Sir Patrick Stewart Reportedly Nearing Deal for a ‘Star Trek’ Franchise Return

It look’s like we’ll be seeing Capt. Jean-Luc Picard again in the coming Star Trek films. Sir Patrick Stewart, who played the character in the Star Trek: The Next Generation series on CBS and a couple of other Trek movies, is reportedly nearing a final deal to return to the beloved sci-fi franchise.

According to a report by Mirror, Stewart is inching closer to reprising the part that cemented him as one of the staple Star Trek icons next to William Shatner’s Capt. James T. Kirk. “Deals are close to ­being struck,” says the source.

Following the recent success of CBS’ Star Trek: Discovery, the network aims to expand the franchise’s storyline by re-introducing Stewart into future films and series. Alex Kurtzman, Discovery’s co-creator, is also locked under contract with CBS for five years, meaning many Star Trek properties and stories will be developed from here on. Bringing Stewart back into the fore is reportedly Kurtzman’s first move. After all, Kurtzman’s team has already reached out to Stewart to talk about his return to the Trek universe.

The Mirror’s source also says that Stewart is all in for the project. Although a deal has to be finalized, the source confirms that “there is a verbal commitment from all parties.” Aside from a possible return for Stewart, another Star Trek animated series is also being developed, with the intention of having Stewart lend his voice.

Although these possibilities seem very likely to happen, it’s important to take this with a grain of salt. But should Stewart’s return prove to be final, fans of the franchise will definitely be more invested in its future—knowing that one of its icons will take them across the cosmos once again.