Star Trek: Picard actor Patrick Stewart recently claimed fans will be “surprised and perhaps even shocked” by the direction CBS is taking the new series.
Stewarts comments came during an interview with Examiner Live while he made an impromptu tour of the University of Huddersfield. During the interview, Stewart revealed he had actually seen the first three episodes already.
Not only did he proclaim fans might be surprised and shocked, but he also explained why he decided to reprise his role making it clear it was about progressing the story and addressing new issues for a new world.
“I don’t regard it as going back. In fact, we are definitely moving the series forward and that’s what made the difference for me.”
He did note that the decision to reprise the legendary role wasn’t an easy one, “It was a very difficult decision.”
Stewart then insinuated the show will address current events, “We are looking at a new world with new objectives, problems and issues that could not have been raised when we were making The Next Generation and I found that very exciting.”
After viewing the first three episodes and noting the show will address new problems and issues he stated, “It’s very exciting and people will be surprised and perhaps even shocked.”
Stewart also hinted that he might reprise his role for a second series as well, “So I am clearing the decks for that and then there is also the possibility of a second Picard series filming in March next year.”
A recent rumor indicated Picard would end up getting killed by the end of the first season with the show’s name actually being based on a ship that will be named after the legendary Starfleet leader. (Related: New Rumor Reveals Horrific Ending for CBS’ Star Trek: Picard Series Starring Patrick Stewart)
Star Trek: Picard will not only see the return of Patrick Stewart, but the show will also see Brent Spiner and Jeri Ryan returning to reprise their roles of Lieutenant Commander Data and Seven of Nine. Marina Sirtis and Jonathan Frakes will also return to play Deanna Troi and William Riker. Michael Dorn will not reprise his role as Worf. (Related: Report: Michael Dorn Will Not Reprise His Role as Worf in Star Trek: Picard)
CBS executive Alex Kurtzman also commented on the surprise that fans should expect in Star Trek: Picard. He told EW, “[Picard] will retun to space, but not in a way that anyone expects.” (Related: According to Alex Kurtzman, Star Trek: Picard Will Return The Legendary Captain To Space In A Way No One Expects)
He added:
“Because he’s no longer in Starfleet, he no longer carries the weight of that behind him,…In some ways, it’s easier to be [a great man] when you’re a captain. But it’s an entirely different thing when you don’t have an army behind you. When you want to get something done and fight an injustice, how do you do that when you’re really only one man?”
Based on the trailer, it appears Picard will seek assistance from Starfleet, but they won’t be providing it. He will team up with a new crew and try to fight this injustice with them.
But the question still stands, what does Sir Patrick Stewart mean that fans will be surprised, and some shocked? That statement could give a cold chill to those unhappy with Star Trek: Discovery and its influence on Star Trek: Picard. (Related: CBS Exec Confirms Star Trek: Picard Will Be “Hybrid” of Discovery and The Next Generation)
What do you think? Is Patrick Stewart just teasing fans before the 2020 release? Or do we have more to worry about? What do you make of his comments? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!