As we set off to warp speed for the launch of Star Trek: Picard this week, the series’ production team has already starting looking ahead to the next season of adventures — and today, one more classic Star Trek: The Next Generation character is in the mix for Season 2’s storyline.
Appearing as a guest on The View to promote the new series today, Patrick Stewart reminisced with host Whoopi Goldberg — who of course, portrayed the enigmatic bartender Guinan through six years of the show and two Next Gen films — about their time on Trek together, and on behalf of Trek franchise boss Alex Kurtzman, formally invited the actress to return to the 24th Century.
STEWART: I’m here with a formal invitiation. It’s for you, Whoopi. Alex Kurtzman, who is the senior executive producer of ‘Star Trek: Picard’ — and all of his colleagues, of which I am one — want to invite you into the second season.
Please say yes!
GOLDBERG: Yes!
STEWART: Yes!
JOY BEHAR (CO-HOST): You’ll have to tell her to get rid of that [white] hair though, right?
STEWART: She can do whatever the hell she wants!
GOLDBERG: This was one of the great experiences, from beginning to the end, you know? I had the best, best time, the best time ever.
STEWART: Well it was wonderful having you, and we cannot wait to have you with us again one more time.
Judging by Goldberg’s emotional reaction, this is the first time she’s gotten the formal invitation to join the show — certainly it’s the first time publicly she’s been invited, at least — and it’s likely to be some time until we know anything about how Guinan will play into Star Trek: Picard Season 2.
We’re just glad to know that the special relationship between Picard and Guinan will be seen once again, even after so many years.
Star Trek: Picard debuts January 23 on CBS All Access and CTV Sci-Fi Channel, and January 24 on Amazon Prime Video outside of North America.