Patrick Stewart will return to the role of starship captain Jean-Luc Picard in a new series of Star Trek, which will chronicle his adventures after The Next Generation.
Picard featured in Star Trek: The Next Generation between 1987 and 1994 as well as several movies and will now return in a new CBS All Access drama, which will reveal the next chapter of his life.
Stewart himself announced the news during a surprise appearance at the annual Star Trek convention in Las Vegas, The Guardian reports.
"I will always be very proud to have been a part of the Star Trek: The Next Generation, but when we wrapped that final movie in the spring of 2002, I truly felt my time with Star Trek had run its natural course," he said.
"It is, therefore, an unexpected but delightful surprise to find myself excited and invigorated to be returning to Jean-Luc Picard and to explore new dimensions within him. Seeking out new life for him, when I thought that life was over."
He continued "During these past years, it has been humbling to hear stories about how The Next Generation brought people comfort, saw them through difficult periods in their lives or how the example of Jean-Luc inspired so many to follow in his footsteps, pursuing science, exploration and leadership.
"It is, therefore, an unexpected but delightful surprise to find myself excited and invigorated to be returning to Jean-Luc Picard and to explore new dimensions within Picard." - Patrick Stewart
"I feel I’m ready to return to what comforting and reforming light he might shine on these often very dark times. I look forward to working with our brilliant creative team as we endeavour to bring a fresh, unexpected and pertinent story to life once more."
Stewart played Picard in 178 episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation, which ran for seven series. He also appeared as Picard in four feature films - Star Trek Generations, Star Trek: First Contact, Star Trek: Insurrection and Star Trek: Nemesis.
The actor is also known for his recurring role as Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men franchise
CBS has yet to release any further information about the new series, including the broadcast date or the title.
The latest Star Trek reboot, Star Trek: Discovery, which stars Sonequa Martin-Green, Doug Jones and Anthony Rapp, is back in January.
