Star Trek’s Jonathan Frakes wants to cameo on The Orville

The sci-fi comedy hit, The Orville, is Star Trek in space but with comedy, and Jonathan Frakes wants to have his chance at a cameo role

Former Star Trek: The Next Generation star and director of many things Star Trek has made it known that he wants to be apart of The Orville, in a cameo role. In comments made to ComicBook.com, Frakes said “I keep waiting for a phone call. I am available. I’ve got a beard.”

For those unaware, the Orville is a comedic version of Star Trek, helmed by Family Guy and American Dad creator Seth MacFarlane. The show has earned great praise for its comedic timing, as well as the over the top moments and especially for its ability to tackle modern-day issues through the scope of science fiction. Like older Star Trek used to do.

The series was created by MacFarlane but most of the writers and staff are Star Trek alum, which is how the show has gotten it’s very familiar tone and vibe. To some, the Orville is what they wanted the new Star Trek to be. It’s shot similarily to the shows of the ’90s and features a cast and crew on a ship that deals with modern issues but with a science fiction twist that often doesn’t have a clear resolution. From an entire species of aliens who believe homosexuality is the norm attempting to murder one of their own for being attracted to the opposite sex, to another story where the parents of a baby born to a supposedly all-male species have to decide what to do with their child after they find out it’s a girl.

The show’s social commentary and ability to make people think have landed with not just fans but past members of Star Trek, hence Frakes. The show has already featured many former Trek stars in cameo roles, Marina Sirtis (Deanna Troi), Tim Russ (Tuvok), John Billingsey (Dr.Phox), Robert Picardo (The Doctor), and in a starring role on The Orville, Penny Johnson Jerald (Cassidy Yates). Johnson plays Dr. Claire Finn, a single mother to two boys, who works as the ship’s doctor.

With how much of a fan MacFarlane is, it won’t be long before he calls Frakes and gives him permission to come aboard. If you haven’t seen the show, check it out, you’ll probably love it.

Plus, Norm McDonald voices a green goo-alien who’s in love with a member of the crew. It’s too wild to spoil here, so you’ll have to go see it for yourself.