart seemed to be done with Captain Picard. However, Paramount was not, and after much convincing and the actor laying out a bunch of conditions, Stewart agreed to star inStar Trek: Picard(viaTime).
While his conditions clearly stated that the show should not be a nostalgia-filled reunion series, it ended up being so, with the final scene showing Picard and hisTNGcrew playing cards. Though he is fond of the ending, Stewart reportedly had a different idea for where Picard’s story would end.
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The actor reportedly pitched to the showrunners that he wished Picard would be at ease and without anxiety in his final appearance and that he had a wife. He said to Time,
The writers came up with a lovely scene. It is dusk at Jean-Luc’s vineyard. His back is to us as he takes in the view, his dog at his side. Then, off-screen, a woman’s loving voice is heard: ‘Jean-Luc? Supper’s ready!’ Is it Beverly Crusher’s voice? Laris’s? Someone we don’t know? It isn’t made clear. But Sunny was set to record the lines. Heeding his wife’s call, Jean-Luc turns around, says to his dog, ‘C’mon, boy,’ and heads inside. Dusk fades to night, and Picard fades into history.
However, the crew reportedly never filmed this ending as it was initially postponed due to time constraints, and the studio preferred a reunion over the completion of his arc. The actor hasmentioned multiple timesthat he wished to finish Picard’s story in a standalone film.
Star Trek: The Next Generationis available to stream onParamount+.
Nishanth A
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2417
Nishanth A is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on TV shows with over 2,000 articles published. He has been an entertainment journalist for the past two years and a scriptwriter at various corporations before that, working on educational content. With a Communications, English Literature, and Psychology triple major, Nishanth usually covers news and analyses on Star Trek, particularly Strange New Worlds and The Next Generation; Doctor Who, the DCU, and more.A Nolan fan, Nishanth spends his time exploring the filmographies of various directors with an auteurial style or can be found making short movies of his own. He has also contributed as a feature writer for Film Companion, focusing on the South division.
