Summary
Jonathan Frakes has no intention of slowing down. The actor and director has taken part in many facets of theStar Trekfranchise over the years, and now he’s ready for what comes next. Don’t worry, though. That doesn’t mean he’s moving on fromTrek. In fact, he wants more of it.
Much to the delight ofStar Trekfans everywhere, Frakes has remained a franchise staple in various ways since his original show’s conclusion. This primarily includes working as a director for many episodes, fromThe Next Generationto the beloved recentStrange New Worldscrossover episode. He also reprised hisNext Generationrole of William Riker alongside costar Sir Patrick Stewart in the continuation seriesPicard, which has inspired him to hope for more.
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In a recent interview withVariety, Frakes spoke about his confidence in a potential upcoming spinoff toPicardtitledStar Trek: Legacy. “I think they can’t deny not only the fan reaction, but the fact that the numbers put the show at the Top 10 on the streaming charts,” he responded when asked about the possibility of the spinoff happening. “And that season ofStar Trek: Picardwas arguably among the best seasons of anyStar Trek— I think we all agree on that. I mean,Star Trekfans are loyal. It’s not millions and millions of people, and it’s not the youngest fandom in the world. But I am an eternal optimist, and I believe in a perfect world, they will find the assets and the energy and hire [Picardexecutive producer Terry Matalas] to put together thisLegacyshow and that will, in fact, come to fruition.”
The idea behindLegacywould be a continuation of the story set up inPicardseason 3 where the crew fromThe Next Generationreunited with Stewart. Frakes had directed episodes ofPicardpreviously and even appeared as Riker in season 1. But the hype-worthy third season increased fan interest in the series and also from the actors.Stewart himself even floated ideas for how to continuePicardafter its finale.
It’s not difficult to see why so many people would be on board for such a thing.Picardcame about due to overwhelming fan love for the character and his origins onThe Next Generation. After 3 seasons of tying up loose ends (and maybe creating a few more), it’s only natural that fans would want more. Season 3 provided the perfect set up for that with its crew reunion.
WhetherLegacywill happen or not still has yet to be confirmed. ButStar Trekfans are loyal, and that dedication goes both ways. IfStar Trekactors want it as much as the audiences, chances seem pretty good.
