Why Star Trek: Picard is Not a Next Gen Sequel
Star Trek: Picard will not be a sequel to The Next Generation, according to writer and executive producer Akiva Goldsman. Actor Patrick Stewart is reprising the role of starship captain Jean-Luc Picard for the upcoming series of the same name, set to debut on January 23, 2020. It's been over 25 years since the crew of the Enterprise-D last graced television, prompting major excitement in Trekkies and TNG fans about their forthcoming return.
Star Trek: The Next Generation premiered in 1987 to huge ratings and massive fanfare. TNG was a continuation of the Star Trek universe which was created 20 years prior in Star Trek:The Original Series. One reason why TNG found major success was because of its protagonist Jean-Luc Picard, a character who many argue is the best Star Trek captain ever. For seven years TNG stood at the forefront of American television, making British star Patrick Stewart even more well-known to international audiences. Stewart portrayed Picard for seven season of TNG, as well as in several video games and movies. Earlier this year, it was announced that Stewart was set to return for Star Trek: Picard.
Click the button below to start this article in quick view. Start nowWriter and executive producer Akiva Goldsman says Star Trek: Picard will not be a direct sequel to The Next Generation, according to Hollywood Outbreak. In talking about the connection between the two series, he said:
Goldsman continues on to talk about the binding similarities which make a Star Trek series a Star Trek series. He says that with Picard, Star Trek remains aspirational and optimistic about the future. Goldsman also talks about how serial storytelling in television allows the writers to develop characters, saying, "the characters can evolve in a way that's unique."
It seems that after a few years of a lull in Star Trek content, new projects keep popping up on the horizon. Just earlier this month, ViacomCBS CEO Bob Bakish announced that two new Star Trek movies are in development. Not to mention that once Picard premieres, there will be two Star Trek shows going on at the same time, something which hasn't happened in years. Although Star Trek: Picard won't be a sequel to The Next Generation, there certainly won't be a lack of Star Trek content for fans to get their fix.
Source: Hollywood Outbreak
Source: screenrant.com